Spontaneous Abortion
1. Definition:
• The termination of a pregnancy before the fetus is able to live outside of the uterus (before 20 weeks), most often called a miscarriage.
2. What are the causes/risk factors:
• Weakened cervix
• Immune system response
• Physical issues within the mother
• Abnormalities of the uterus
• Fertilized egg implants in the uterus incorrectly
• hormone problems
• Infection
• Risk factors:
Lifestyle such as excessive caffeine intake, drug use, or smoking
Maternal age
Previous miscarriages
Intrauterine device
3. What are the signs and symptoms (maternal & fetus):
• Light to heavy bleeding, brown to bright red in color
• Pain in the abdominal area
• Weakness
• Cramps
• White-pink mucus
• Tissue/clots passing from …show more content…
Long term problems associated with condition/complication:
• Guilt and struggling with what they as the mother could have done or should not have done to prevent spontaneous abortion
• Experiencing steps of the grieving process
• Anxiety
• Depression
American Pregnancy Association. (2015). Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage. Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/ WebMD. (2015). Health and Pregnancy: Pregnancy and Miscarriage. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-miscarriage Mayo Clinic. (2013). Diseases and Conditions: Miscarriage. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/basics/definition/con-20033827 Day, A., M.D., Griebel, C.P., M.D., Golemon, T.D., M.D., Halvorsen, J., M.D. (2005). American Family Physician: Management of Spontaneous Abortion. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1001/p1243.html
WebMD. (n.d.). Drugs and Medication: Cytotec. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-1786/cytotec-oral/details#
Doenges, M., Moorhouse, M.F., Murr, A.C. (2012). Nurse’s Pocket Guide. Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales. 13th edition. pp. 549, 1144,