Subchorionic Hematoma: What You Need to Know During Pregnancy

Question
I am only 5 weeks pregnant and had blood gush out of me.  I thought i had a miscarriage but when i went to the doctor for an ultrasound, they said I had "subchorionic haematoma"  Should i be worried??  They told me not to lift anything heavy and no hard core excersice.  Will this effect the baby?  and can it happen again???

Answer
Dear Lina,

A subchorionic hematoma is a collection of blood between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane and may leak through the cervical canal, causing the bleeding such as you have experienced.

The outcome of a pregnancy with a hematoma is very dependent upon the size of the hematoma, the gestational age, and also increased maternal age. Late first- or second-trimester bleeding may worsen the prognosis. Hematomas can resolve themselves and be of no more harm at all or on occasion they can cause a problem with placental abruption if larger and acting up later in the pregnancy.

Many women with small hematomas carry pregnancies to term and deliver healthy babies with no complications. I'm sure this is something they will keep an eye on for you. Until then, just follow the instructions of your doctor.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.

Brenda