What Is a Threatened Abortion?

Highlights

1. A threatened abortion refers to vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, which can
be an indication of a possible miscarriage.

2. Many women who experience a threatened abortion will still be able to carry the pregnancy to term.

3. You should call your doctor right away if youre experiencing bleeding or cramping during
pregnancy.

A threatened abortion is vaginal bleeding that occurs in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. The bleeding
is sometimes accompanied by abdominal cramps. These symptoms indicate that a miscarriage is
possible, which is why the condition is known as a threatened abortion or threatened miscarriage.

Vaginal bleeding is fairly common among pregnant women. About 20 to 30 percent of women will
experience bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 50 percent of these women
will carry their baby to term.

The exact cause of a threatened abortion usually isnt known. However, its more common among
women who have previously had a miscarriage.

What Are the Symptoms of a Threatened Abortion?

Any vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy can be a symptom of a threatened
abortion. Some women also have abdominal cramps or lower back pain.

During an actual miscarriage, women often experience either a dull or sharp pain in the abdomen
and lower back. They may also pass tissue with clot-like material from the vagina.

Call your doctor or obstetrician immediately if youre pregnant and experiencing any of these
symptoms.

Who Is at Risk for a Threatened Abortion?

The actual cause of a threatened abortion isnt always known. However, there are certain factors that
may increase your risk of having one. These include:

- a bacterial or viral infection during pregnancy

- trauma to the abdomen
- advanced maternal age (over age 35)
- exposure to certain medications or chemicals

Other risk factors for a threatened abortion include obesity and uncontrolled diabetes. If youre
overweight or have diabetes, speak with your doctor about ways to stay healthy during pregnancy.

You should also tell your doctor about any medications or supplements youre taking. Some may
be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
How Is a Threatened Abortion Diagnosed?
- pelvic exam if a threatened abortion is suspected
- During a pelvic exam, your doctor will examine your reproductive organs, including your vagina,
cervix, and uterus.
- Theyll look for the source of your bleeding and determine whether the amniotic sac has
ruptured.

- An ultrasound will be done to monitor the heartbeat and development of the fetus. It can also be
done to help determine the amount of bleeding.
- A transvaginal ultrasound, or an ultrasound that uses a vaginal probe, is typically more accurate
than an abdominal ultrasound in early pregnancy.
- During a transvaginal ultrasound, your doctor will insert an ultrasound probe about 2 or 3 inches
into your vagina. The probe uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your reproductive
organs, allowing your doctor to see them in more detail.

- Blood tests, including a complete blood count, may also be performed to check for abnormal
hormone levels
- Specifically, these tests will measure the levels of hormones in your blood called human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG) and progesterone.
- HCG is a hormone that your body produces during pregnancy, and progesterone is a hormone that
supports pregnancy. Abnormal levels of either hormone may indicate a problem.

How Is a Threatened Abortion Treated?

A miscarriage often cant be prevented. In some cases, however, your doctor may suggest ways to
lower your risk of having a miscarriage.

Bed rest and avoiding sexual intercourse may be suggested until your symptoms go away. Your
doctor will also treat any conditions known to increase the risk of complications during pregnancy,
such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Your doctor may also want to give you an injection of progesterone to increase levels of the
hormone. Your doctor will also administer Rh immunoglobulin if you have Rh-negative blood and
your developing baby has Rh-positive blood. This stops your body from creating antibodies against
your childs blood.

What Is the Long-Term Outlook?

Most women who do miscarry will go on to have successful pregnancies in the future. However, you
should see your doctor to discuss possible causes if youve experienced two or more miscarriages in a
row.

For some women, a threatened abortion is a very stressful experience and can lead to anxiety and
depression. Its important to talk to your doctor if youre experiencing symptoms of either condition
following a threatened abortion or miscarriage.

local support groups where you can discuss your experience and concerns with others who can
relate to what youre experiencing.
How to Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy

Its difficult to prevent a miscarriage, but certain behaviors can help support a healthy pregnancy.
These include:

- not drinking alcohol

- not smoking cigarettes
- not using illegal drugs
- minimizing consumption of caffeine
- avoiding certain foods that can make you ill and harm your baby
- avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals or harsh cleaning solutions
- promptly treating any viral or bacterial infections that occur
- taking prenatal vitamins, such as folic acid
- exercising at least two hours per week

You can also maintain a healthy pregnancy by getting early, comprehensive prenatal care. Receiving
prompt prenatal care makes it possible for your doctor to detect and treat any potential health problems
early in the pregnancy. This will prevent complications and help ensure the delivery of a healthy baby.