By ULY CLINIC

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Abortion

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Introduction

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Abortion is a spontaneous loss of a fetus before it is viable (has the potential to survive outside the womb). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as expulsion or extraction of an embryo or fetus weighing 500mg or less, approximately 24 weeks of gestation. Clinical features will depend on the types of abortion.

 

Threatened Abortion 

 

Introduction

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Abortion is a spontaneous loss of a fetus before it is viable (has the potential to survive outside the womb). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as expulsion or extraction of an embryo or fetus weighing 500mg or less, approximately 24 weeks of gestation. Clinical features will depend on the types of abortion.

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for threatened abortion

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Diagnostic criteria

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• Mild vaginal bleeding

• Mild/no lower abdominal pain or back ache

• Cervix closed on digital examination 

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Management of threatened abortion in Dispensary & Health Centre 

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• Adequate bed rest at home 

• void strenuous activities and sexual intercourse until all the symptoms have subsided

• Schedule a follow up within 7 days

• Tell the woman to come immediately if;

• Bleeding becomes heavy 

• Experiences offensive discharge 

• Severe abdominal pain  

 

Referral

 

Refer to higher-level health facility with adequate expertise and diagnostics if: 

• Bleeding recurs 

• Experiences fever 

• Experiences offensive discharge 

• Experience severe abdominal pain 

 

In the Hospital:

 

• Perform ultrasound to confirm gestational age and foetal viability

• Admit the patient and manage appropriately if; 

• The foetus is dead 

• Bleeding recurs

• Fever 

• Foul smelling vaginal discharge 

• Severe abdominal pain 

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Updated on, 3.11.2020

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References

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1. STG