Abortion

a.     Abortion                                                                       

Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo, resulting in or caused by its death.

The term abortion most commonly refers to the induced abortion of a human pregnancy, while spontaneous abortions are usually termed miscarriages. 

Types of Abortion

·         Threatened abortion is a condition of pregnancy, occurring before the 20^th week of gestation

·         Inevitable abortion is when the bleeding continues and becomes heavy,

·         Complete abortion is when all the contents are expelled.

·         Incomplete abortion is a name given to abortion where the uterus retains part or the entire placenta.

·         Missed abortion - is a case in which an intrauterine pregnancy is present but is no longer developing normally.

Causes of Abortion

·         Uterine anatomy , Luteal phase defect , smoking

·         Fetal genetic anomalies , Incompetent cervix , Infections

·         Antifetal antibodies,  Alloimmune disease , Radiation , Intrauterine contraceptive device

 

Surgical methods of Abortion

·         dilatation and curettage (D&C),Vaccuum Aspiration

·         Dilation and evacuation (D&E), Hysterectomy and hysterotomy