If the fetus is still alive the heartbeats should be seen on the ultrasound scan.
As a threatened abortion is considered any womb bleeding seen during pregnancy prior to viability that has yet to be assessed further. At investigation it may be found that the fetus remains viable and the pregnancy continues without further problems.
An inevitable abortion is when the fetal heart beat has stopped and the cervix has already dilated open, but the fetus has yet to be expelled. This usually will progress to a complete abortion.
A complete abortion is when all products of conception have been expelled. Products of conception may include the trophoblast, chorionic villi, gestational sac, yolk sac, and fetal pole (embryo); or later in pregnancy the fetus, umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic fluid, and amniotic membrane.
DISCLAIMER:
"Ask a Doctor" questions are answered by certified physicians and other medical professionals who volunteer
their time on eHealth Forum.
For more information about experts participating in the "Ask a Doctor" Network, please visit our
medical experts page.
You may also visit our Miscarriage and Stillbirth , for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The information provided on eHealth Forum is designed to improve, not replace, the relationship between a patient and his/her own physician.
Personal consultation(s) with a qualified medical professional is the proper means for diagnosing any medical condition.
