Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

Local disorders of the genital tract
- A retroverted uterus which is unable to rise out of the
pelvis may occasionally predispose to abortion.
- Developmental defects such as a bicornuate uterus and
myomas
- Cervical incompetence
Paternal causes
Since the paternal spermatozoon gives to the ovum half of its
chromosomes, defects may result in abortions, particularly if
both partners share many common HLA antigen sites.
12.8.1 Types of Abortion
A. Spontaneous abortion
Sign and symptoms- many mothers will speak of a period of
uneasiness prior to the onset of specific sign and symptoms.
Vaginal bleeding is generally the earliest sign of an impending
abortion. The bleeding may consist of a bloodstained
discharge, brown spotting or a bright red loss, which may be
variable in amount. Pain is usually felt in a central position,
low in the abdomen, and is intermittent in character due to
uterine contractions. This may be accompanied by backache.
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