Module 8 (Exam 3) Abortion

Question 1

What are the most common causes of hemorrhage in early pregnancy?

Answer 1

1. Abortion (spontaneous)
2. Ectopic Pregnancy
3. Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD)

Question 2

Spontaneous Abortion

Answer 2

Occurs in about 15-20% of diagnosed pregnancies. Unintended loss of pregnancy before the fetus is viable or capable of living outside the uterus:

1. Prior to 20 weeks gestation
2. Less than 500g

Question 3

Therapeutic Abortion

Answer 3

Medically-induced termination of pregnancy

Question 4

Causes of Spontaneous Abortion

Answer 4

1. Most common cause: severe chromosomal abnormalities
2. Other causes: maternal infection, endocrine disorders, anatomical defects (example: incompetent cervix)

Question 5

Signs and Symptoms of Spontaneous Abortion

Answer 5

1. Vaginal bleeding or “spotting”
2. Uterine cramping, persistent backache, or pelvic pressure
3. Leaking fluid

Question 6

Therapeutic Management of Spontaneous Abortion

Answer 6

1. Confirm pregnancy by ultrasound and hcg levels
2. Wait and see what happens
3. Monitor bleeding
4. Vacuum extraction or dilation and curettage if needed
5. Follow up:
   
   1. Rhogam
   2. Counseling
   3. Cerclage

Question 7

Cerclage

Question 8

Incompetent Cervix

Answer 8

Painless cervical effacement and dilation resulting in spontaneous abortion or preterm birth

Question 9

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Question 10

Define spontaneous abortion

Answer 10

Unintended pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks’ gestation

Question 11

Define Therapeutic (elective) abortion

Answer 11

Medically induced termination of pregnancy

Question 12

Define incompentent cervix

Answer 12

Painless cervical effacement and dilation resulting in spontaneous abortion or preterm birth