Abortion is the expulsion or out coming of the fetus before completion of gestational age, which is inviable. Miscarriage is the word used for expulsion of fetus or embryo before 20^TH week of gestation. The abortion can occur naturally due to some biological or external causes or abortion may be induced. Induced abortion is by the means of medical or surgical therapies. In these modern years millions and millions of abortions are carried out as induced abortions in order to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

From ancient period itself induced abortion is in practice. In olden time natural medicines such as herbs and other plants were used. In Indian ethics it’s said induced abortion is the sin.

Even though abortion is used as therapeutic method it is discussed as one of medical disorder. Induced abortion is called as medical termination of pregnancy, to be done only by registered medical practitioner’s supervision.

The main types of abortions are

• Spontaneous abortion
• Induced abortion

Spontaneous abortion: Spontaneous abortion is the natural expulsion of inviable fetus due to unfavorable environment in the uterine, is caused due to internal environmental factors, biological factors or external factors such as trauma etc. The spontaneous abortion has made the millions of mother’s life very miserable. The women have history of spontaneous abortion may be suffering from systemic diseases or overage about 35 year old are more prone to have abortion.

Induced abortion: Induced abortion is the abortion provoked artificially to avoid unwanted pregnancies which is because of failed or lack of contraception.

Common causes of spontaneous abortion are

• Incorrect implantation of embryo inside the uterus.
• Replication defect or chromosomal abnormality may cause spontaneous abortion.
• External trauma due to accidents may cause spontaneous abortion.
• Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy may cause spontaneous abortion.
• Rh factor incompatibility may cause abortion during pregnancy.
• Consuming of toxic substances,
• Severe emotional disturbances and
• Violent intercourse during pregnancy also causes spontaneous abortion.

These are the main causes of spontaneous abortion during pregnancy.

Effect of abortion to mother and family

Emotional upset to mother as she is not getting motherhood

Excess blood loss (hemorrhage) may lead to shock and later anemia.

Weight loss and weakness occurs, when mother neglects food.

Mother who gets abortion becomes very depressed.

Maternal stress may cause many systemic illnesses.

Familial role disturbance is common trouble to mother after abortion.

Prevention 0f spontaneous abortion

• Rh  blood group compatibility to be tested before marriage for both partners. This helps to prevent spontaneous abortion caused by Rh incompatibility.
• Take appropriate rest during pregnancy to avoid abortion.
• Free from stress and emotional upset keeps away abortion.
• Safer intercourse during pregnancy as per doctor’s advice avoids abortion.
• Stop excess physical work during pregnancy to reduce the chance of abortion due to miss implantation of fetus.
• Maintain normal blood pressure with physicians help, as eclampsia or high blood pressure during pregnancy leads to abortion.
• Periodical medical checkup helps lot to avoid abortions.