Abortion: Health Impacts and Statistics

A type of miscarriage where bleeding and cramping occur, but the cervix is closed, and the uterus size matches the pregnancy's gestational age.

A type of miscarriage with heavy bleeding, cervical dilation, and a uterus size smaller than or corresponding to the pregnancy's gestational age. The pregnancy cannot be saved.

Loss of pregnancy occurring before 24 weeks of gestation, often referred to as a miscarriage, usually occurring without intervention.

Severe vaginal discharge (reddish brown/yellowish-green, foul-smelling), accompanying abdominal tenderness (local or general), and potentially toxic appearance of the patient.

Procedure to remove pregnancy tissues in a miscarriage, used when pregnancy is less than 16 weeks.

Pregnancy loss before 12 weeks of gestation.

Pregnancy loss between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation

Symptoms like cold, clammy skin, rapid pulse, low blood pressure, and rapid breathing due to excessive blood loss.

The intentional termination of a pregnancy, for reasons other than saving the mother's life or removing a dead fetus

Legally performed abortion by a qualified doctor to safeguard the mother's health or life.

Illegal abortion performed by unqualified individuals, with no regard for safety standards

An abortion complicated by infection, usually a consequence of an incomplete, unsafe abortion.

Immediate antibiotic treatment (IV Ampicillin, Gentamicin, Metronidazole), followed by assessment and referral.

Unsafe abortions contribute significantly to maternal mortality in Nigeria.

The duration of pregnancy, usually determined from the woman's last menstrual period.

Comforting the patient, assessing history for accurate determination of gestational age, active listening, and empathy.

The necessity for pregnant women to report any vaginal bleeding to healthcare providers

Abortion is the ending of a pregnancy before 24 weeks of gestation, leading to the loss of the fetus.

Abortion is the most common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy.

Abortion is a significant contributor to maternal deaths worldwide.

Conditions like malaria, anemia, or infections can negatively impact a pregnancy, increasing the risk of abortion.

Hormonal issues in a mother can lead to an abortion.

Abnormalities in the uterus, such as a bicornuate uterus, can make it difficult to carry a pregnancy to term.

Infections within the uterus, like endometritis, can cause abortion.

A weak cervix that opens too early can lead to a miscarriage.

Vaginal bleeding is the primary indicator of an abortion.

Factors like teenage pregnancy, unwanted pregnancies, or rape can contribute to abortion.

Three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions.

Sutures used to keep the pregnancy till term in cases of habitual abortion.

Recommended treatment in cases of miscarriage, especially for monitoring vital signs and signs of infection.

The products of conception are not completely expelled. The fetus is usually expelled, but the placenta and membranes remain.

All products of conception are expelled completely. This happens more often before the 8th week of pregnancy.

The fetus dies in the uterus but is retained, with painless brownish discharge.

Persistent heavy bleeding, dilated cervix, uterus smaller than the expected gestational age.

If MVA is available, perform MVA. If not, perform curettage. If both unavailable, stabilize and refer urgently.

Ergometrine 0.5mg IM or misoprostol 400 µg orally can be used.

Infuse oxytocin if MVA is available. If MVA is not available, use misoprostol vaginally and then perform MVA if needed. Refer urgently if necessary.

Light bleeding, closed cervix, uterus smaller than the expected gestational age, uterus softer than normal.

Observe for heavy bleeding, administer ergometrine or misoprostol orally, and refer immediately if bleeding doesn't stop or is sustained.

Painless brownish vaginal discharge, no signs of fetal life, closed cervix.