Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most common genetic abnormality associated with first trimester abortions?
What is the most common genetic abnormality associated with first trimester abortions?
- Balanced translocation
- Aneuploidy (correct)
- Trisomy 21
- Monosomy X
At what gestational age is fetal viability typically recognized in the USA?
At what gestational age is fetal viability typically recognized in the USA?
- 30 weeks
- 20 weeks (correct)
- 23 weeks
- 24 weeks
Which of the following is considered a uterine factor that can contribute to spontaneous abortions?
Which of the following is considered a uterine factor that can contribute to spontaneous abortions?
- Teratogen exposure
- Advanced maternal age
- Cervical incompetence (correct)
- Aneuploidy
What percentage of all pregnancies typically experience spontaneous abortion?
What percentage of all pregnancies typically experience spontaneous abortion?
Which factor is NOT associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion in multiple pregnancies?
Which factor is NOT associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion in multiple pregnancies?
Flashcards
What is an abortion?
What is an abortion?
The loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus with help, typically around 24 weeks.
What are genetic fetal abnormalities?
What are genetic fetal abnormalities?
The most common cause of first-trimester abortions. These often involve abnormal chromosome numbers like Trisomy 16, 18 or 21.
What are uterine factors in spontaneous abortion?
What are uterine factors in spontaneous abortion?
This refers to problems with the uterus, like abnormal shapes or weakened cervix. It often leads to second-trimester abortions.
What is fetal viability?
What is fetal viability?
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What are parental causes of a miscarriage?
What are parental causes of a miscarriage?
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Study Notes
Spontaneous Abortion
- Definition of Abortion: The loss (termination) of pregnancy before the age of fetal viability.
- Definition of Fetal Viability: The gestational age at which a fetus has a reasonable chance to live outside the uterus with assistance.
- 24 weeks in Egypt and the UK
- 20 weeks or 500 grams in the USA
- Incidence: Approximately 20% of all pregnancies.
- Exact incidence is difficult to estimate because some first-trimester abortions are undetected (subclinical).
- Criminal abortions are not typically recorded.
Causes of Spontaneous Abortion
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Fetal Causes:
- Genetic Abnormalities: The most common cause of first-trimester abortions, particularly associated with advanced maternal age.
- Examples include aneuploidy (e.g., trisomy 16, 18, 21; monosomy X).
- Congenital Malformations: These can occur in conjunction with genetic abnormalities. Exposure to teratogens (agents that cause birth defects) can also affect development.
- Multiple Pregnancies: These have a higher incidence of abortion.
- Genetic Abnormalities: The most common cause of first-trimester abortions, particularly associated with advanced maternal age.
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Parental Causes:
- Genetic Abnormalities: For example, balanced translocations.
- Uterine Factors:
- Congenital anomalies (e.g., uterine septum).
- Cervical incompetence: A common cause in the second trimester.
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