When there have been two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions, early neonatal deaths, stillbirths, intrauterine foetal deaths, intrauterine growth retardation, or congenital malformations, there has likely been an adverse foetal result in the past. The gravida (G) and para (P) status of a woman are frequently written in abbreviated form in an obstetrical history. Where: Gravida is a woman’s total number of pregnancies. A single pregnancy is considered to have many gestations.

A blood test called BOH, or bad obstetric history panel test, is used to identify the key factors behind bad obstetric history in females of reproductive age. Asking pertinent questions about a patient’s present and past pregnancies is part of taking their obstetric history. A respectful attitude and effective communication skills are absolutely necessary because some of the questions are very personal.