inevitable abortion

Last reviewed 01/2018

Inevitable spontaneous abortion occurs in about 25% of women with a threatened abortion.

It is characterised by:

  • considerable bleeding
  • lower abdominal pain
  • a dilated cervix - note the external os of a multigravida usually admits the tip of a finger
  • products may have been passed - do not confuse with clots

Either a complete or incomplete abortion may result.