Is threatened abortion a type of miscarriage?

The term “threatened abortion” may sound alarming, but it is actually a common complication that many pregnant women may experience. This condition can create a sense of worry and fear for expectant mothers and their partners, as it is often associated with the risk of miscarriage or pregnancy loss.

Although threatened abortion is a type of miscarriage, it is a less severe form of it. A threatened abortion refers to when a woman experiences bleeding and cramping during early pregnancy, but the cervix remains closed and the fetus is still viable. 

This means that there is a chance that the pregnancy can continue, but the risk of miscarriage is higher than normal.

A miscarriage, on the other hand, refers to the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. This can happen due to various causes, such as chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus, infection, hormonal imbalances, or problems with the uterus or placenta.

It’s important to note that not all bleeding or cramping during early pregnancy will result in a miscarriage.

If you suspect that you may be experiencing a threatened abortion, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may order some tests, such as a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or blood tests, to determine the cause of the bleeding and cramping and to check the health of the pregnancy.

Some of the things you may be recommended to do include:

Rest: Avoid strenuous activity and try to get as much rest as possible, as this can help reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Avoid sexual intercourse: Having sex during a threatened abortion can increase the risk of bleeding and infection.

Avoid using tampons: Tampons can also increase the risk of bleeding and infection.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs: These substances can negatively impact the health of the pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Follow a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help support the pregnancy.

Take medications as prescribed: If your doctor prescribes any medication, it’s important to take them as directed.

While it’s not always possible to prevent a threatened abortion, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs, and managing stress can help promote overall health and support a healthy pregnancy.

Managing underlying health conditions: If you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to manage them properly. This can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Managing reproductive tract infections: If you’re at risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it’s important to use protection during intercourse and to get tested regularly.

Avoiding certain medications: Some medications can increase the risk of a threatened abortion, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking before trying to conceive.

Avoiding certain activities: High-impact sports and activities, such as horseback riding and gymnastics, can increase the risk of a threatened abortion, so it’s important to avoid them during pregnancy.

It’s important to note that many cases of threatened abortion happen without any obvious cause, so even if you take all the preventative measures, it doesn’t guarantee that it will not happen. 

In any case, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any signs of bleeding or cramping during early pregnancy, and follow the doctor’s instructions. A threatened abortion can be a very stressful experience, and the doctor can provide emotional support and guidance.