Early Pregnancy Loss Questions & Answers

Updated: Jun 08, 2018
  • Author: Elizabeth E Puscheck, MD; Chief Editor: Richard Scott Lucidi, MD, FACOG  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is early pregnancy loss?

What are the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy loss?

What is included in the physical exam to evaluate suspected early pregnancy loss?

Which studies and procedures are performed in the workup of suspected early pregnancy loss?

When is treatment required following an early pregnancy loss?

How is early pregnancy loss defined?

What are the stages of early pregnancy loss?

What is a threatened abortion?

What is an inevitable abortion?

What is an incomplete abortion?

What is a complete abortion?

What is a missed abortion?

What causes early pregnancy loss?

What is the prevalence of early pregnancy loss in the US?

What are the risk factors for early pregnancy loss?

What is the global prevalence of early pregnancy loss?

Which patient groups have the highest prevalence of early pregnancy loss?

How does age affect the risk for early pregnancy loss?

Which factors increase the risk of early pregnancy loss in women who receive donor eggs?

What is the likelihood of future pregnancies following an early pregnancy loss?

What is the mortality and morbidity associated with early pregnancy loss?

What are the possible complications of early pregnancy loss?

What is included in patient education about early pregnancy loss?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of early pregnancy loss?

How is vaginal bleeding characterized in early pregnancy loss?

How is abdominal pain characterized in early pregnancy loss?

Which physical findings are characteristic of early pregnancy loss?

DDX

What are important considerations when diagnosing early pregnancy loss?

Which conditions are included in the differential diagnoses of early pregnancy loss?

What are the differential diagnoses for Early Pregnancy Loss?

Workup

What is the role of CBC count in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of Beta-hCG measurement in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

Why is blood type and screen performed in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

When is a DIC profile indicated in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of urinalysis in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

What are the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound guidelines on assessment of prenatal viability in early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of culdocentesis in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of D&C in the workup of early pregnancy loss?

Treatment

How is early pregnancy loss treated?

How is blood loss treated in early pregnancy loss?

When is a suction DIC indicated in the treatment of early pregnancy loss?

How is ectopic pregnancy treated?

How is a plateau or rising hCG level managed following treatment for ectopic pregnancy?

How is a potential ectopic rupture treated?

How is a complete abortion treated?

What is included in prehospital care for early pregnancy loss?

How is early pregnancy loss treated in the emergency department (ED)?

Which specialist consultations are beneficial to patients with early pregnancy loss?

Which dietary modifications are used in the treatment of early pregnancy loss?

Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of early pregnancy loss?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of early pregnancy loss?

Medications

What is the role of medications in the treatment of early pregnancy loss?

Which medications in the drug class Prostaglandins are used in the treatment of Early Pregnancy Loss?

Which medications in the drug class Antineoplastic Agent, Antimetabolite are used in the treatment of Early Pregnancy Loss?

Which medications in the drug class Ergot alkaloid and derivatives are used in the treatment of Early Pregnancy Loss?

Which medications in the drug class Immune globulins are used in the treatment of Early Pregnancy Loss?

Follow-up

What is included in the long-term monitoring following an early pregnancy loss?

What counseling should be offered to patients following an early pregnancy loss?