threatened miscarriage

Physical examination

• pelvic examination of the cervix

Clinical manifestations

• abdominal cramps with or without vaginal bleeding
• vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy (last menstrual period < 20 weeks ago)

Laboratory

• serum beta-HCG (quantitative)
  • serial testing over a period of days or weeks to confirm whether pregnancy is continuing
• complete blood count (CBC) with WBC differential to assess infection

Complications

• hemorrhage, anemia
• infection
• miscarriage

Management

• restriction of activity, bed rest
• avoid sexual intercourse until signs/symptoms had resolved
• progestrerone is controversial

Prognosis: many women continue with a normal pregnancy

More general terms

• pregnancy disorder; obstetric disorder; pregnancy complication

Additional terms

• miscarriage