women s health issues
Septic Abortion
Diagnosis of Septic Abortion
A doctor's evaluation Blood tests Ultrasonography Doctors can usually diagnose septic abortion based on prior procedures a woman has had during the current pregnancy, symptoms, and a physical examination that shows one or more of the following: Fever Low blood pressure Heavy bleeding from the uterus or inside the abdomen Pelvic or abdominal pain If septic abortion seems likely, doctors send a sample of blood to a laboratory to be cultured (placed in a substance that encourages microorganisms to grow). This technique helps doctors identify the microorganism causing the infection and thus determine which antibiotics would be effective. Ultrasonography is done to check for fragments from the pregnancy that may remain in the uterus. 