What are the Symptoms of Incomplete Abortion

Introduction

The trauma of losing a pregnancy is profound, and the physical aftermath can be just as overwhelming. Incomplete abortion is a condition that can leave a woman with a sense of incompleteness and uncertainty. It can lead to physical complications and emotional distress, requiring immediate medical attention.

Even though it is difficult to analyse the exact cause of incomplete abortion, they have been closely associated with foetal chromosomal abnormalities and many other factors. Continue reading to understand more about the symptoms of an incomplete abortion, what to do if you have them, and how a dilation and curettage procedure can help with incomplete abortion.

What is an Incomplete Abortion

An incomplete abortion is a medical condition that occurs when the foetal contents are not completely expelled after a termination of pregnancy within the first 20 weeks of gestation. It’s like cleaning up a room but forgetting to sweep the corners – some debris is left behind. 

In this case, the debris refers to the foetal remnants, such as the placenta, foetal tissues or blood. So, the abortion has happened, but the womb is still not empty. This can lead to complications if not treated promptly.

Causes and Risk Factors of Incomplete Abortion

Almost 50% of incomplete abortion cases occur from chromosomal abnormalities (genetic problems of the foetus). Various other causes could also contribute to an incomplete abortion. It is essential to identify the underlying cause of incomplete abortion to ensure proper management and prevent complications. A few causes of incomplete abortion include:

1. Incompetent Cervix: A condition in which weak cervical tissue causes premature birth or loss of a healthy pregnancy. A weak cervix is a condition with a structural issue with the cervix (the lower, narrow end of the womb that connects the uterus and vagina). 
2. Specific structural abnormalities of the uterus, such as uterine fibroids or congenital malformations, can hinder the complete expulsion of pregnancy tissue and thus increase the risk of incomplete abortion.

3. Hormonal Imbalance, such as low progesterone levels, can lead to incomplete abortion. Progesterone is a female hormone that helps maintain the uterine lining and supports pregnancy. If progesterone is too low, the uterine lining may not be able to support the pregnancy, leading to incomplete abortion.
   

Some of the factors that can also put a female at a higher risk of incomplete abortion include:

1. Age: Advanced maternal age is linked with an increased risk of incomplete abortion due to decreased uterine contractility and a higher incidence of medical conditions that affect pregnancy outcomes.

2. Thyroid issue: High or low thyroid levels can cause foetal problems or pregnancy loss. It can also cause incomplete abortion. 

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can cause hormonal imbalance that affects the normal development of the foetus, leading to miscarriage and retention of foetal tissue in the uterus.
   

Symptoms of Incomplete Abortion

Symptoms of incomplete abortion can vary from one person to another, and some women may not experience any symptoms. However, it is vital to know the primary signs of an incomplete abortion, as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Common symptoms of incomplete abortion are as follows:

1. Vaginal bleeding: The most common symptom of incomplete abortion is vaginal bleeding that continues after the procedure. While bleeding is normal after a pregnancy termination, monitoring the amount and duration of bleeding is essential. If you experience any of the following types of bleeding, it could be an indicator of incomplete abortion:

• Heavy bleeding 
• Prolonged bleeding
• Spotting

2. Abdominal pain and cramps: While it is normal to experience slight pain and cramping after a pregnancy termination, it is essential to be aware of any unusual or severe pain and discomfort that may indicate an incomplete abortion.
   
3. Fever: A high-grade fever that lasts more than a day or two could indicate infection, which can occur if there is still material left in the uterus.
   
4. Foul-smelling discharge: Retention of foetal tissue inside the uterus can lead to an infection, which can cause a foul-smelling discharge. This discharge may be accompanied by fever or chills.
   
5. Fatigue: If you experience extreme tiredness or fatigue after the termination, it could be a sign of anaemia, which can occur if you lose too much blood during the termination.
   
6. Tissue passing: You may notice the passage of blood clots, tissue, or small parts of the pregnancy material after an incomplete abortion.
   

It is essential to seek the expertise of a healthcare provider if one experiences any of these symptoms after a pregnancy termination.

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Treatment Options

Incomplete abortion can be a serious medical condition that requires prompt and appropriate treatment. Regarding treatment options, doctors typically consider several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the pregnancy stage, and the severity of the symptoms. The following are the common treatment options:

1. Expectant Management: Waiting for a while under the supervision of the medical expert. The Women’s body may naturally pass out the foetal remnants and shed the uterine lining on its own. 

2. Medical Management: Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication, such as misoprostol, to help expel any remaining tissue in the uterus.

3. Manual Vacuum Aspiration: Also known as suction aspiration or suction curettage. The procedure involves dilating the cervix and using a suction device to gently remove the pregnancy tissue and the uterine lining. 

4. Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon dilates the cervix and removes the remaining tissue from the uterus using a curette or surgical instrument.

Conclusion

An incomplete abortion is a serious medical condition that can cause various symptoms, including vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, tissue passing, and foul-smelling discharge. These symptoms can indicate the presence of retained tissue in the uterus, which may require medical or surgical interventions such as dilation and curettage to prevent complications. Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms after an abortion or miscarriage to ensure proper diagnosis and management.