ABORTION

Definition Is the medical term for any pregnancy terminated before the age of viability commonly called Miscarriage Interruption or termination of pregnancy by 20 weeks and above gestation prior to viability Types Induced abortion Elective termination of pregnancy - a procedure performed to end a pregnancy before fetal viability - to end a pregnancy that threatens a life - to end a pregnancy that is unwanted because it is the result of rape or incest Etiology Spontaneous Chromosomal abnormalities Abnormal fetal growth Intrauterine contraceptive device Smoking Alcohol ingestion Infections Radiation Pathophysiology It is an intentional termination of pregnancy before the fetus has developed enough to live if born. From 20% to 50% of pregnancies are terminated deliberately at the request of the mother or for medical indications. Termination may be medically induced using a progeterone antagonist (Mifepristone) or surgically

induced in which procedures depend on the gestational age at the time the termination is performed. Managements -Medical Management Mife pristone a compund that blocks the effect of progesterone, preventing implantation of the fertilized ovum and therefore cause abortion Contraindications o Confirmed or suspected ectopic pregnancy o An intrauterine device is place o A woman has a serious medical condition such as chronic adrenal failure o Hemorrhagic disorders or concurrent anticoagulant therapy -Surgical Management Dilatation and curettage Menstrual extraction Dilatation and vacuum extraction Hysterotomy Prostaglandin or saline induction