SAB

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

SAB
Stands forSpontaneous abortion
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical

SAB has two meanings. It stands for Spontaneous abortion (obstetrics & gynecology) or Subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia) (anesthesia).

Meanings of SAB at a glance

#SAB stands forContext
1Spontaneous abortionMedical › Obstetrics & Gynecology
2Subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia)Medical › Anesthesia

1. Spontaneous abortion

Medical · Obstetrics & Gynecology Abbreviations

Medical term for miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation, most often in the first trimester because of chromosomal abnormalities. Management options include waiting for natural passage, medication or uterine aspiration.

Example: Complete SAB at 8 weeks, hemodynamically stable; Rh negative, give RhIG.

About 10 percent or more of clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. "Abortion" in this context is a clinical term for any pregnancy loss before viability, which is why many clinicians now prefer "early pregnancy loss" or "miscarriage" in patient communication. Mifepristone plus misoprostol is more effective than misoprostol alone. In anesthesia SAB means subarachnoid block.

2. Subarachnoid block (spinal anesthesia)

Medical · Anesthesia Abbreviations

Neuraxial anesthesia produced by injecting local anesthetic, often with an opioid, directly into the cerebrospinal fluid of the lumbar subarachnoid space. It rapidly numbs the lower body for cesarean delivery, hip and knee replacement and urologic and lower abdominal surgery.

Example: SAB at L3-L4 with hyperbaric bupivacaine and fentanyl for cesarean delivery.

August Bier performed the first planned spinal anesthetic in 1898. Low blood pressure from sympathetic blockade is common and treated with fluids and vasopressors. The needle is placed below the end of the spinal cord, usually at L3-L4 or L4-L5. In obstetrics SAB can also mean spontaneous abortion (miscarriage).

More obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations

  • PROM – Prelabor rupture of membranes
  • PTB – Preterm birth
  • PTL – Preterm labor
  • ROM – Rupture of membranes
  • SGA – Small for gestational age
  • SROM – Spontaneous rupture of membranes
  • TAH – Total abdominal hysterectomy
  • TOLAC – Trial of labor after cesarean

See all 89 obstetrics & gynecology abbreviations →

More anesthesia abbreviations

  • PDPH – Post-dural puncture headache
  • PNB – Peripheral nerve block
  • PONV – Postoperative nausea and vomiting
  • RCRI – Revised Cardiac Risk Index
  • STOP-Bang – Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, Pressure, BMI, Age, Neck size…
  • Sux – Succinylcholine
  • TAP – Transversus abdominis plane (block)
  • TCI – Target-controlled infusion

See all 34 anesthesia abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.