Abortion can be classified in various ways based on different criteria. Here are some common classifications:
1. Based on Timing:
- Spontaneous Abortion: Also known as miscarriage, this occurs naturally without any medical intervention during the early stages of pregnancy.
- Induced Abortion: This type of abortion is intentionally initiated through medical procedures or medications.
2. Based on Gestational Age:
- Early Abortion: Typically refers to abortions performed during the first trimester of pregnancy (up to 12 weeks).
- Late Abortion: These occur during the second trimester (13-27 weeks) or the third trimester (after 28 weeks).
3. Based on Method:
- Medical Abortion: Involves the use of medication, typically a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, to induce abortion.
- Surgical Abortion: Involves a medical procedure to remove the pregnancy. Common surgical abortion methods include aspiration (vacuum aspiration) and dilation and curettage (D&C).
4. Based on Indications:
- Elective Abortion: Performed for non-medical reasons, often at the request of the pregnant person.
- Therapeutic Abortion: Carried out for medical reasons to protect the health or life of the pregnant person. This can include cases of severe fetal abnormalities or risks to the mother’s health.
As for “threatened abortion,” it is a specific term used to describe a situation where a pregnant person experiences vaginal bleeding and cramping during the early stages of pregnancy, which could indicate a risk of miscarriage. In a threatened abortion, the pregnancy is still ongoing, but there is a possibility of miscarriage. It’s important to note that not all cases of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy result in a miscarriage, and some pregnancies continue successfully after a threatened abortion diagnosis.
If someone experiences symptoms of a threatened abortion, they should seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause of the bleeding and receive appropriate care and guidance. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and management in such cases.
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