Inevitable abortion
What is Inevitable Abortion?
Inevitable abortion is a pregnancy complication where there is unavoidable loss of the pregnancy regardless of the type of treatment. This type of miscarriage is typically seen in cases of an ectopic or molar pregnancy or when an intrauterine fetal death occurs. It is generally accompanied by bleeding and cramping similar to other miscarriages, and the woman will require treatment to help her body expel the pregnancy and manage her symptoms.
Symptoms of Inevitable Abortion
The most common symptom of an inevitable abortion is moderate to severe cramping in the lower abdomen. This is often accompanied by back pain, dizziness, and/or nausea. Women may also experience vaginal bleeding, which may start off as light spotting and eventually become heavier. In the case of a molar pregnancy, women may experience excessive vaginal bleeding and passing of grape-like cysts.
Causes of Inevitable Abortion
Inevitable abortion is most commonly caused by chromosomal abnormalities or an ectopic pregnancy. The chromosomal abnormality may cause the fetus to not survive even if it implants in the uterus and begins to grow. Ectopic pregnancie occur when the egg implants outside of the uterus and therefore cannot develop correctly.
Diagnosing Inevitable Abortion
A healthcare provider will diagnose an inevitable abortion by examining symptoms and ordering lab tests. This may include a blood test to measure your level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) to confirm pregnancy. Additionally, an ultrasound may be used to assess the gestational age and whether the fetus is developing healthfully in the uterus.
Treatment for Inevitable Abortion
The treatment for inevitable abortion is usually medication or a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure to help the body expel the pregnancy. Medication-induced miscarriage relies on a combination of drugs depending on your circumstance to help your body expel the products of conception. During a D&C procedure, a doctor will use a suction device or other instrument to remove the tissue from the uterus. Additionally, some healthcare providers may give a woman an injection of a prostaglandin to help the body to naturally expel the tissue.
Complications of Inevitable Abortion
Complications from inevitable abortion can include infection, excessive bleeding, and emotional upset. You may also experience a complication called an "incomplete abortion," where the body fails to expel all of the tissue from the uterus. This may require a D&C procedure. It’s important to get follow-up care with your healthcare provider after a miscarriage to monitor for any issues.
Preventing Inevitable Abortion
In some cases it is possible to prevent an inevitable abortion, such as when a healthcare provider is able to identify an ectopic pregnancy and intervene before the embryo implants and begins to grow. In other cases it may not be possible to prevent a miscarriage due to chromosomal abnormalities.
Reporting an Inevitable Abortion
If you experience an inevitable abortion, it is important to report it to your healthcare provider so that they can provide appropriate treatment and follow-up care. Your healthcare provider will also need to thoroughly document your MC to support any further investigation into the cause of your miscarriage.
Tips For Coping After an Inevitable Abortion
- Take time for yourself. Allow yourself to go through the grieving process and take the time to heal emotionally.
- Talk to your friends and family. Sharing your feelings with those close to you can help you work through the pain.
- Talk to a counselor. A professional can provide counseling and support to help you cope.
- Be open to trying new activities. Whether it’s taking a stroll in the park or joining a support group, finding different ways to seek comfort can help you heal.