After 12 weeks of pregnancy the uterine contractions are accelerated by oxytocin drip which leads to expulsion of the abortus. After 12 weeks the retained foetus becomes macerated or mummified. There is vaginal bleeding followed by persistent brownish vaginal discharge. The symptoms of pregnancy subside. There is retrogression of breast changes.
Uterine growth stops which in fact becomes smaller in size.
Ultrasonography is an important investigation in diagnosing missed abortion. Management Vaginal evaluation is done under anaesthesia if uterus is less than 12 weeks. If uterus is more than 12 weeks induction is done either by oxytocin or prostaglandins. In majority of these cases, the infection occurs following illegal induced abortion but can also occur after spontaneous abortion. Cervical swab or high vaginal swab is taken to detect the organism microscopically or by culture.