Nulliparous

Nulliparous refers to a woman who has never given birth to a viable offspring. The term is used in Obstetrics and Gynecology to denote a patient's obstetric history.

Definition

The term "nulliparous" is derived from the Latin words "nullus" meaning "no" and "parere" meaning "to bring forth". It is used to describe a woman who has never given birth to a viable offspring. This includes women who have never been pregnant, as well as those who have experienced pregnancy losses before the fetus reached a viable gestational age.

Comparison with Other Terms

Nulliparous is often contrasted with parous, which refers to a woman who has given birth one or more times. The term primiparous is used to describe a woman who has given birth once, while multiparous refers to a woman who has given birth two or more times.

Health Implications

Nulliparity has been associated with certain health risks. For instance, nulliparous women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who have given birth. This is thought to be due to the protective effect of pregnancy on breast tissue. Nulliparous women are also at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer.

On the other hand, nulliparous women are at a lower risk of developing complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum hemorrhage.

See Also

• Parity
• Gravidity and parity
• Obstetrics
• Gynecology

References

Nulliparous Resources
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