Spontaneous Abortion

Overview of Spontaneous Abortion

Spontaneous abortion is also referred to as miscarriage. It represents the spontaneous, premature ending of pregnancy before week 24. It most commonly occurs in women under 16 or over 35 years of age. Smoking and use of alcohol are risk factors. 25-50% of all pregnancies end in miscarriages before the 24th week of pregnancy. The vast majority are caused by genetic defects in the fetus.

Causes of Spontaneous Abortion

Abnormalities in development produce most of the cases of spontaneous abortion. Often, there is an extra chromosome. Other causes of miscarriage include chronic infections, anatomical defects in the uterus and undetected diabetes in the mother.

Signs and Symptoms of Spontaneous Abortion

Absent menstrual periods and signs of pregnancy are present. Abnormal vaginal bleeding occurs is association with abdominal cramps. Abnormal tissue may be passed through the vagina. Many times spontaneous abortion will occur without any symptoms suggestive of pregnancy. Most of these miscarriages occur between the 9th and 11th week of pregnancy.

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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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