Common Types of Loss
Ectopic Pregnancy
- Implantation occurs outside the uterus
- Fetus cannot survive
- Caused by a condition that blocks or slows the movement of a fertilized egg though the Fallopian tube into the uterus
- Signs-abdominal pain, GI symptoms, vaginal bleeding, weakness, dizziness, fainting.
- Diagnosis- pelvic exam, ultrasound, measurement of hCG levels
- Risk Factors- multiple sex partners, age >35, in vitro fertilization, previous tubal ligation, STI's
- Most common complication is rupture of Fallopian tube and internal hemorrhage
Miscarriage
- Most common form of perinatal loss - 10% of clinically recognized pregnancy will end in miscarriage
- Occurs in less than or equal to 20 weeks gestation.
- Most often, has no known cause (chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal problems, lifestyle, maternal age, maternal trauma.
- Warning signs: mild to severe back pain, weight loss, white-pink mucus discharge, true contractions, brown or red vaginal bleeding, tissue with clot like material passing through vagina
- Types: threatened, incomplete, compete, missed, recurrent
- Blighted Ovum: fertilized egg attaches to uterine wall but embryo DOES NOT develop.
Stillbirth
- Late pregnancy loss (greater than 20 weeks gestation)
- 1 in 160 pregnancies
- Majority take place before labor
- Causes: placental problems, birth defects, growth restriction, infection
- Risk Factors: age greater than 35, malnutrition, inadequate prenatal care, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse
- Prevention: daily kick counts, avoid certain substances, contact HCP with vaginal bleeding
Neonatal Death
Loss occurring from birth to 28 days of life
- The baby has signs of life including heart beat, respiratory effort, pulsations through umbilical cord, and movement of voluntary muscles.
- Most common cause is premature birth (before 37 weeks gestation)
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
- Intraventricular hemorrhage
- Infection
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Information taken from AWHONN's website