What is a Threatened Miscarriage (Threatened Abortion)?

A threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) occurs when the woman experiences vaginal bleeding or spotting prior to the 20th week of pregnancy.  The is an extremely emotional time for a pregnant woman.  The fear of lossing a pregnancy is one of the most difficult aspects to treat and care for in a threatend miscarriage.

Signs and Symptoms of Threatened Miscarriage (Threatened Abortion)

A threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) will have vaginal bleeding or spotting which is the most common sign and symptom of miscarriage.  Other possible signs and symptoms are mild abdominal cramping, and mild pain or pressure in the lower back or pelvis.  In a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) the cervical os (cervical opening) is closed.  The importance of the closed cervial os is this means that the body is not tried to expell the products of conception at that time.  To learn more Go To Signs and Symptoms of Miscarriage. 

Causes of Threatened Miscarriage (Threatened Abortion)

There are several different causes for a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion).  Placental abnormalities especially placenta previa can be a cause for a threatend miscarriage (threatend abortion).  In placenta previa the placenta is located over the cervix os and causes vaginal bleeding usually in the second and third trimester.  Typically the placenta over time will grow and move off of the cervix.  However, if that does not occur then a C-section is requried at the time of delivery of the baby. 

Other causes of a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) include infection (ie. Chlamydia, Cytomegalovirus, Genital herpes, Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, and Rubella), uterine fibroids, sexual intercourse (extremely common since the cervix is extremely sensitive during pregnancy).  To learn more about the causes Go To Cause of Miscarriage.

Treatment of Threatened Miscarriage (Threatened Abortion)

A threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) usually does not require specific medical intervention.  The treatment for a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) will include a indepth history, vaginal exam to evaluate the cervical os, blood work to determine the serum hCG level, and a ultrasound to ensure that the placenta and fetus appear normal.  Pelvic rest (placing nothing into the vagina) is usually recommended.  To learn more Go to Treatment of Miscarriage.

If an incompetent cervix is identified as the cause of a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) it will be treated with a cerclage.  A incompetnet cervix will be identified by the vaginal exam.  The cervical os will be slightly open or beginning to dialate.  Some physicians will perform a vaginal ultrasound to measure the length of the cervix as well.  To treat this condition a cerclage is placed into the cervix to prevent further dilatation (opeining).  

The most difficult part of a threatened miscarriage (threatened abortion) is the emotional aspect and coping with the threat of miscarriage.