What is the term for spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks?

• A. Miscarriage
• B. Stillbirth
• C. Ectopic pregnancy
• D. Molar pregnancy

Answer: (A)

Spontaneous loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks is called a miscarriage. It refers to a natural loss prior to fetal viability, typically defined as before 20 weeks gestation. If a pregnancy loss occurs at or after 20 weeks, the term used is stillbirth. Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, which is a different condition. A molar pregnancy is a gestational trophoblastic disease with abnormal placental tissue growth and no viable fetus. So, the term that fits spontaneous loss before 20 weeks is miscarriage.