More than 50% of women with subchorionic hematoma experience bleeding; however, some women don’t experience it at all! Well, the bleeding of SCH is quite perplexing because it usually happens in the first two trimesters and is often misdiagnosed.
So, how long does subchorionic bleeding last?
Well, the duration of subchorionic bleeding varies from patient to patient depending upon the size of both the hematoma and gestational sac. You might experience spotting or heavy bleeding for a few weeks which is why SCH is confirmed by radiographic imaging.
In this write-up, you’ll learn all about subchorionic hematoma, its risks, complications, and treatment. So, read on!
Table of Content
What Is Subchorionic Bleeding?
Bleeding in the first and second trimesters is most likely caused due to subchorionic hemorrhage. Usually, women in the second week of pregnancy often experience light spotting called implantation bleed. However, in subchorionic hematoma, the placenta gets detached from its place causing the accumulation of blood under the chorion.
For your information, during pregnancy, your uterus isn’t the only protective case your child is in. In fact, there are multiple protective layers or membranes which not only protect the embryo but also aid in the nutrition process. The outer protective layer is the amnion whereas the inner layer called chorion forms the fetal part of the placenta.
Bleeding due to any reason beneath the chorion leads to the formation of subchorionic hemorrhage which eventually becomes subchorionic hematoma.
What Does Subchorionic Bleeding Look Like?
Nearly 25% of women go through vaginal bleeding during pregnancy which is why it becomes difficult to figure out the underlying cause; however, in the case of subchorionic hematoma you may either experience bleeding or it can be asymptomatic.
Subchorionic bleeding varies from woman to woman with some experiencing heavy bleeding to spotting and some having no bleeding at all! This is why it becomes difficult to diagnose; however, asymptomatic hematomas are caught during ultrasounds. The discharge can be pink, red, or brown and such hematomas shrink naturally.
Subchorionic Hematoma Size Chart
The size of subchorionic hematoma holds a significant position in radiological studies to analyze the extent of treatment and care needed. The characteristic radiographic features of a subchorionic hematoma include
- Crescent-shaped bleeding
- Slight elevation of the chorion
- Sometimes hematoma moves near to the placental margin
The size is usually determined while comparing it to the size of the gestational sac. When the hematoma is greater than half of the size of the gestational sac, then it is considered large.
| Size | Comparison With The Sac |
| Small | Less than 20% of the size of the sac |
| Medium | 20-50% of the size of the sac |
| Large | More than 50% of the size of the sac |
What Irritates a Subchorionic Hematoma?
Many women ask, is subchorionic bleeding normal? Any type of bleeding is a sign of underlying hematoma which is definitely an abnormality; however, it’s not that every subchorionic hematoma will make you lose your baby! A timely diagnosis and treatment can solve all the problems.
Along with treatment, you must take the following things by yourself:
- Consume a balanced diet full of fiber to avoid constipation
- Keep yourself fully hydrated
- Avoid heavy workouts
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- Don’t lift heavy objects
- Sleep on your side
How Long Does Subchorionic Bleeding Last During Pregnancy?
The maximum chances for a subchorionic hematoma to occur are between 10 to 20 weeks accompanied either by spotting/heavy bleeding or no bleeding at all. Pregnant women usually misunderstand it with normal vaginal bleeding; however, ultrasound serves as a key factor in its diagnosis.
So, how long do subchorionic hematomas last? Usually, the bleeding lasts for a few weeks and the hematoma heals naturally. The bleeding often extends till the second trimester and you may experience it periodically.
There isn’t any specific duration for the subchorionic bleeding to last. It all depends upon the size of the hematoma, the size of the gestational sac, and maternal health. Women bleed on and off when having SCH with increased bleeding after using the washroom.
The bleeding can either be pinkish, red, or brown spots or heavy bleeding. The trickiest SCH diagnosis is when there is no bleeding at all. An ultrasound helps in finding out such hematomas which if small in size can disappear naturally over time whereas large ones can often be problematic.
Signs Subchorionic Hematoma Resolving
Another common query is, how long does it take for a subchorionic bleed to resolve? Well, it all depends upon the size of your hematoma. Usually, such hematomas go away on their own because there isn’t any way to treat them. Some common signs are:
- Reduction in bleeding
- Radiographic scans show a reduction in size
- Reduced cramps
- Reduced pelvic pain
When they start healing, you’ll see a significant reduction in bleeding which mostly happens naturally. However, by avoiding stress, and not standing for long hours, avoiding physical activities can help in fast healing.
So, how do you know when a subchorionic hemorrhage is gone? You’ll experience a prominent change in bleeding. A significant reduction in bleeding is the best sign to make you aware that subchorionic hematoma is resolving.
Subchorionic Hematoma Bleeding vs Miscarriage?
Having a subchorionic hematoma doesn’t mean you’ll miscarry the baby; however, this doesn’t deny the fact that it can rarely happen!
According to research, 13/44 women which mean approximately 30% of the women experienced miscarriage. Moreover, the greater the mother’s age, the more the chances of miscarriages are. Following are the parameters to judge fetal survival,
- Age of gestational sac
- Mother’s age
- Size of hematoma
- Other complications during pregnancy
So, is subchorionic bleeding dangerous? Usually, small hematomas go away on their own and cause no harm to the fetus. On the contrary, large hematomas require more medical care.
How to Shrink a Subchorionic Hematoma
There isn’t any direct treatment to heal subchorionic hematoma, it naturally goes away in a few weeks. However, you can ease the healing process by taking precautions, avoiding heavy lifting, stress, intense workout sessions, and standing for a longer duration.
Doctors try to reduce bleeding and prevent miscarriages by various methods such as prescribing patients dydrogesterone therapy to avoid miscarriages. Research shows the significance of alpha-lipoic acid in healing hematoma.
Moreover, women often inquire about foods to heal subchorionic hemorrhage. Well, there is no fixed diet to help you shrink or resolve the hematoma but it can boost healing. So, avoid foods that can cause abdominal discomfort and increase your water, fiber, and healthy food intake.
Can a Subchorionic Bleed Come Back?
Well, there are cases of recurrent subchorionic hematomas but not every woman goes through the same process. Moreover, during pregnancy, your doctor always keeps a check on fetal health by regular ultrasounds and other tests. Hence, any hematoma can be easily diagnosed with the help of ultrasounds, and taking precautions earlier can help in the healthy delivery of the fetus.
Final Verdict
You must’ve now got the answer to the question, how long does subchorionic bleeding last? In a nutshell, subchorionic bleeding ranges from mild spotting to heavy bleeding whereas in some cases there is no bleeding. Moreover, there isn’t any fixed duration for the bleeding to stop and it might continue till your second trimester.
The healing can be judged by a reduction in bleeding and the size of the hematoma. Subchorionic bleeding isn’t likely to cause miscarriage mostly but there are rare chances of miscarriage if the hematoma is large-sized, the mother is old-aged, or if there is any complication during pregnancy.
FAQs
Let’s check out some of the frequently asked questions on subchorionic hematoma and bleeding.
How Much Bleeding Is Normal With Subchorionic Hemorrhage?
The bleeding of SCH makes it difficult to get diagnosed because it varies individually. Some women experience mild spotting whereas others have to bear heavy bleeding along with cramps. On the other hand, there are patients with SCH who don’t experience any symptoms or bleeding. Hence, the normal bleeding amount is different for every patient.
Is It Good to Bleed Out a Subchorionic Hematoma?
Bleeding is always considered problematic but when it comes to SCH, bleeding is normal and isn’t something to be bothered about. Such bleeding if heavy can also make you suffer from pain and cramps. It ends within a few weeks mostly during the second trimester.
What Causes Subchorionic Hemorrhages to Get Bigger?
When the placental connection becomes detached from the fetus, it leads to the growth of the hematoma. Large hematomas are a threat to a fetus’s life because the increase in size compresses the gestational sac to an extent that the membranes rupture and it ends up as a spontaneous abortion.
What Should I Avoid With a Subchorionic Hematoma?
If you’re having a subchorionic hematoma during pregnancy, then you must follow the precautionary guideline to avoid the risk of miscarriages which includes avoiding sexual intercourse, heavy physical activity such as workouts, standing for longer durations, lifting heavy objects, and consuming fiber-less food.
