Managing Complications in Pregnancy and Childbirth: - IAWG

S-10 Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancyBOX S-1Types of abortionSpontaneous abortion is defined as the loss of a pregnancy before fetalviability (22 weeks gestation). The stages of spontaneous abortion mayinclude:• threatened abortion (pregnancy may continue);• inevitable abortion (pregnancy will not continue and willproceed to incomplete/complete abortion);• incomplete abortion (products of conception are partiallyexpelled);• complete abortion (products of conception are completelyexpelled).Induced abortion is defined as a process by which pregnancy isterminated before fetal viability.Unsafe abortion is defined as a procedure performed either by personslacking necessary skills or in an environment lacking minimal medicalstandards or both.Septic abortion is defined as abortion complicated by infection. Sepsismay result from infection if organisms rise from the lower genital tractfollowing either spontaneous or unsafe abortion. Sepsis is more likely tooccur if there are retained products of conception and evacuation hasbeen delayed. Sepsis is a frequent complication of unsafe abortioninvolving instrumentation.MANAGEMENTIf unsafe abortion is suspected, examine for signs of infection oruterine, vaginal or bowel injury (Table S-2, page S-9) andthoroughly irrigate the vagina to remove any herbs, localmedications or caustic substances.THREATENED ABORTION