Abortion, threatened

Alternative names:

threatened miscarriage; threatened spontaneous abortion

Treatment:

Activity restrictions vary, from avoiding some forms of exercise to complete bedrest. Restricting activity will not guarantee that a miscarriage will not occur. Providers typically recommend abstaining from intercourse until symptoms resolve. The woman's condition should be monitored carefully. Mild sedatives such as flurazepam may be prescribed.

The use of progesterone is controversial. The potential benefit is the relaxation of smooth muscle, including the muscles of the uterus. However, this may increase the potential risk of an incomplete abortion or an abnormal pregnancy. It also increases the risk of retaining a hydatidiform mole. In the absence of a luteal phase defect, progesterone supplementation should not be used.

Expectations (prognosis):

The probable outcome is good if the pregnancy continues to progress and all the symptoms disappear.

Complications:

• Spontaneous abortion.
• Moderate to heavy blood loss.
• Anemia.
• Dead fetus syndrome.
• Infection.

Calling your health care provider:

It is imperative for a woman who knows she is (or is likely to be) pregnant and who has any signs or symptoms of threatened abortion to contact her prenatal provider immediately.