Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH)
When I was 12 weeks along, I had an episode of heavy bright red bleeding — what turned out to be a subchorionic hemorrhage. I instantly thought the worst but immediately headed to the ER.
There they did an Ultrasound and we learned baby still had a heartbeat and was doing fine but that I had something called a subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH) that was 7cmx1cm. The doctor said this is larger than they normally see but that they usually resolved on their own. They told me to monitor my bleeding and call OB in the morning.
Over night I had a lot more bleeding and was so terrified I had done something to cause this. I never filled more than 1 pad over night and the bleeding tapered off over the next few days. I made an appointment to see my OB 2 weeks after the initial bleed to check on the Subchorionic Hemorrhage and see how baby was doing.
Over the next few weeks I didn’t have anymore heavy bleeding but had a few days a light spotting which they said is expected. When I went in for my appointment to check on baby and the SCH, baby had a strong heartbeat and everything was looking great!
Being a labor and delivery nurse I didn’t have a ton of experience with SCH as they usually happen on first trimester and we don’t see patients till their 20 weeks on LND and their SCH has usually resolved by then.
So I did tons of research and reached out to my provider friends. I learned that Subchorionic Hemorrhage can happen in around 1% of pregnancies but that most of the time they cause no issue and sometimes don’t even cause vaginal bleeding! Sometimes they can put you at an increase risk of things like preterm labor or placental abruption but usually everything resolves and pregnancy continues as normal.
What is Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH)?
Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH) is a common condition that occurs in pregnancy.
It refers to bleeding that happens between the placenta and the uterine wall, resulting in a blood clot formation.
Although SCH can cause anxiety and concern for pregnant women, it is usually not harmful to the baby and resolves on its own.
Are you expecting a new addition to your family soon? Do you feel anxious and overwhelmed? Do you want to feel empowered and informed during your childbirth journey?
Join MamasteFit’s Childbirth Education course today and learn everything you need to know about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
Learn the science of pregnancy and birth to take the mystery of labor away! Understand why you are feeling what you feel, and learn strategies to confidently move through pregnancy and birth!
- 9 hours of on-demand video
- Lifetime Access of E-Course
- Watch on Mobile Device
What are The Symptoms and Causes of Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH)?
Symptoms of SCH can include vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and cramping. However, in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. It is essential to seek medical attention if any bleeding or pain occurs during pregnancy, as these can be signs of a serious complication.
The causes of SCH are not entirely clear, but some factors that may contribute to its development include genetic abnormalities, smoking, advanced maternal age, and trauma. Pregnant women who have SCH may be advised to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity, as this can exacerbate bleeding.
Treatment for Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH)
Treatment for SCH is generally supportive and depends on the severity of the condition. Bed rest, avoiding intercourse, and avoiding heavy lifting may be recommended. In some cases, medication or surgery may be necessary to manage the bleeding.
FAQs About Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH):
Can a baby survive a subchorionic hemorrhage?
Yes, in most cases, a baby can survive a subchorionic hemorrhage. The condition is typically not harmful to the baby and resolves on its own without causing any lasting effects.
How serious is subchorionic hemorrhage?
SCH can be concerning for pregnant women, but it is generally not a serious condition. However, in rare cases, it can lead to complications such as premature labor or miscarriage.
Is subchorionic hemorrhage high risk pregnancy?
While subchorionic hemorrhage is not always considered a high-risk pregnancy, it can increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage and premature labor. Pregnant women with SCH may need closer monitoring and more frequent ultrasounds to ensure that the condition is properly managed.
What are the chances of miscarriage with subchorionic hematoma?
The risk of miscarriage with subchorionic hematoma depends on the severity of the condition. In general, the risk of miscarriage is higher in cases where the hematoma is large or causes significant bleeding.
Does Subchorionic bleed cause a miscarriage?
While subchorionic bleed does not always cause a miscarriage, it can increase the risk of miscarriage in some cases. Pregnant women with subchorionic bleed may need closer monitoring and more frequent ultrasounds to ensure that the condition is properly managed.
Should I be on bed rest with subchorionic hemorrhage?
Bed rest may be recommended for pregnant women with subchorionic hemorrhage, especially if the condition is severe or causing significant bleeding. However, the need for bed rest depends on the individual case, and pregnant women should follow their doctor’s recommendations.
Can you go full term with subchorionic hemorrhage?
Yes, it is possible to go full term with subchorionic hemorrhage. The condition typically resolves on its own without causing any lasting effects on the pregnancy or the baby.
What causes a subchorionic hemorrhage in early pregnancy?
The exact cause of is not always clear, but it may be related to genetic abnormalities, smoking, advanced maternal age, trauma, or other factors.
How long does it take for a subchorionic hemorrhage to heal?
The healing time can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In general, smaller hematomas may resolve within a few weeks, while larger ones may take several months to heal.
What makes subchorionic hemorrhage worse?
Stress, physical activity, and sexual intercourse can exacerbate subchorionic hemorrhage and make it worse. Pregnant women with the condition may be advised to take it easy and avoid activities that could worsen bleeding.
What is the difference between SCH and PPH?
Subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) are two different conditions that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
SCH is a condition that occurs during early pregnancy when there is bleeding between the uterine wall and the placenta. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, infection, or trauma. SCH is usually not serious and resolves on its own without causing any lasting effects on the pregnancy or the baby.
PPH, on the other hand, is a condition that occurs after childbirth, where excessive bleeding occurs from the uterus. It can be caused by a number of factors such as an enlarged uterus, trauma during childbirth, or complications during the third stage of labor. PPH is a serious condition that can lead to maternal death if not treated promptly.
Can You Go Full Term With a Subchorionic Hemorrhage??
In conclusion, Subchorionic Hemorrhage (SCH) is a condition that occurs in pregnancy and is characterized by bleeding between the placenta and uterine wall. Although it can be concerning, SCH is usually not harmful to the baby and resolves on its own. Pregnant women who experience any bleeding or pain should seek medical attention to ensure that the condition is managed appropriately.