Incomplete Abortion: Understanding the Warning Signs and Symptoms

Incomplete Abortion: Understanding the Warning Signs and Symptoms

An inevitable abortion and a spontaneous abortion are subtypes of incomplete abortions. It results in cervical dilatation, cramps, vaginal bleeding, and incomplete passage of the fetus. In cases when the woman exhibits clinical signs and symptoms of infection or heavy bleeding, surgical evacuation may be necessary to remove the residual tissues. Fortunately, incomplete abortion does not carry any risk of complications, nevertheless, if it continues untreated for an extended period of time, it may be lethal. It is crucial to recognize early warning signs and symptoms and to get medical attention as soon as possible.

Signs and Symptoms of Incomplete Abortion

When some pregnancy tissues are still inside the womb, an incomplete abortion takes place. This ultimately results in uncomfortable symptoms that need to be treated by a doctor. When an abortion is performed medically, the likelihood of an incomplete abortion increases. However, no matter what kind of surgery you are having, the abortion might still be incomplete. The symptoms of an incomplete abortion can range in severity from mild to severe.

A patient may feel any of the following signs and symptoms: 

  • Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding, ranging from moderate to severe, is a frequent indication of partial abortion and is not to be disregarded.
  • Pain and discomfort: Women may often have pelvic or lower abdominal pain that radiates to the buttocks, genitalia, lower back, and perineum. 
  • Blood clot release: The possibility of blood clot release exists. It is a typical sign of an unfinished abortion. 
  • Nausea, chills, and fever: A woman may occasionally have diarrhea, fever, and chills for a while following the abortion, which might be a sign of an incomplete procedure. Additionally, you may feel queasy and have frequent vomiting fits.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Incomplete Abortion

Diagnosis of incomplete abortion:

A pelvic exam is performed by the doctor to determine whether the cervix has opened and thinned down in order to detect incomplete abortion.

Additional examinations and testing that may reveal an incomplete abortion include:

  • Physical Examination: In order to verify the abortion and determine whether the patient's symptoms are connected to any other medical problem, the lab examines any tissue and blood clots that the patient has passed through the vagina. 
  • Ultrasound: To assess baby growth and heartbeat, the gynecologist will do an abdominal or vaginal ultrasound. 
  • Hysteroscopy: In cases of incomplete abortion occurring between 4 and 12 gestational weeks, a physician would often advise a possible hysteroscopy test.
  • Quantitative Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Level: Pregnancy hormone (hCG) levels from prior measures are compared and checked using this test. If an anomaly in the pattern is discovered, there is a problem.
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): The purpose of a complete blood count (CBC) is to determine the volume of blood lost.
  • White Blood Count (WBC): To rule out the chance of an infection or an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that develops outside of the uterus), measure your white blood cell count (WBC).

Treatment of incomplete abortion:

In the event that you display symptoms of an incomplete abortion, you need to get therapeutic assistance right away. Treating an incomplete abortion as soon as possible will lower the chance of infection and severe blood loss. Before selecting a course of therapy, thoroughly weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each choice with your doctor, bringing up any concerns or priorities.

To remove the leftover pregnancy tissues, there are typically two therapy modalities. 


Non-surgical treatment of incomplete abortion:

  • Expectant Management: Pregnancy-related waste is often eliminated by the patient's body spontaneously. An incomplete abortion is a very successful therapeutic option if it takes place before or during the first trimester of pregnancy. It's a surgery that involves little intrusion. However, individuals who choose expectant care may subsequently need a D and C surgical procedure. There may be an increased risk of severe and persistent bleeding in some uncommon circumstances.
  • Medical Treatment: To eliminate any leftover fetal tissues, misoprostol is commonly administered.  Misoprostol has a success rate of 80–99%. The drug causes the uterus to contract, causing the leftover pregnancy tissues to be expelled. It is a faster kind of therapy than expectant management. However, if the pregnancy tissue is not entirely removed from the uterus, you might need to have surgery.

Surgical treatment of incomplete abortion

  • Dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure: A doctor would typically advise the dilation and curettage (D&C) operation to treat an incomplete abortion or to halt excessive bleeding. No tiny surgical instruments or drugs are utilized to widen the cervix because it is usually already open during the D and C surgery. With the use of a curette to scrape the inside of the organ and mild suction, the physician collects and extracts any remaining fragments of pregnancy tissues from the uterus. To lessen pain and suffering during the treatment, general anesthesia is administered.
  • Hysteroscopy: The doctor inserts a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera through the cervix into the uterus to view inside and detect any leftover tissue from the partial abortion. If tissue is discovered, it can be removed using specialist tools during the hysteroscopy.

Common Causes of Incomplete Abortion

About half of all incomplete abortions are caused by genetic issues in the fetus.

Other explanations for partial abortions include of:

  • Diabetes: An incomplete abortion is more likely when blood glucose levels are high. Additionally, the likelihood of a stillborn infant delivery is significant. 
  • Hypertension: This condition finally results in elevated blood pressure at the arterial level, which may cause miscarriage or an incomplete abortion.
  • Kidney disease: It can increase the complexity of the fetus and ultimately result in miscarriage and partial abortion.
  • Thyroid imbalance: Pregnancy loss and fetal issues are often associated with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Moreover, it can lead to an incomplete abortion.
  • Thrombophilia: An excessively rapid formation of blood clots is the condition. Given that inherited thrombophilia can affect placenta function by inducing venous thrombosis, or blood clots in veins, it may be the cause of incomplete pregnancy.
  • Abnormal or incompetent cervix: Weak cervical tissue results in an abnormal or incompetent cervix, which can lead to an early birth or the loss of a healthy pregnancy. 
  • Obesity: It increases the risks associated with an unfinished abortion. Insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction are increased risks. Additionally, it lowers the quality of eggs. 
Risks and Complications of Incomplete Abortion

Though they are uncommon, partial abortions have certain hazards if they are not handled promptly.  A hydatidiform mole, an uncommon disorder, must be ruled out if the patient has discharged a pregnancy tissue through the vagina either spontaneously or with therapy. Complications may arise from pregnancy tissues that are still within the womb.

The dangers and side effects of an incomplete abortion are as follows:

  • Heavy bleeding: Abortion failure can result in severe bleeding, which in rare instances can induce anemia, excessive blood loss, shock, and even death. Blood clots or tissue fragments accompany the blood outpouring.
  • Uterine infection: If the placenta or pregnancy tissue is left in the uterus following an incomplete abortion, there is a significant risk of infection.
  • Cervical dilatation: This is more likely to occur if the abortion is not completed. The cervix expands during dilation. 
  • Severe cramps: Lower abdominal discomfort and severe cramps might result from an incomplete abortion. The pain is managed with medication.
  • Retained tissue: Even when a fetus may be removed, some of its tissue may linger behind and result in discomfort, cramping, and other issues.
  • Scarring: Infertility and difficulties having a child can arise from incomplete abortions, which can cause uterine scarring. 
  • Psychological effect: Drug addiction, food disorders, remorse, regret, and low self-esteem are just a few of the psychological issues that can result from an incomplete abortion.

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