During my third pregnancy, I progressed well until at 14 weeks, when I noticed regular, daily vaginal bleeding. Amidst the panic, my doctor did an ultrasound and confirmed a case of subchorionic hematoma. This discovery almost threw me into depression as I wasn’t sure if it would affect my baby’s health.
What is a subchorionic hematoma? Is it treatable? Are there natural remedies for subchorionic hematoma?
Based on my experience, I have compiled all about subchorionic hematoma and natural remedies you can use to treat it.
Read on.
Natural Remedies For Subchorionic Hematoma
Various natural treatments for subchorionic hematoma include pelvic rest, relaxing in bed, avoiding sexual intercourse, and minimizing rigorous activities, exercise, and weight lifting.
While most subchorionic hematomas fade naturally with time, home remedies greatly help alleviate the symptoms. Once you’re diagnosed with the condition in pregnancy, you should take ample rest to allow your body to heal.
Progesterone/dydrogesterone therapy and Anti-D immune globulin injections for Rhesus D-negative women are alternative treatments for subchorionic bleeding.
All in all, consult your doctor for advice. Bleeding is not uncommon in pregnancy, so you ought to be cautious. According to the American college of obstetricians and gynecologists, every 15-20 pregnant women experience bleeding during the first trimester. It’s wise to confirm if your vaginal bleeding is normal or a serious health concern.
Causes Of Subchorionic Hematoma
Also known as subchorionic hemorrhage or subchorionic bleeding, it occurs when blood gathers under the chorion membrane. In return, the blood causes the uterus and placenta to separate.
The chorionic membrane plays a vital role in connecting uterine walls to the amniotic sac during pregnancy. It is the special membrane outside the bag that carries amniotic fluid (amniotic sac).
Researchers are in the process of establishing the main cause of subchorionic hematoma. However, some causative factors that may increase the chances of suffering from this condition include:
- Uterine-related Trauma – Accidents such as falls or collisions are fatal as they can cause blood accumulation in various parts of the body, including under your chorionic membrane.
- A history of miscarriage-Women who had miscarriages in the past could be more predisposed to subchorionic bleeding than those who have never had a pregnancy loss.
- Intro Vitro fertilization- Hematoma may occur during the embryo transfer stage in the IVF process. The Frontiers in Endocrinology found subchorionic hematoma prevalence in IVF pregnancies, especially in the first trimester.
- High blood pressure- Hypertension in pregnancy may exert pressure on major organs, including your heart or kidneys. This growing pressure interferes with proper blood flow, leading to subchorionic hematoma.
- A previous history of uterine infections- Urinary tract infections is notorious for causing vaginal bleeding if left untreated. You may be at a higher risk of subchorionic hematoma if you have a previous history of uterine infections,
- Scars from a D&C- Scarring may occur during a dilation and curettage, causing subchorionic bleeding.
9 Natural Treatments for Subchorionic Hematoma
Often subchorionic hematoma heals on its own. Depending on the size, gestation age, severity of bleeding, and Rhesus factor(Blood group, your doctor can easily determine the best remedy. In most cases, it’s not a serious issue that should worry you.
It’s possible to find asymptomatic women suffering from subchorionic hematoma. Nevertheless, vaginal bleeding is the major symptom that may cause complications during pregnancy if not arrested early.
The good news is that it’s possible to achieve a full-term pregnancy successfully while having subchorionic bleeding.
Aside from medical interventions, let’s explore how to naturally heal subchorionic hematoma:
- Bed Rest
Ample rest helps your body heal. Recovery is a gradual process that takes time, take some time off from work, and eventually, the condition will disappear. While resting, experts recommend sleeping on the side with knees and legs slightly bent.
- Avoid Standing for Long Continuous Hours.
Standing may strain your back, abdomen, and uterus. Go slow on your back. Sit down wherever possible and only stand when necessary for minimal hours.
- Reduce the Frequency of Having Sexual Intercourse
While sexual intercourse is OK during pregnancy, avoid it if your doctor confirms subchorionic bleeding until the hemorrhage heals. Sex is a high-energy activity that could worsen the condition.
- Do Follow Up and Checkups, Including Regular Ultrasounds
Subchorionic hematoma isn’t harmful. However, pregnant women with the condition should be extra cautious and keep in contact with the doctor.
Go for checkups and ultrasounds frequently for assessment of the progress of bleeding. That way, it’s easy to detect if the hematoma is subsiding or growing hence taking necessary interventions early.
- Progressive Monitoring for Early Signs of Labour/Contractions
Uterine contractions and vaginal bleeding are the main symptoms of subchorionic bleeding. To be safe, monitor any signs of contractions and premature labour and seek medical attention early.
- Healthy Eating
Healthy eating is therapeutic. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, which are a good source of vitamins necessary for healing
Eat small amounts of food within short intervals. Add fiber-rich foods plus more water to improve indigestion, boost hydration, and curb constipation.
Such diet tweaks make a recovery from subchorionic hematoma faster. Fresh juices especially from pomegranate and citrus fruits help as well.
- Pelvic Rest
A pelvic rest keeps your uterus in a comfortable position. It improves the process of healing.
- Avoid Anxiety and Emotionally Draining Situations.
Healing from any condition could be distressing. Nevertheless, your emotional health is crucial for proper recovery. Quit stressing yourself, fight for your inner peace of mind, and the subchorionic haemorrhage will heal faster.
- Refrain From Exercises, Heavy Lifting
Rigorous activities, including exercises and lifting heavy weights, are not good for someone with chorionic hematoma. Avoid the above until after delivery to minimize the chances of increasing your heart rate and worsening the bleeding.
While using the above effective natural remedies for subchorionic hematoma, you must keep close communication with your doctor.
The majority of women have reported success stories when managing the condition naturally. On the flip side, some have had to use medical interventions. Consult your doctor to know what’s best for you.
Will The Subchorionic Hematoma Harm My Baby?
Mostly subchorionic bleeds aren’t harmful to your baby since they subside independently. However, if they occur during the first trimester or in the first days of the second phase of pregnancy, they may temporarily de-link the placenta from your uterine walls.
Large hematomas are riskier as they can tear the placenta while exerting pressure on the uterus leading to preterm births or, worse, abortions.
Additionally, when hematomas grow, they may cause foetal abnormalities by limiting your baby’s growth. They may also harm you.
Can I Prevent Subchorionic Haemorrhage In Pregnancy?
No. This type of bleeding and clotting isn’t preventable. All you can do is eat healthy foods, attend antenatal appointments/follow-ups and faithfully take your vitamins or supplements.
Not all bleeding in pregnancy should throw you into a panic. Occasional spotting is OK, but it’s better to check with your doctor.
Does Having Subchorionic Bleeding Make My Pregnancy High-Risk?
After diagnosing subchorionic hematoma, your doctor determines if your pregnancy is high-risk or not based on the following factors:
- The age of your foetus- the gestational age of your foetus determines the level of risk. Subchorionic bleeding during the last trimester may not be as fatal as during the first two trimesters. Placental abruption associated with this bleeding takes place in early pregnancy.
- Size of the hematoma- Larger subchorionic hematomas may pose a higher risk, including miscarriage and preterm births, than small-sized ones.
- The severity of your bleeding- Excessive bleeding that goes for a long time calls for urgent medical attention and monitoring.
When Should I Worry About Subchorionic Hematoma?
In most cases, it’s normal to have spotting or occasional bleeding among pregnant women. Subchorionic hematoma isn’t usually serious too. Either way, it pays to stay safe.
You should call your doctor immediately on noticing the below symptoms:
- Abdominal cramping and uterine contractions
- Increased vaginal bleeding
- Other symptoms such as fever or chills in addition to vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness/ fatigue and general body weakness
- Pain around the pelvis area.
How Soon Can A Subchorionic Bleed Heal?
Every person is unique. Pregnant women respond to medical and non-medical subchorionic hematoma treatments differently. While some have had to learn to manage the condition until delivery, most have reported healing within one-two weeks of treatment.
Wrapping Up
If you were diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma, don’t panic. Chances are it will heal itself with time and proper care.
Aside from medical treatments, there are natural remedies for subchorionic hematoma. Taking ample rest, avoiding rigorous activities, eating healthy, going for medical checkups, taking constant ultrasounds and monitoring for contraction or labour signs are ways to manage the condition naturally. Be consistent and patient during the healing process.
Your doctor determines the best treatment method by examining your gestational age, vaginal bleeding severity, and the size of your hematoma. With natural remedies, you should see improvement within 1-2 weeks. If you feel any concerns, contact your doctor for advice.
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