“Any one with subchorionic bleeding during pregnancy? I need advice. Is it dangerous in pregnancy?” a mum asked us on theAsianparent app.
Subchorionic bleeding (also known as a subchorionic hematoma) is the abnormal accumulation/clotting of blood within the folds of the chorion or between the placenta and the wall of the uterus. The chorion is the outer membrane of the fetus that surrounds the amniotic sac.
Subchorionic hematoma is a common cause of bleeding in early pregnancy.
Let’s have a more in-depth look at this condition, and the risks it poses during pregnancy.
What causes a subchorionic hemorrhage in early pregnancy
PHOTO: SCREENGRAB MYHEALTH.ALBERTA.CA
The causes of subchorionic bleeding during pregnancy are not fully understood.
It is believed to occur when the placenta gets detached (fully or partially) from the uterine wall.
Some risk factors include:
- IVF Pregnancies: Studies have found that the frequency of subchorionic hematoma is high in IVF pregnancies and frozen-thawed embryo transfer.
- Age: Women above the age of 35 are more likely to develop subchorionic hematomas.
Do note that, bleeding from subchorionic hematoma is usually harmless. Symptoms usually resolve on their own and it is rarely a sign of a miscarriage. With treatment and close monitoring, women can go on to have perfectly healthy pregnancies.
Symptoms of subchorionic bleeding in pregnancy
Symptoms of subchorionic bleeding in pregnancy are:
- Spotting
- Vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain and cramping, especially in cases of heavy bleeding
- Dizziness
Bleeding caused by a subchorionic hematoma can range from a heavy flow with clots to light spotting. Sometimes there is no bleeding at all.
In fact, some women don’t experience any symptoms at all, and only find out about the condition during a routine ultrasound examination.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage ultrasound
PHOTO: Emedicine: Medscape
Bleeding that involves multiple sites and necessitates the use of a pantyliner is typically a sign of something else. One such possibility is uterine bleeding. Bleeding is frequently the only symptom or indication of a subchorionic hematoma.
The majority of subchorionic hematomas don’t cause long-term harm. Your doctor will understand more after getting a subchorionic hemorrhage ultrasound. Smaller hematomas have better outcomes. Larger versions might be problematic.
Can subchorionic hematoma harm the fetus?
Complications posed by subchorionic hematomas depend on the size of the hematoma and when they are detected during pregnancy.
In most cases, subchorionic hematoma resolves on its own. Hematomas that are detected early on in the first trimester and those that don’t grow in size are less problematic. Small hematomas on the surface of the placenta cause fewer issues than those that develop under the placenta or behind the fetal membrane.
Hematomas that happen towards the end of the first trimester or early second trimester can cause the placenta to pull away from its site of attachment to the uterus.
If more than 30% of the placenta becomes dislodged, it could cause the hematoma to grow even larger, and increase the risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.
Studies have found that subchorionic hematoma can increase the risk of pregnancy complications, like miscarriage, preterm labor, placental abruption, and premature rupture of membranes.
The risk is higher in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Complications also depend on the size of hematoma, gestational age, and the mother’s age.
It is thus important that you let your doctor know right away if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
Subchorionic hemorrhage pregnancy outcome
According to a 2014 study entitled, The effects of subchorionic hematoma on pregnancy outcome in patients with threatened abortion:
“Ultrasonographically detected subchorionic hematoma increases the risk of miscarriage in patients with vaginal bleeding and threatened abortion during the first 20 weeks of gestation. However, it does not affect the pregnancy outcome measures of ongoing pregnancies.”
Moreover, patients with subchorionic hemorrhage in pregnancy usually have healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Moderate-sized hemostases typically go away on their own.
Larger hematomas are more likely to cause issues. There is a higher danger if the subchorionic hematoma is discovered in the first 20 weeks of your pregnancy.
Subchorionic hemorrhage treatment and diagnosis
If you notice vaginal bleeding at any point of your pregnancy, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will usually ask for an ultrasound scan.
Either a transvaginal or an abdominal scan is done to determine the size and position of the clot, the actual amount of bleeding, and the site of the collection of the blood.
Your pregnancy will be monitored closely to check if the clots are resolving naturally or if they are still growing and pose risks. If the chances of miscarriage are high, some doctors will use estrogen and progesterone to slow or prevent further hemorrhaging. In rare cases, the doctor may recommend blood thinners to bleed the clot out.
READ MORE:
Nosebleeding while pregnant: What causes them and what you can do
Caring for yourself when you have subchorionic bleeding during pregnancy
- Keep track of how heavy your bleeding is, the color of the blood (brown, dark, or bright red), if it gets heavier or lighter, and how many pads you are using. Go for your ultrasound check-ups regularly.
- Don’t use a tampon or douche when you have bleeding
- It is advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or excessive exercise. Also, avoid standing for long periods of time.
- Your doctor may advise you to take bed rest and avoid sex until the hematoma dissolves and disappears.
- Stay well hydrated, and eat fiber-rich meals. This can help in preventing constipation and excessive strain that can cause bleeding.
Get immediate medical attention if you are experiencing:
- Sudden, severe pain in your belly or pelvis.
- Severe vaginal bleeding.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, or you feel like you may faint.
- New or worse vaginal symptoms, such as pain in the vaginal area, itching, or a discharge.
- Fever
- Passed tissue. Save any tissue that you pass and take it to your doctor as soon as you can.
Best way to lay with a subchorionic hemorrhage
While most subchorionic hemorrhage goes away on its own, your doctor could suggest changing your routine, such as pelvic rest. If you have an Rh-negative blood type, your doctor may advise obtaining the RhoGam injection to prevent difficulties with subsequent pregnancies.
Foods to heal Subchorionic Hemorrhage
Although there is no known food or diet that can treat subchorionic hemorrhages, there are anecdotal reports of women feeling better after consuming pomegranate juice, green leafy vegetables, and a lot of water.
These allegations could be urban legends even though they haven’t been verified.
There isn’t much you can do to stop subchorionic hemorrhage in pregnancy. However, it is imperative that you continue to be physically healthy when you are pregnant. To be sure of this, you should do as follows.
- Consume small meals frequently to prevent hunger pangs.
- Eat a lot of fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation.
- A lot of water should be consumed to prevent dehydration.
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Singapore
Additional information from Margaux Dolores
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