GTPAL Notation on the NCLEX

GTPAL is pure counting, and NCLEX writes trap options for every rule. Learn the definitions, then drill examples.

What each letter counts

G (gravida): total pregnancies, including the current one. T (term): births at 37 weeks or later. P (preterm): births from 20 weeks to 36 6/7 weeks. A (abortions): pregnancy losses before 20 weeks, spontaneous or induced. L (living): children currently alive. T, P, and A count pregnancies/births, not babies. L counts babies.

Worked example 1

Currently pregnant. One prior baby born at 39 weeks, one miscarriage at 10 weeks. Both children... check: only one child, alive. G3 (current + 2 prior pregnancies), T1, P0, A1, L1 → G3 T1 P0 A1 L1.

Worked example 2: the twin rule

Currently pregnant. Prior twins born at 34 weeks, both living. One prior loss at 8 weeks. Twins are one pregnancy and one birth: P counts 1, not 2. L counts each child: 2. G3, T0, P1, A1, L2 → G3 T0 P1 A1 L2.

Worked example 3

Not currently pregnant. Delivered at 36 weeks once (child living), delivered at 40 weeks once (child living). G2 T1 P1 A0 L2. 36 weeks is preterm; term starts at 37 weeks. That one-week boundary is the most common trap.

Frequently asked

Does the current pregnancy count in gravida?

Yes. A woman pregnant for the first time is G1 T0 P0 A0 L0.

A stillbirth at 28 weeks goes where?

It counts as a preterm birth (P), because it occurred after 20 weeks. It does not add to L.

What is para in the 2-number GP system?

Para is the number of births carried past 20 weeks, which equals T + P from GTPAL. A G2 P1 has been pregnant twice and delivered once past 20 weeks.

Quick check

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