What is the definition of "parity" in obstetric terms?

Parity in obstetric terms specifically refers to the number of pregnancies a woman has had that have resulted in the birth of one or more viable offspring. This includes pregnancies that ended in live births after a certain stage of gestation (typically after 20 weeks gestation), distinguishing it from other reproductive history metrics.

Understanding parity is crucial for healthcare professionals as it helps in assessing a woman's obstetric history and anticipating her future obstetric needs. It can influence decisions regarding prenatal care, risk assessments for complications during pregnancy, and may impact the management of labor and delivery.

The other answer choices define different aspects of a woman's reproductive history. The total number of pregnancies would encompass all pregnancies, regardless of the outcomes, thus not specifically addressing the viable births that define parity. An option referencing miscarriages would not count those as part of parity either, as they do not result in viable offspring. Lastly, the term used for a woman who has never been pregnant pertains to nulliparity, which is an entirely different concept from parity.