While it looks complex, this "TPAL" system provides a concise snapshot of a person's journey through pregnancy, including births, losses, and living children. The Basics: Gravida and Para
"The patient is Gravida III, Para 1-0-2-1." Also acceptable: "G3 P1021" (common in very shorthand notes).
refers to the number of pregnancies that have reached viability (the ability to survive outside the womb). Viability is typically defined as 20–24 weeks of gestation, though this can vary slightly by country (in the US, it is generally 20 weeks).
The gap between and Living (1) is critical. If Term = 2 but Living = 1, that suggests a neonatal death (a baby died after viability), which requires a different workup than a miscarriage.