complications
Last reviewed 01/2018
The complications of spontaneous abortion are manifold:
- haemorrhage - may be immediate or occur several days / weeks later due to retained placental tissue.
- infection - most commonly, coliform anaerobes such as E. coli, Klebsiella, Streptococcus faecalis. Infection may result in endotoxic shock.
- trauma - usually due to clinical abortions. It includes vaginal lacerations, cervical tears, and gas or fluid in the uterine cavity.
- psychological - depression and grieving, especially at the estimated date of delivery of the original fetus.
- increased likelihood of subsequent spontaneous abortion
- Rhesus sensitivity due to failure to give prophylaxis
- disseminated intravascular coagulation