What is the most likely diagnosis for a woman experiencing spotting, cramp-like pains, and cervical dilation at 3 cm?

In the scenario of a woman experiencing spotting, cramp-like pains, and cervical dilation at 3 cm, the most likely diagnosis is an inevitable abortion. This condition refers to a miscarriage that cannot be prevented and typically indicates that the process of abortion has started and is progressing.

Inevitable abortion is often characterized by the presence of cervical dilation, which signifies that the body is beginning the process of expelling the pregnancy tissue. Spotting and cramp-like pains are common symptoms that accompany this diagnosis, indicating that the uterus is contracting and that the cervix is beginning to open, thus making it impossible for the pregnancy to continue.

In contrast, other potential diagnoses involve different clinical indicators. For example, it is essential to note that in a threatened abortion, the cervix remains closed, and the pregnancy may still continue. An incomplete abortion involves some pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus after part of it has been expelled, typically indicated by heavier bleeding and additional cramping. Acute pelvic inflammatory disease can present with similar symptoms but usually includes significant fever and a painful abdomen, often due to an infection.

The presence of cervical dilation and the combination of spotting and cramp-like pains in this case distinctly align with the criteria for an inevitable abortion, confirming this as