Self-Assessment Questions

36. Spontaneous pregnancy loss

• Define a miscarriage. What is the most common cause and what is the first sign of spontaneous pregnancy loss?

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  Correct answer:
  A miscarriage is defined as a spontaneous pregnancy loss before 20 weeks’ gestation and in medical terms is referred to as a spontaneous abortion. The most frequent cause of overt miscarriage is a chromosomal abnormality in the conceptus. Vaginal bleeding in the first trimester is often the first sign of spontaneous pregnancy loss as well as a fall in maternal serum hCG.