What term describes the delivery of the fetus before it is capable of surviving, typically before 20–22 weeks?

• A. Ectopic pregnancy
• B. Spontaneous abortion
• C. First stage
• D. Preeclampsia

Answer: (B)

Spontaneous abortion describes delivery of the fetus before it can survive outside the uterus, which is what happens when a pregnancy ends before viability. Viability is reached around the mid- to late second trimester (roughly 20 to 22 weeks), so a baby delivered before that point isn’t capable of surviving outside the womb. This term is also commonly known as a miscarriage.

The other options refer to different situations: an ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo implants outside the uterus, which is a separate and dangerous condition; the “first stage” is not a term used to describe pregnancy loss; and preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ effects after mid-gestation.