Bleeding Outside the Placenta in Early Pregnancy: What to Expect

Question
I am 6 weeks pregnant, and I just had an ultrasound because I have experienced some bleeding over the weekend, and they wanted to check my blood levels again.  THe doctor came in at the end and said that the baby had a live heartbeat, but I was bleeding outside the placenta.  I wa shocked, and I forgot to ask any questions.  What does this mean?  Is this common?  AM I at high risk?  What are the odds that everything will be all right?
Thank you, TARA

Answer
Tara,

It is common for there to be a subchorionic hemorrhage or "bleeding outside the placenta".  Sometimes, the placenta tears away from the uterine wall a tiny bit causing a bleed.  It doesn't mean that you are at higher risk for miscarriage.  The fact that a heartbeat was visible is a great sign.  Just take it easy and watch for more bleeding.  That will be your first sign that something isn't right.  However, it sounds like you are doing great.  Good luck!