What Is a Subchorionic Haematoma? Could It Affect My Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, especially in the early stages, there are many terms and conditions that might sound unfamiliar and, at times, concerning. One of these conditions is subchorionic haematoma, a relatively common occurrence that can cause some anxiety for expectant parents. But what is a subchorionic haematoma, and how might it affect your pregnancy? In this article, we’ll dive into what this condition is, how it’s diagnosed, and whether it could have an impact on your pregnancy. Plus, we’ll discuss the importance of maintaining regular antenatal appointments and seeking proper antenatal care throughout your journey to parenthood.

What Is a Subchorionic Haematoma?

A subchorionic haematoma refers to the accumulation of blood between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane (the outermost membrane surrounding the embryo). Essentially, it’s a blood clot that forms within the layers of the placenta, typically at the edge of where the placenta attaches to the uterine lining. It is one of the most common causes of bleeding in early pregnancy, affecting around 1% of all pregnancies [source: NHS].

While the sight of blood during pregnancy can be alarming, especially in the first trimester, many women with subchorionic haematomas go on to have healthy pregnancies. The key is to ensure consistent monitoring and antenatal support from your healthcare provider, as they can help assess the size of the haematoma and how it might impact your pregnancy.

Causes of Subchorionic Haematomas

The exact cause of subchorionic haematomas is not always clear, but they are thought to occur when the placenta slightly detaches from the uterine wall, causing blood to pool in the space created. This detachment can happen for a number of reasons, including:

Implantation bleeding: When the fertilised egg attaches to the uterine wall, a small amount of blood may accumulate between the membranes, leading to a haematoma.

Placental abnormalities: In some cases, structural issues with the placenta may contribute to the formation of a subchorionic haematoma.

Trauma or injury: Although rare, physical trauma or injury to the abdomen could potentially cause a haematoma to form.

It’s important to remember that a subchorionic haematoma isn’t usually caused by anything you’ve done, and it’s not necessarily a sign that something is wrong with your pregnancy. However, regular monitoring through antenatal scans and checkups can help your healthcare provider manage the situation.

Symptoms of a Subchorionic Haematoma

The most common symptom of a subchorionic haematoma is vaginal bleeding. The bleeding can range from light spotting to heavier bleeding, and it may be accompanied by abdominal cramps. Some women may experience no symptoms at all, and the haematoma is only discovered during a routine antenatal appointment or scan.

If you do notice any bleeding during pregnancy, it’s essential to seek advice from your healthcare provider. While bleeding can sometimes be harmless, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out, as it could indicate a range of issues, including a subchorionic haematoma.

Diagnosing a Subchorionic Haematoma

A subchorionic haematoma is usually diagnosed during an ultrasound scan, which is typically performed during one of your regular antenatal checkups. The ultrasound allows the sonographer to see the location and size of the haematoma. In some cases, the haematoma may resolve on its own without causing any further issues, but in other cases, further monitoring or interventions may be necessary.

Your healthcare provider will use these antenatal scans to keep a close eye on the haematoma and ensure it doesn’t grow larger or cause any complications. They may also recommend additional scans to monitor the health of your baby and the placenta over time.

Could a Subchorionic Haematoma Affect My Pregnancy?

The impact of a subchorionic haematoma on your pregnancy largely depends on its size, location, and whether it grows over time. For most women, the haematoma is small and will either resolve on its own or remain stable without causing any further problems. In these cases, the pregnancy continues normally, and no additional interventions are required.

However, larger haematomas, particularly those that grow or are located near the placenta, can pose a greater risk. Some potential complications include:

Increased risk of miscarriage: In rare cases, a large subchorionic haematoma can lead to pregnancy loss, particularly if it causes the placenta to detach further from the uterine wall.

Preterm labour: If a haematoma continues to grow during the later stages of pregnancy, it may increase the risk of preterm labour or complications during delivery.

Placental abruption: This occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can result in significant bleeding and require emergency intervention.

It’s important to note that these complications are relatively uncommon, and many women with subchorionic haematomas go on to have healthy pregnancies. Maintaining regular pregnancy clinic visits and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider will help to ensure the best possible outcome.

Treatment and Management

The treatment for subchorionic haematomas depends on the size and location of the haematoma, as well as how far along you are in your pregnancy. In many cases, no specific treatment is needed, and the haematoma will be closely monitored through antenatal checkups.

Your healthcare provider may recommend some lifestyle adjustments to help manage the condition, such as:

Rest and reduced activity: While complete bed rest isn’t usually necessary, your doctor may advise you to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or other activities that could put additional strain on the pregnancy.

Avoiding sexual intercourse: In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest abstaining from sex for a period of time to reduce the risk of further irritation or bleeding.

Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help to maintain good overall health and may prevent further complications.

In rare cases where the haematoma is large or poses a risk to the pregnancy, your healthcare provider may suggest additional interventions or closer monitoring to ensure the health of both you and your baby.

Maintaining a Healthy Pregnancy with a Subchorionic Haematoma

If you’ve been diagnosed with a subchorionic haematoma, it’s important to take extra care of yourself and follow the advice of your healthcare provider. Regular antenatal care is essential, as it allows your doctor or midwife to monitor your condition and take action if needed.

In addition to attending your antenatal appointments, there are a few other ways you can help support a healthy pregnancy:

Prenatal vitamins: Taking the recommended antenatal vitamins, such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin D, can support your baby’s development and reduce the risk of complications.

Gentle exercise: While strenuous activity may not be advisable, gentle forms of exercise such as antenatal yoga or yoga during pregnancy can help to keep you active and improve circulation. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine.

Relaxation during pregnancy: Stress can affect your health, so finding ways to relax is important. Consider booking a prenatal massage or attending pregnancy yoga classes to help manage stress and promote a sense of well-being.

Stay informed: Attending antenatal classes near me can help you feel more prepared for the weeks and months ahead. These classes offer valuable antenatal education on labour, birth, and how to care for your baby after delivery.

A subchorionic haematoma can sound intimidating, but with proper antenatal care and regular monitoring, many women with this condition go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. It’s important to attend all of your antenatal checkups, follow your healthcare provider’s advice, and take steps to maintain your health throughout your pregnancy.

If you experience any bleeding or other symptoms during pregnancy, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or midwife for guidance. With the right support and care, you can navigate the challenges of pregnancy and look forward to meeting your little one.