Can a Subchorionic Hematoma Come Back? Detailed Discussion

Can Subchorionic Hematoma Come Back?

A Subchorionic Hematoma (SCH) is not typical during pregnancy but many women can suffer from them. Causing undue stress and anxiety you are praying that it heals and goes away but can a subchorionic hematoma go away and come back?

Sadly due to the nature of SCH, Subchorionic Hematoma can return but it doesn’t mean it is the end of your pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Bleeding

Pregnancy is a magical experience, your body is creating a life. We associate the absence of vaginal bleeding with pregnancy however in some cases women can face unexpected blood loss for many reasons. Having a bleed can leave you feeling as if miscarriage is inevitable but this is not always the case.

A Subchorionic Hematoma (SCH) is one type of bleeding that can leave you feeling scared about the future of your pregnancy but it doesn’t mean your pregnancy is failing. If you ever find you are bleeding during your pregnancy then always consult a doctor.

What is a Subchorionic Hematoma?

A Subchorionic Hematoma is when a blood bubble forms between your uterine lining and the Chorion or near the placenta. Having a bleed caused by a subchorionic hematoma can be light spotting to a fairly heavy loss as your pregnancy progresses. General movement and growth can increase the chances of the blood bubble rupturing.

I like to think of them as big bruises. When we bruise, blood forms and gathers under the skin making it look purple or red. If you cut the skin you bleed. If you have a subchorionic hematoma then this is a similar pattern.

Depending on the size of the hematoma will depend on how much blood loss you may suffer, many women suffer none at all.

Chances of Getting a Subchorionic Hematoma

Subchorionic bleeds are more prevalent in IVF pregnancies although they can occur in all women. It is estimated that 10% of pregnancies have a bleed due to a subchorionic hematoma.

During an ultrasound, the sonographer will check the uterine walls as well as your baby to clarify if there is any cause for concern. Generally, most hematomas are small and only cause light spotting to light bleeding so there is usually no cause for concern.

Subchorionic Hematoma Signs and Symptoms

As mentioned many women can continue their pregnancy without knowing they have a subchorionic hematoma at all. They are unlikely to cause you pain however the biggest concern for many expectant moms is the blood loss.

The loss of blood can be anything from light to what is described as a gush. From observing my sister’s loss it was incredible the sheer amount of clots and blood that was freely pouring from her. A very scary time indeed.

Losing blood at any point in your pregnancy can have alarm bells ringing. We anticipate light spotting in the implantation phase but as your pregnancy progresses it can catch you totally off guard to find you need to dig out your sanitary towels.

If you are bleeding enough to fill a sanitary pad then you must seek medical attention.

My sister is 30 weeks pregnant with her second IVF pregnancy. It was around the 8/9 week mark when she phoned me hysterical, she was bleeding. When I arrived at her home I noticed that this bleed wasn’t light spotting, it was loads! Losing clots it looked like the start of a miscarriage.

After having an ultrasound the sonographer was pleased to say that her little bean had a strong heartbeat and the bleed was due to the very large subchorionic hematoma.

No one can prepare you for moments like these, I honestly thought that my future niece/nephew couldn’t have held on through the waterfall loss but it is just proof that many women continue to have healthy babies delivered at full term.

Will My Baby Be At Risk for Subchorionic Hematoma?

Typically when you have a subchorionic hematoma your baby will not be harmed. It is common for many women to not even realize they have a hematoma especially if they are small. A woman’s body can absorb it without any cause for concern yet if you do have a fairly large hematoma the blood loss that you could suffer isn’t thought to pose any great risk.

Obviously, this would be dependent on the position of the hematoma and whether it is growing alongside your pregnancy.

When to Consult a Doctor

It is imperative that you consult a medical professional if you notice even the slightest amount of bleeding.

We have discovered already that you can suffer from a subchorionic hematoma and still continue with a healthy pregnancy however you will need a doctor’s advice on the best way to treat a hematoma.

Treatment

To diagnose a hematoma you will be referred for an emergency ultrasound scan. This is for the doctor to get a clearer picture of what is going on inside your uterus.

Once the sonographer identifies where the hematoma is and its size they will suggest treatment options.

In many cases your body will absorb the blood bubble and you will be totally unaware it has gone but in some cases, usually if the hematoma is large you could be put on activity restriction also known as bed rest. Intercourse during this time is also to be avoided in order to prevent a further bleed.

You may also be advised to avoid exercise and standing for long periods. This may hinder the possibility of continuing your usual activities such as working (depending on your job) and if you have other children you may need support when looking after them.

But can a subchorionic hematoma return even after treatment? Unfortunately, there is a small chance of it recurring or causing another bleed which is why it is so important that you follow the treatment plan set out by your doctor.

Will I Have Another Subchorionic Hematoma?

Subchorionic bleeding is not deemed as normal in pregnancy therefore being under supervision with your OBGYN is pivotal to aid the continuation of your pregnancy even though it isn’t considered an immediate risk. You could be questioning  Can a Subchorionic Hematoma Come Back? Unfortunately, there is a chance that your hematoma could return as your pregnancy continues.

There is no definitive answer whether it will return or not but if it does then you could be classed as having a high risk pregnancy. The best advice would be to come from your doctor, follow all their treatment recommendations, and have in your heart that the worst doesn’t always happen.

Could a Subchorionic Hematoma Lead to Miscarriage?

There is a slight risk that subchorionic Hematomas can impact whether you miscarry. Most of the time your body will absorb the bleeding or expel it without any harm being done to you or your baby.

My sister is proof that even with a big bleed it doesn’t necessarily end in a loss of a child. But can a subchorionic hematoma happen again? Well yes, my sisters subchorionic hematoma was above her embryo meaning another large bleed could flush away her little bean.

It is agonizing to go through this during any stage of your pregnancy but have faith that your baby is a strong little one and will hold on. Thankfully after the big loss, my sister had another ultrasound a few weeks later and it had shrunk significantly.

Every woman has a fear of miscarriage and whether you have a bleed or not, the anxiety of knowing there’s something unusual sharing your uterus space can be unnerving.

If you have suffered extreme blood loss during your pregnancy seek reassurance that you will be closely monitored for the duration of your pregnancy. The doctors know the best course of treatment and action to take.

Other Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy

Of Course there could be times when your blood loss is because of something other than a hematoma. 

• Ectopic pregnancy
• Miscarriage 
• Implantation
• Intercourse
• Placenta conditions
• Infection

In the event you notice even the slightest amount of blood loss you must seek medical advice. You will be assessed and the right course of action will be taken to ensure you receive the best possible care.

Wrapping Up

Can a Subchorionic Hematoma Come Back?  Yes, there have been women who have suffered more than one subchorionic hematoma during a single pregnancy. This is not to say that you will be a part of this category.

Please don’t fret if you have any blood loss. I know this is a stressful time and you may feel like your world is falling apart but keep in mind it doesn’t always mean it’s the end.