What are the signs and symptoms of a threatened abortion (miscarriage)?

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Last updated: February 24, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Threatened Abortion

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Threatened abortion due to hormonal imbalance or uterine factors: This is the most likely diagnosis as it is a common cause of vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy, often due to hormonal changes or issues with the uterus itself, such as a weak cervix or uterine anomalies.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Inevitable abortion: This condition is characterized by vaginal bleeding and cervical dilation, indicating that the pregnancy is likely to be lost.
    • Missed abortion: This occurs when the fetus has died but remains in the uterus, often presenting with decreased fetal movement and vaginal bleeding.
    • Ectopic pregnancy: Although less common, ectopic pregnancy can present with vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain, and must be considered in the differential diagnosis.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Ectopic pregnancy: As mentioned earlier, this is a critical diagnosis to consider due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality if not promptly recognized and treated.
    • Molar pregnancy: A rare condition where abnormal tissue grows in the uterus, which can cause vaginal bleeding and other complications.
    • Placenta previa: A condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause severe vaginal bleeding and is a medical emergency.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Cervical polyps or other cervical lesions: These can cause vaginal bleeding and may be considered in the differential diagnosis, although they are less common causes of threatened abortion.
    • Uterine rupture: Although rare, uterine rupture can occur in women with a history of uterine surgery or other uterine anomalies, and can present with vaginal bleeding and severe abdominal pain.
    • Gestational trophoblastic disease: A rare condition where abnormal cells grow in the uterus, which can cause vaginal bleeding and other complications.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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