Missed abortion Prepared by Jwan Kareem Salh Msc .Student
Definition Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus An abortion that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion" and occurs in approximately 30% to 40% of pregnancies. When deliberate steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called an induced abortion .
Missed abortion Also known as a missed abortion or a silent miscarriage, occurs when a fetus is no longer alive, but the body does not recognize the pregnancy loss or expel the pregnancy tissue. As a result, the placenta may continue to release hormones, so may continue to experience signs of pregnancy. About 80% of miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester ).
Clinical features Vaginal bleeding Heavy cramping Expulsion of fetal tissue Subsidence of pregnancy symptoms Uterus becomes smaller in size
Cont … Cervix feels firm with closed internal os Non audibility of the fetal heart sound even with Doppler ultrasound Pregnancy test becomes negative
causes The causes of missed abortion are not fully known. About 50 percent of miscarriages happen because the embryo has the wrong number of chromosomes. An endocrine or an autoimmune disorder. A heavy smoker. Physical trauma .
When should woman see a doctor? should always see a doctor if suspect any kind of miscarriage. Call doctor if have any miscarriage symptoms, including: vaginal bleeding abdominal cramps or pain discharge of fluid or tissue
Risk factors being an older parent previous abortion exposure to tobacco smoke obesity diabetes thyroid problems drug or alcohol use.
Diagnosis Ultrasound before 20 weeks’ gestation. Usually when they cannot detect a heartbeat at a prenatal checkup. Monitor the level of the pregnancy hormone hCG in blood over a couple days. C hecking to see if the cervix is open or closed.
Medical Management Prostaglandin E1 (Misoprostol) Sublingual misoprostol of 600 ug or vaginal misoprostol of 800 ug may be a good choice for the first dose Expulsion usually occurs within 48 hours 6th or 12th hourly misoprostol tablets given vaginally. Antibiotics are given
Surgical management Dilation and curettage (D&C) surgery may be necessary to remove remaining tissue from the uterus. doctor may recommend a D&C immediately following diagnosis of a missed abortion, or they may recommend it later if the tissue doesn’t pass on its own or with the use of medication.
Complications Retaining the products for long time can lead to sepsis. DIC [disseminated intravascular coagulation] – (very rare) in gestations exceeding 16 week. Uterine hemorrhage Infection Uterine perforation
Nursing Interventions 1.If bleeding is profuse, place the woman flat in bed on her side and monitor uterine contractions and fetal heart rate through an external monitor. 2.Also measure intake and output to establish renal function and assess the woman’s vital signs to establish maternal response to blood loss. 3.Measure the maternal blood loss by saving and weighing the used pads. 4.Save any tissue found in the pads because this might be a part of the products of conception.
Prevention Non-modifiable risk factors Preventing a miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies may be enhanced with assessments of: Immune status . Chemical and occupational exposures Anatomical defects . Pre-existing or acquired disease in pregnancy Polycystic ovary syndrome . Previous exposure to chemotherapy and radiation
Cont … Modifiable risk factors Maintaining a healthy weight and good pre-natal care can reduce the risk of miscarriage Some risk factors can be minimized by avoiding the following: Smoking Cocaine use Alcohol Poor nutrition Occupational exposure to agents that can cause miscarriage Medications associated with miscarriage Drug abuse