COURSE OVERVIEW
Abortion is the termination of pregnancy, either spontaneously or intentionally, prior to 20 weeks’ of gestation. It is estimated to be the outcome of around one in four pregnancies and increases the risk for later miscarriage, preterm birth and placenta previa. Spontaneous abortion can be subdivided into threatened abortion, inevitable abortion, incomplete abortion, missed abortion, septic abortion, complete abortion, and recurrent spontaneous abortion. Ultrasonography is helpful in the diagnosis of spontaneous abortion, though various other testing may be needed to rule out other causes. Recent studies suggest that expectant or medical management is appropriate in selected patients. Traditional treatment consisting of surgical evacuation of the uterus remains the treatment of choice in unstable patients. This module provides a highlight of the various causes of abortion, pathogenetic mechanisms and management of such a case. It also provides a short review on the MTP act.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing this CME course, the participant should be able to:
• Distinguish the types of spontaneous abortion
• Recognize the signs of an abortion
• List complications of spontaneous abortion
• Explain the procedures to terminate pregnancy, and their risks and benefits