An abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo, resulting in or caused by its death.
Causes of Abortion
Abortion may be occur due to various factors such as fetal, placental, or maternal.
Fetal Causes – The most common cause of early spontaneous abortion is abnormal development of the zygote, embryo or fetus. These abnormalities are incompatible with life and would have resulted in severe congenital anomalies had pregnancy not been aborted spontaneously.
Maternal Factors – These are congenital or acquired conditions of the mother and environmental factors that had adversely affected pregnancy outcome and led to abortion. Such conditions include diabetes mellitus, incomplete cervix, exposure to radiation and infection.
Placental Factors – Placental factors usually cause abortion around the 14th week of gestation. These factors includes premature separation of the normally implanted placenta and abnormal placental implantation.
Abortion Types
Characteristics
Management
Threatened Abortion
occurring before the 20th week of gestation
characterized by cramping and vaginal bleeding with no cervical dilation.
it may subside or an incomplete abortion may follow.
Bedrest
No coitus up to 2 weeks after bleeding stopped
Imminent or Inevitable Abortion
membranes rupture and the cervix dilates
characterized by lower abdominal cramping and bleeding.
Hospitalization
D and C
Oxytocin after D and C
Sympathetic
Understanding and emotional support
Incomplete Abortion
is characterized by expulsion of only part of the products of conception (usually the fetus).
severe uterine cramping
bleeding occur with cervical dilation.
D and C
Oxytocin after D and C
Sympathetic
Understanding and emotional support
Complete Abortion
characterized by complete expulsion of all products of conception
light bleeding
mild uterine cramping
passage of tissue
closed cervix
There is no treatment other than rest is usually needed.
All of the tissues that came out should be saved for examination by a doctor to make sure that the abortion is complete.
The laboratory examination of the saved tissue may determine the cause of abortion.
Missed Abortion
intrauterine pregnancy is present but is no longer developing normally
the cervix is closed, and the client may report dark brown vaginal discharge.
pregnancy test findings are negative.
Usually treated by induction of labor by dilation (or dilatation) and curettage (D & C).
Recurrent or Habitual Abortion
characterized by spontaneous abortion of three or more consecutive pregnancies
Trace the cause of recurrent abortion
Septic Abortion
abortion complicated by infection
foul smelling vaginal discharge
uterine cramping
fever
Antibiotics as prescribed by your Obstetrician
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Posted by Admin
on Nov 6th, 2009 and filed under Maternal & Child Health Nursing, Student's Reviewer.
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