[Definition of pregnancy losses: Standardization of terminology from the French National College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF)]

Abstract

Objective: While a number of glossaries have been produced by various authorities in different countries, at present there is no internationally accepted common set of definitions for many terms used to describe pregnancy losses. The objective of the current study was to provide a standardized French/English terminology/glossary relating to pregnancy losses.

Methods: Literature review, construction of a glossary and rating of proposals using a formal consensus method. The glossary was subject of a critical comprehensive review by a meeting of professionals (multidisciplinary panel).

Results: A miscarriage is a spontaneous evacuation of an intra-uterine pregnancy<22WG. A missed early miscarriage is when ultrasound (<14WG) shows no growth of intra-uterine sac/embryo and/or loss of fetal heart activity. An early miscarriage is when spontaneous evacuation of intra-uterine pregnancy occurs <14WG. A complete early miscarriage is when there is no retained products of conception (empty uterus on ultrasound) and no bleeding nor pain. Incomplete early miscarriage is when ultrasonography shows retained products of conception in the uterine cavity (including cervical canal). Repeat miscarriage or recurrent pregnancy loss is when the woman experiences 3 or more consecutive miscarriages <14WG. A late miscarriage is when there is spontaneous evacuation of pregnancy ≥14WG and <22WG. A threatened late miscarriage is when shortening/opening of the cervix±uterine contraction occur ≥14WG and <22WG. An intra-uterine fetal demise is when there is a spontaneous loss of fetal heart activity ≥14 WG.

Conclusion: The final current terminology should be used by all healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Fausse couche; Fausses couches à répétition; Fetal loss; Miscarriage; Perte de grossesse; Perte fœtale; Pregnancy loss; Repeat miscarriage; Terminologie; Terminology.