Primiparity

Primiparity refers to the condition of having given birth once. A person who has completed one delivery past a viability threshold is described as a primipara (plural primiparas). This term is used in obstetrics to distinguish a first birth from nulliparity (no prior birth) and multiparity (two or more prior births). Parity is usually counted by the number of pregnancies that have reached viability, and some definitions exclude pregnancies ending in miscarriage or abortion before viability. Different guidelines may use different thresholds for viability (for example, 20 or 24 weeks).

In obstetric risk assessment, primiparity is a relevant factor but not a sole predictor of outcome. First pregnancies are often associated with longer labor and higher rates of induction or augmentation. They may have higher reported rates of cesarean delivery and certain birth-related injuries such as perineal trauma, compared with women who have had previous births. However, outcomes vary with maternal age, health status, fetal conditions, and the quality of prenatal and intrapartum care. Neonatal outcomes are generally favorable when care is appropriate, though complications such as preterm birth can occur in any parity group depending on risk factors and care access.

Management and counseling for primiparous pregnancies typically involve standard prenatal monitoring, individualized birth planning, and discussions about labor expectations, potential interventions, analgesia options, and postpartum care. Understanding parity helps clinicians tailor risk assessment and care pathways for each pregnancy.