What is an incomplete abortion ?
Although they are extremely uncommon, incomplete abortion can occasionally occur after pregnancy termination. Because it sounds as though the termination hasn’t taken place, the term “incomplete abortion” might be confusing. In reality, though, it indicates that the contents of the womb have not yet been fully discharged. Although the abortion has taken place, some tissue remains in the womb.
How Common is Incomplete Abortion in South Africa?
The majority of women who have a pregnancy termination won’t face any issues. However, in rare instances, difficulties may arise. There may occasionally be tissue left in your womb, which could be the lining of your womb or some pregnancy-related products (from the placenta or the fetus). The abortion is not complete since there is still material inside your womb that needs to be removed, even if you are no longer pregnant.
Your womb will be able to empty itself more easily if you terminate your pregnancy early. Therefore, having an abortion later in pregnancy increases the risk of an incomplete abortion. The hazards are still minimal, though.
Common Causes of Incomplete Abortion
About half of incomplete abortions are caused by the growing baby’s genetic issues. Other factors that contribute to incomplete abortions include:
- Obesity: Increases the risk of complications from an incomplete abortion. It raises the risk of thyroid malfunction and insulin resistance. Additionally, it lowers the oocytes’ quality.
- A disorder known as thrombophilia occurs when blood clots too easily. Due of its ability to cause venous thrombosis, or a blood clot in the vein, inherited thrombophilia may be the cause of an incomplete pregnancy.
- A disease known as abnormal or incompetent cervix occurs when weak cervical tissue results in an early birth or the termination of a healthy pregnancy.
- Kidney disease: It can increase the complexity of the fetus and ultimately result in partial abortion and pregnancy loss.
- Hypertension: It eventually leads to high blood pressure directly at the arteries and may, in turn, lead to pregnancy loss and incomplete abortion.
- Diabetes: An incomplete abortion may be more likely if blood glucose levels are high. Additionally, the likelihood of a stillborn infant is significant.
The Dangers and Issues of Incomplete Abortion
Although partial abortions seldom result in problems, they do carry some dangers if treatment is delayed. A hydatidiform mole, a rare illness, must be ruled out if the patient has ejected pregnancy tissue through the vagina either naturally or with therapy. Complications may arise from pregnancy tissues that remain inside the womb. The dangers and difficulties of an incomplete abortion are as follows:
- Uterine infection: If placenta or pregnancy tissue is left inside the uterus following an incomplete abortion, there is a significant risk of infection.
- Heavy bleeding: Anemia, significant blood loss, shock, and in rare instances, death, can result from an incomplete miscarriage. Blood clots or tissue fragments accompany the blood outpouring.
- Psychological effect: Drug misuse, food disorders, guilt, regret, and low self-esteem are just a few of the psychological issues that can result from an incomplete abortion.
- Retained tissue: Even after probable removal, some of the fetus’s leftover tissue remains, which may result in pain, cramping, and other issues.
Signs of an Incomplete Abortion
If you have any of the following symptoms following your pregnancy termination, you may have experienced an incomplete abortion:
- Pain that last for more than a few of days
- More bleeding than anticipated
- After the first few days, bleeding that doesn’t go away
- Very severe pain or cramps
- Uncomfortable when something presses into your abdomen
- High-grade fever that persists for more than a day or two
Conclusion
In conclusion, an incomplete abortion can have a serious negative impact on a woman’s health. It’s important to recognize the warning signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion, which include fever, foul-smelling discharge, abdominal pain, discomfort during intercourse, and significant vaginal bleeding. To prevent potentially fatal consequences, it is imperative to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Women who have recently had an abortion should be on the lookout for these symptoms and seek treatment as soon as they manifest.