What does the term "primigravida" refer to?

The term "primigravida" specifically refers to a woman who is experiencing her first pregnancy. This term is derived from Latin, where "primi-" means first and "-gravida" refers to being pregnant. Therefore, a primigravida is someone who has never been pregnant before and is currently expecting her first child. Understanding this term is essential in midwifery and obstetrics, as it distinguishes first-time mothers from those who have been pregnant previously, which can impact prenatal care and the management of labor and delivery.