It is normal to be worried if you notice bleeding during pregnancy. But in the case of a subchorionic hematoma, bleeding is usually not a cause for concern.

Also known as subchorionic bleeding, this type of bleeding is very common during pregnancy, goes away on its own, and usually has no negative effects on you or your baby.

That said, there are different reasons for spotting or bleeding during pregnancy, and it’s important to let your doctor know if you have both.

What is a subchorionic hematoma?

A subchorionic hematoma, also known as a subchorionic hemorrhage or subchorionic hemorrhage, occurs when blood leaks and collects between the wall of the uterus and the chorion, the membrane around your growing baby. The chorion also forms part of the placenta, and subchorionic hemorrhages often occur near the placenta.

Subchorionic hematoma is one of the most common causes of bleeding in the first trimester of pregnancy (usually during 10 to 20 weeks) and accounts for about 11% of cases.

Although vaginal bleeding is the number one sign of this condition, some women do not experience bleeding and do not know they have it until an ultrasound detects it.

“Subchorionic hematoma is a common ultrasound finding in the first trimester and is rarely associated with risks,” says Layan Alrahmani, MD, a specialist in gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine based in Chicago.

Subchorionic hematomas usually go away on their own, but occasionally bleeding is a sign of a miscarriage – so it’s best to see your doctor as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis.

What causes a subchorionic hematoma?

Experts aren’t entirely sure what causes subchorionic bleeding in pregnancy, but research shows that in vitro fertilization (IVF) can increase the risk.

In one study of 194 pregnancies, the incidence of subchorionic hematoma was significantly higher in women who underwent IVF than in those who did not.

Uterine abnormalities, recurrent miscarriages, and pelvic infections are also risk factors for subchorionic hematoma.

What are the symptoms of a subchorionic hematoma?

Some women with subchorionic bleeding will experience vaginal bleeding, but some do not experience any bleeding at all.

You may also experience abdominal pain, cramping or contractions if you have subchorionic bleeding – but these symptoms can occur in any pregnancy in the first trimester and do not necessarily mean you have a subchorionic hematoma.

Although some spotting during pregnancy is normal, see your doctor if you notice any vaginal bleeding to make sure it’s nothing serious. (For example, it is common for women to experience bleeding during early pregnancy from a fertilized egg implanting in the uterus.)

Tell your doctor if the bleeding is intermittent or constant and if you have any other symptoms with it. They can order an ultrasound to make sure your baby is okay.

A subchorionic hematoma can be a little difficult to diagnose because the membranes are thin and can be mistaken for a twin gestational sac or even amniotic fluid or placental tissue, so most doctors will check your baby’s heartbeat a few weeks later to make sure everything is okay .

How is subchorionic hematoma treated?

Subchorionic hematomas usually go away on their own, but treatment for a subchorionic hematoma depends on your symptoms, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and the size and location of the subchorionic hematoma.

If your blood type is negative, you may need an injection to prevent complications in future pregnancies.

There are currently no approved medications for the treatment of subchorionic hematoma. Your doctor may order more routine ultrasounds to check on your baby’s well-being.

Subchorionic hematoma is a common sonographic finding in the first trimester and is rarely associated with risks.

– Dr. Layan Alrahmani, specialist in gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine

Bed rest is not recommended for subchorionic hematoma – and research has not shown that it improves pregnancy outcomes. In fact, bed rest can cause other complications, such as blood clots and depression.

However, your emotional health is also important, so if exercise or other strenuous activity makes you anxious, take it easy until the bleeding stops.

What are the signs that a subchorionic hematoma is resolving?

You will know that the subchorionic hematoma is resolving when the bleeding slows down and stops.

Will a subchorionic hematoma affect my pregnancy or my baby?

A subchorionic hematoma is usually not a cause for concern.

However, some women with subchorionic bleeding in the first trimester have an increased risk of placental abruption later in pregnancy, which occurs when the placenta partially or completely detaches from the uterine wall. And if placental abruption occurs, it can cause profuse bleeding.

Large subchorionic hematomas are also associated with miscarriage and stillbirth, but research is conflicting. Small studies have also linked subchorionic hematoma to preterm birth, preeclampsia, chorioamnionitis (infection), and intrauterine growth restriction (low birth weight).

Some studies also show that subchorionic hematomas become more common in twin pregnancies.

“The medical professionals told me that it really just looked worse than it was… but I couldn’t believe it, especially since my bleeding was accompanied by cramps most of the time,” he says. BabyCenter Community member of CeeHugg. “Ladies, if you’re reading, I definitely don’t want to minimize what you’re experiencing with SCH (subchorionic bleeding), but I encourage you to take a chance and just trust that everything will be okay.”

Is there a way to prevent a subchorionic hematoma?

There is nothing you can do to prevent subchorionic bleeding. However, you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to promote a healthy pregnancy, like eating a well-balanced diet and taking prenatal vitamins.

If you experience vaginal bleeding, talk to your doctor to get a proper diagnosis and rule out other problems. Most women with subchorionic hematoma go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.