Missed abortion

Missed Abortion

A missed abortion is a type of pregnancy loss where the fetus dies or is unable to survive, but is not physically expelled from the woman's body. It is also known as a silent or delayed miscarriage.

Definition

A missed abortion is defined as the death of the fetus or the cessation of its development, especially during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, without the occurrence of abortion symptoms such as bleeding or cramping. The term "missed" refers to the fact that the body does not recognize or "misses" the fact that the pregnancy has ended.

Causes

The causes of a missed abortion are varied and often unknown. They can include genetic abnormalities in the fetus, hormonal imbalance, uterine abnormalities, and infections. Other risk factors include advanced maternal age, smoking, alcohol use, and chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a missed abortion is typically made through a combination of physical examination, ultrasound, and blood tests. The ultrasound may show a fetus without a heartbeat or a pregnancy sac without a fetus. Blood tests may show decreasing levels of the hormone hCG.

Treatment

Treatment options for a missed abortion include expectant management, medication, or surgery. Expectant management involves waiting for the body to expel the pregnancy naturally. Medication can be used to stimulate the body to expel the pregnancy. Surgical options include dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E).

Emotional Support

Experiencing a missed abortion can be emotionally challenging. Counseling and support groups can provide emotional support and help individuals and couples cope with their loss.

See Also

• Spontaneous abortion
• Threatened abortion
• Incomplete abortion
• Septic abortion