Terminology

Use Clear Language

Traditional terms like "missed or inevitable abortion" can cause confusion & unnecessary patient distress. Current ACOG guidelines recommend adopting clear, clinically relevant language, for example:

• Complete vs. incomplete (based on retained products of conception)

• Uncomplicated vs. complicated (based on hemorrhage or infection)

Other Recommended terminology updates:

• "Blighted ovum" → Anembryonic pregnancy

• "Missed abortion" → Asymptomatic pregnancy loss

• "Threatened miscarriage" → Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy

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