What is the difference between inevitable and incomplete abortion?
Ending of pregnancy, either spontaneous (miscarriage) or induced (termination of pregnancy) before 22 weeks LMP. Show
In countries where termination of pregnancy is legally restricted, induced abortions are often performed under poor conditions (non-sterile equipment, inappropriate equipment and/or substances, unqualified health care personnel, etc.). Complications (trauma, bleeding and severe infection) are common and may be life-threatening. For termination of pregnancy, see Chapter 12. 2.1.1 DiagnosisSigns and symptoms– Threatened abortion or missed abortion: light bleeding, abdominal pain, closed cervix. Additional investigations– A pregnancy test is useful if the history and clinical examination are inconclusive. 2.1.2 Differential diagnosisThe main differential diagnoses are: ectopic pregnancy, cervicitis, ectropion (eversion of the cervical mucosa, which is more fragile and may bleed easily on contact, especially after a vaginal examination or sexual intercourse), cervical polyp, and functional uterine bleeding. 2.1.3 ManagementThreatened abortion– Advise the patient to reduce activity. Either the threat of abortion recedes, or abortion is inevitable. Missed abortionIf there are no signs of infection and/or no heavy bleeding, there is no urgency to perform uterine evacuation. Ongoing or incomplete abortion without signs of infectionGeneral measures Uterine evacuation Septic abortionIn the event of septic abortion (fever, abdominal pain, tender uterus, foul-smelling discharge), as above AND: Continue until the fever disappears (at least 48 hours), then change
to: Table 2.1 - Tetanus prophylaxis
What is inevitable abortion?Inevitable abortion is an early pregnancy with vaginal bleeding and dilatation of the cervix. Typically, the vaginal bleeding is worse than with a threatened abortion, and more cramping is present. No tissue has passed yet.
What is considered incomplete abortion?An incomplete abortion is the partial loss of the products of conception within the first 20 weeks. Incomplete abortion usually presents with moderate to severe vaginal bleeding, which may be associated with lower abdominal and/or pelvic pain.
What is the difference between a complete and incomplete miscarriage?A complete miscarriage is one in which pregnancy-related tissue have come out of the uterus. This type of miscarriage has happened on its own with no medical intervention. It probably also happened before the end of the first trimester. An incomplete miscarriage means that only some of the tissues have been expelled.
What is threatened and inevitable abortion?Threatened abortion: Patients have uterine bleeding and it is too early to assess whether the fetus is alive and viable and the cervix is closed. Potentially, the pregnancy may continue without complications. Inevitable abortion: The cervix is dilated.
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