multiparity

Multiparity refers to the condition of having carried and delivered multiple pregnancies to viability. In obstetrics, parity is the number of pregnancies that have reached a viable gestational age, typically around 20 to 24 weeks, regardless of whether the fetus was born alive. Gravidity denotes the total number of pregnancies a person has had. Clinically, parity and gravidity are used with prefixes such as primiparous (one birth), multiparous (two or more births), and grand multiparous (often five or more births reaching viability).

The concept of multiparity encompasses a spectrum from two births to many. While parity is not a direct measure of current health, higher parity is associated with certain obstetric risks. Grand multiparity, in particular, has been linked in some studies to an increased likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage, uterine atony, placental abnormalities such as previa or accreta, obstructed labor, and higher cesarean rates. Neonatal risks can include preterm birth and lower birthweight. However, many outcomes are influenced by maternal age, overall health, interpregnancy interval, access to prenatal care, and socioeconomic factors.

Management and counseling for multiparous individuals emphasize comprehensive prenatal care, screening for anemia, hypertension, and diabetes, and monitoring for labor-related complications. Guidance often highlights the importance of appropriate birth spacing to reduce cumulative risks, with interpregnancy intervals of roughly 18 to 24 months commonly recommended in various guidelines, while recognizing that recommendations may differ by context.

Epidemiologically, parity patterns vary across populations and cultures, reflecting differing fertility norms and access to family planning. Understanding parity is important for risk assessment, resource planning, and individualized obstetric care.