miscarriages/abortions

define miscarriage/abortion

pregnancy loss before the fetus is viable or capable of living outside the uterus

what is considered unable to survive outside the uterus

before 20 weeks or < 500 g

what is the most common cause of spontaneous abortions

chromosomal abnormality

uterine cramping, backache, and pelvic pressure are S/S of

spontanous/induced abortion

passing products of conception and bright red vaginal bleeding are S/S of

spontaneous/induced abortion

define threatened abortion subgroup

spotting without cervical changes > pregnancy threatened

is there cervical dilation with the threatened abortion

no

define the inevitable abortion

cannot stop > open cervical os > moderate to heavy bleeding > passing tissue

define the incomplete abortion

not all products of conception are expelled

what does the incomplete abortion require

D & C

define the complete abortion

all products of conception are expelled

is any treatment required for a complete abortion

no

define a missed abortion

fetus dies but remains in uterus > causes retained fetal demise and may develop DIC

what does a missed abortion put mom at risk for (besides DIC)

sepsis

define recurrent/habitual spontaneous abortion

defined at 3+ spontaneous abortions

what is the medical management for someone who had a missed/incomplete abortion < 13 weeks

D & C

what is the medical management for someone who had a missed/incomplete abortion > 13 weeks

D & E

what are the two major complications that can arise from a missed/incomplete abortion

sepsis and DIC

what medical management would be provided for a woman who has had recurrent spontaneous abortions

examine reproductive organs > refer for genetic counseling > ID hormone/endocrine problems

what two medications can we give for someone who has had an incomplete/missed abortion

prostaglandin E2 or cytotec

after any kind of miscarriage/abortion it is important to educate the patient to avoid

baths, sexual intercourse, or placing anything in the vagina for 2 weeks