Learn about the causes of subchorionic hemorrhages or subchorionic hematomas.
Learn about the causes of subchorionic hemorrhages and how they can be treated.
What Causes Subchorionic Hemorrhage in Pregnancy?
Nothing is scarier in pregnancy than bleeding. Seeing bright red blood during a time when there shouldn’t be any can be heartbreaking and cause a lot of anxiety.
During my fourth pregnancy with my rainbow baby, I started to bleed heavily. I had just had an ultrasound that day and the baby appeared fine, but the blood made me feel otherwise. I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hemorrhage, also known as a subchorionic hematoma, as I explained in this post. I was 13 weeks pregnant at the time, and very scared and confused.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage Symptoms
The most common symptoms of subchorionic hemorrhage is unexpected bleeding. The bleeding can range from spotting to heavy bleeding with clots.
Most of the time, there are no other symptoms. Some women report cramping, but it doesn’t always occur.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage Causes
I did what every other woman who has had the condition does: I googled what causes subchorionic hemorrhage in pregnancy (you better believe I did a ton of research!) The results were disappointing. Why?
This is my best illustration of what my subchorionic hemorrhage is.
Turns out, no one really knows what causes a subchorionic hemorrhage in pregnancy.
Here are some possibilities though:
- Separation of the fertilized egg from the uterine wall during implantation, causing a bleed or hemorrhage to form.
- Extreme trauma to the mother’s abdomen, caused by an accident of some sort, may lead to bleeding.
- Drug use by the mother during early pregnancy.
- Issues with blood coagulation during early pregnancy.
Doesn’t really give you much to work with, does it?
Of course, I have come up with my own possible causes that I’m applying only to me:
- Lifting incredibly heavy objects (I may have helped my husband move some very heavy furniture during week 12)
- Scarring from D&C from previous miscarriage (read that story here)
Other than that, my doctor says it could have happened from anything or nothing.
Does anyone else think they need to do a bit more research on this??
Subchorionic Hemorrhage Treatment
Unfortunately, you’re not going to find a clear-cut an answer for treatments of subchorionic hemorrhage either. There is no cure for a subchorionic hemorrhage as of yet.
Doctors may or may not suggest the following treatments, depending on your situation:
- Rest whenever possible. This is usually for working women or for women with other little kiddos to care for at home.
- Pelvic rest. Sorry gents, but your ladies aren’t going to be able to spend quality time with you for a while. Pelvic rest is suggested to prevent orgasms from causing the uterine wall to contract, possibly making the bleeding worse.
- Bed rest. Doctors are less likely to suggest this unless you have extreme bleeding or you are in danger of preterm labor. Another reason to suggest bed rest would be that the subchorionic hemorrhage is growing.
- No lifting above 10 lbs. This is so that there is no strain to cause the hemorrhage to bleed more or to grow.
Other than that, not much more can be done. I have found some really outdated sites saying that baby aspirin is prescribed or even hormones to help the pregnancy, but nothing else backs this up.
I have, however, found some women saying in some of the baby forums (yep, I read those too!) that they were told to drink more water. While it may seem dumb to say that, it actually isn’t. Ever experience cramping or contractions because you were dehydrated? Makes total sense to drink more water, and on top of that, to keep your belly satisfied since hunger can also cause cramps.
What Can Doctors Do for Subchorionic Hemorrhages?
To monitor the subchorionic hemorrhage, multiple ultrasounds are performed to check the size and location. Usually, these ultrasounds are done every 1-2 weeks so that doctors can check that the baby is growing well.
Your doctor may also refer you to a maternal fetal medicine specialist, who will also monitor the hemorrhage and the baby.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage Pregnancy Outcome
Thankfully, everything I’ve read has given me positive outcomes for subchorionic hemorrhage. Most of the time, the subchorionic hemorrhage either bleeds out or reabsorbs into the body. Babies are born healthy and on time.
Other times, the subchorionic hemorrhage either stays put or grows along with the baby. In some cases, if it grows too large, it may cause preterm birth as it basically pushes the baby out.
Unfortunately some women may lose their pregnancy, especially if the hemorrhage is underneath the placenta and causes the placenta to separate from the uterine wall. If that is the case for you, don’t panic, because I have read many positive outcomes for this type of hemorrhage too!
Hope
If anything, reading so many positive stories of other pregnant women with subchorionic hemorrhages has given me hope, and I hope that gives you hope as well.
So What Happened?
Having the SCH was probably the scariest thing that ever happened to me in all of my pregnancies. I am thankful to be able to say that I had a very positive outcome. My SCH was undetectable via ultrasound between weeks 17-19. I had no other episodes after that. My baby girl was born healthy and happy in late December 2015.
I still think about it from time to time, as it was a very traumatic experience for me. It was one of the scariest experiences I faced, and to this day I believe I have a mild form of PTSD from it.
If you feel scared and anxious, it is completely normal. Please speak with your doctor about ways to cope with the emotions you feel. Speak with your family and friends for support. Try not to spend too much time googling about it.
If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!
I wish all the best for you and your baby!
If you know of anyone who would benefit from reading this, please share it! Thanks!
Parijat says
Thanks for writing this post! This is such a great resource for moms who have just been diagnosed with an SCH! I would love to add too that in addition to all of the great tips you suggested, keeping your stress and anxiety low is super important! Stress is actually a not very commonly discussed but common risk factor for uterine contractions and as you know so well contractions can cause you to bleed too. Things like talking to friends and family, deep breathing, meditation, progressive relaxation and laughing (!) are great stress-reducing activities to try. If none of those work well enough, a trained professional can also help! Wishing you quiet days ahead and that your SCH resolves on its own!
Marissa says
Thanks for the tips and for the well wishes! 🙂
Mai T. says
This is such an informative post. I need to share to my friends. Thanks for the info-graphic.
Rachel Alba says
I think it’s great that you post these things that happen to you. It must really help someone else who may be going through the same thing.
I learn a lot just reading your hubs. In my pregnancy days, there was not internet to go to, to look things up. I do believe God gave you a healthy body and I pray for you and your little one still growing every day. I always do for expecting moms that I’m aware of. But just to be on the safe side, try to get as much rest as you can.
Aunt Rachel
Kristin K says
Thanks for the information!!! My sister is 6 months pregnant, and still wants to do everything for herself…although she is careful not to over do it! Her husband is pretty good at not letting her go beyond what she thinks she can do!
krystel says
very great information vert great post as well thanks for sharing
anne mission says
Thanks marissa for sharing your experience i also experiensing the same in my 15weeks of my pregnancy tell now praying ang hoping that my baby is healthy and safe.
Stephanie says
Thank you. Thank you! I had a SCH also, my bleeding as subsided and I am 19 weeks now. All my ultrasoundstuff look good, I was also trying to research SCH, your post was very helpful
Marissa says
Best wishes with the rest of your pregnancy!
Chrystal says
Noticed your blog is 2015, what happen after that? Any positive update to share with us?
Marissa says
Hi Chrystal, yes, I do have a positive outcome! The SCH was gone by 17-19 weeks according to ultrasound. I’m typing this as I am holding my now almost 3 month old daughter, born without complications. Thanks for asking!
nora says
thank u so much u have been so helpful with your writing me also have subchorionic hemorrhage and Im 6weeks i wish u to have your baby well and healthy and me too God bless u .
Wendy says
Hello. I recently list my fourth pregnancy due to a subchorionic hemmorage on March 5th. I have three healthy daughters ages 5,10,and almost 16. It devastated my husband and I. I went into labor and actually delivered our son at 16 weeks gestation. He had a heartbeat for two hours after. I had to be rushed to surgery to remove the placenta as it was stuck and causing extreme bleeding. Autopsy came back and there were no infections or anything to cause the loss baby myself and my husband had no issues and baby was genetically perfect. No one an tell me why it happened or what caused it. They saw evidence of a subchorionic hemmorage plus I’d been bleeding for over two weeks with a few episodes of very heavy bleeding. They say the bleeding irritated the uterus causing it to contract so much I delivered my son. Three days before I’d gone into my regular hospital with terrible cramping and bleeding only to pass a bunch of clots but did not lose the baby then. During this whole ordeal my obgyn office would not mark this as a high risk pregnancy and not once had me see an actual obgyn dr. Their policy is midwives unless a pregnancy is high risk. Well due tony age, 37 and the bleeding I’d say it wAs pretty high risk. The whole time they kept sending me to the ER in a seperate hospital from l&d, for the bleeding, not once did they see me in l&d or keep me for observation. I only found out about it maybe being a SH from my sister in law who had one during her third pregnancy. I even told the midwives and ER this and asked them to check but they just blew me off. All I know is my son is gone and no one can tell me why. When I had cramping and bleeding three days after I’d last been sent to the ER by my midwife I decided to go to a different hospital 20 miles away because I was tired of my obgyn brushing off my concerns, and just sending me to the ER who just sent me home. Finally I got real help from an actual obgyn but it was too late and I lost our son. They said it was due to a SH that was under the left side of the placenta. The bleeding irritated my uterus to the point I went into labor. Still dunno why they say they could not have stopped the labor. I remember at about 7 months pregnant with my youngest I was in a car accident that caused preterm labor which they stopped by injecting me with something. Dunno why they couldn’t do it with this pregnancy! I’m just so mad and sad at the same time and scared to death it will happen again. I think I might already be pregnant again And am so scared and upset it will happen again. The loss hit my husband very hard… It would have been his first child. I don’t even want to tell him I’m pregnant for worry it will get his hopes up and will end the same.
Marissa says
Wendy, I’m so sorry for your loss. How difficult the entire ordeal must have been for you! It’s unfortunate that many doctors still do not understand the causes of the hemorrhaging or how to stop it. I don’t believe the shot would have stopped labor as the placenta was detatching, but certainly they could have put you on bedrest and monitored the bleeding or even given an ultrasound to see where it was coming from.
I’m not an expert about the condition, but I do believe that it doesn’t happen with every pregnancy even after you have one. I suggest waiting a little while before trying to have another baby to give your body some time to heal properly, and I also suggest finding another OBGYN as this one clearly did not take your concerns seriously. I wish you all the best.
Christina Soto says
Omg that is such a sad story and I am incredibly sorry for your loss!! Hopefully your family heals from this and you’re able to all celebrate the rainbow baby! I had a SCH detected at 18 weeks and the first ER informed me that since baby was not yet “viable” they could do nothing to stop the labor if I began contractions and could not use medical interventions if I delivered before 23 weeks. I went to the closest ER that night since my OB office is 40 minutes away but I am blessed enough to have an awesome OB though who immediately after leaving that ER had me come down to the hospital she delivers at and put me in L&D after pulling some strings. The nurses kept commenting that they weren’t sure what to do since nobody so early ever was admitted into L&D and usually I’d be going to the ER of the hospital. I’d start interviewing and researching doctors that will take your concerns seriously if you don’t feel comfortable with the decision making of your current OB. I am now under the care of both my regular OB and a high risk OB on indefinite bedrest following a week-long hospital stay and have reached viability stage.
Stay strong! Even both of my OBs are unsure of why I am having SCH (I have 2 large ones now,) They have both said, sometimes it just happens but doing anything strenuous or causing uterine contractions can for sure make it worse. Take it easy and if you switch doctors be sure to let them know about what happened, in detail, how it ended and how it made you feel when you weren’t treated as you and your child should have been. Best of luck!
Marissa says
Sorry you’re experiencing SCH! That’s great advice about finding a new doctor if you’re not satisfied with the first one. Thankfully my baby girl was born 6 months ago happy and healthy. I hope you too have the same outcome!
Annmaree Pearce says
I’m very sorry this happened to you. This also just happened to my daughter a week ago-losing her bub at 12 weeks. Her SCH was huge, and baby did not stand a chance. Bleeding and clotting for 4 weeks (wks 8-12), and numerous u/sounds. She passed numerous clots, and baby did not survive.
I’m angry with the Drs. they just didn’t tell her what might happen they just danced around the issue. We had to put it together ourselves.
My heart goes out to you xx
Marissa says
I’m so sorry your daughter had to experience an SCH and a loss. I don’t think that all Drs know enough about SCHs and what to say about them. I wish more studies were done.
Valerie says
I cannot thank you enough for this. It is very helpful and the best I have read on the subject.
carmen says
Thank you for that! thanks for taking the time to do this.
You don’t know how good it feels to read this!
Sarah says
Thanks for this! As i experience now a SCH im 8weeks preggy! Im hoping for the positive outcome of my baby!
Tabitha says
I have placenta previa and I just found out that where I was bleeding really bad it caused hemorrhage a pocket of blood I’m only 16 weeks and 5 days I’m really scared what’s going to happen
Marissa says
Hi Tabitha, I’m so sorry you have to go through that right now. Based on what I know of placenta previa, most of the bleeding is coming from the placenta covering the cervix. It’s slightly possible that the placenta could move before your delivery, but if it doesn’t you may need a C-section. Without knowing where the pocket of blood has accumulated, I don’t really know what else to say. 🙁 Follow the instructions of your doctor, which should include resting and not lifting. I really wish I could tell you what to expect in this case but it is much more involved than what I experienced due to the placenta previa. I hope everything turns out okay for both you and the baby!
Tabitha says
Thank you I just don’t want to lose him
Karla says
You have no idea how relieved I am reading your post Marissa. I’m 10 weeks and 1 day today, this is my second pregnancy, my son is 6 years old. He was a premature baby 5 weeks early. I never had any bleeding with him. This pregnancy I started spotting week 7 on I off and last night I bled dark brown on my panty liner I filled it up than again around 2am and I spotted this morning …I called gyn they told me to go see them, I saw the baby for the first time and she saw some dark shades and sent me to get a real ultrasound at the hospital and it turned out I have SCH, and it’s a large one. He said we just have to wait it out now and that it’s a sign of a miscarriage 🙁 I got so scared and after reading your post I have hope that my baby can survive this.
Marissa says
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing SCH. I’m glad my post gave you some relief! It can be a scary time, that’s for sure, but have hope. Many SCHs resolve on their own, which is how I hope yours turns out! Best wishes!!
Dainia says
Great advice and info. Thanks for sharing
Aki says
I’m 12 weeks 5 days and a placental hemorrhage was detected during my ultrasound 2 days ago. I’m not sure if this is similar to SH but according to my OB, it is somewhat similar. I’m on bed rest and after a series of tests, I was asked to take multivitamins, calcium, baby aspirin, and folic acid. I’m really scarred. Been reading your blog on SH and the comments and they somewhat made me feel better. Thank you!
Marissa says
Aki, I’m so sorry your experiencing that. I’m glad this post helped you. I hope all the best for you and the baby!
Vanessa says
Thanks for the tip. I’m 7wks into my pregnancy.
Mandy says
Hi I had my first pregnancy in Feb’16 which ended in a missed miscarriage (baby died n my body still believed I was pregnant no bleeding or anything) in Apr’16, the baby survived for about 6wks 5dys… Now I’m pregnant again but from 5th week noticed some spotting brownish mucous thing whenever I wiped with toilet paper first scan showed nothing abnormal and no reason for brownish discharge which turned blackish for a day… Currently at 8wks 4dys re-did my scan and it was noticed that I have mild anterior SCH …. I’m freaking out as one mc was bad can’t put myself through another…. Also somewhere I read it affects maternal health… What do they mean by this… Is SCH related to any cchromosome abnormalities…
Marissa says
Hi Mandy, I’m sorry to hear about your miscarriage and now the SCH. You must be quite worried. I had a similar experience. I lost my 4th pregnancy at 6 weeks, and was diagnosed with an SCH in my 5th pregnancy. In my research of the condition, it doesn’t affect maternal health unless you lose a lot of blood, but it does of course cause stress. I don’t know about chromosome abnormalities, but my guess is that it does not affect the chromosomes as it is not a direct condition of the baby. As I am not a medical professional I cannot give you a definitive answer on that, so I suggest asking your doctor about that.
Since they said it’s a mild SCH, it may resolve itself and you will continue to have a healthy pregnancy. Mine was on the large side and I bled heavily for a few days. It took several weeks for it to go away. I now have a healthy 8 month old baby girl who had no adverse effects from the SCH.
I hope everything turns out well for you!
Mandy says
Thank you Marissa you have definitely put my mind at ease… I have my check up tomorrow
.. Mine doc visits are a bit more frequent due to passed mc and now this… Also on HCG injections and tablets to keep things fine..
Tina says
Hello!
What did u do when you found out you had the SH? I’m almost 6 weeks and have 1.
Carolina Gonzalez says
I just got diagnosed with the same thing. Thank you for such a clear outline if what this entails. Really helpful. I hope mine turns out alright like yours.
Marissa says
I’m sorry! I hope for a positive outcomes for you!
Jodie says
I have been in an out of hospital for the last 2 and a half weeks admitted twice overnight and then ,finally admitted for more than a night ( due to low blood count and possible infection) last Friday and came home today after a week long stay. On the third admission I have been diagnosed with a very large hematoma , on previous scans they couldn’t detect where the bleed was coming from. Baby seems fine at moment on scans and is measuring where he/she should be for 13 + weeks but no doctor could tell me the outcome , only that still a risk of miscarriage. Currently at home on rest , iron tablets and antibiotics as my hemaglobin levels dropped to 8 due to the bleeding . Very scary but good to hear positive outcomes .
Marissa says
Jodie, I’m so sorry you had to experience all of that. I hope for the best positive outcome!
alicia says
hi i am 10 weeks and 3 days pregnant i got gold i have a subchronic hamatoma at around 6 weeks .every second week i start to spot. i have been having scans every two weeks for check ups . i am so worried as i had a previous misscarriage in may and was horrible. i have 3 children already and the pregnancys were perfect. im really hoping for a good outcome but always in the back of mind something is going to happen ;(
Marissa says
Hi Alicia, I’m so sorry you are experiencing an SCH, especially after a miscarriage. That was what happened to me as well. Three healthy pregnancies, a miscarriage, then an SCH. Mine bled for a little while before stopping. It’s possible that yours is doing the same. I hope you have a positive outcome!!
Jodie says
Unfortunately after my last post in October , I was admitted to hospital again after a massive bleed. After 5 more weeks of battling and 14 units of blood transfused and at times being told I could lose my life , our son Joseph was born sleeping on November 16th .
Our story is a rare outcome and I believe most SCH s rectify themselves. I pray that everyone here has a more positive outcome than ours xxx
Much love X
Jodie
Marissa says
Jodie, my heart is breaking for you right now! I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ll keep you in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time.
Wendy says
I’m glad to hear baby is ok😊 Just be very. Areful and take the bed and pelvic rest very seriously. Mine started at about 11 or 12 weeks and caused me to go into pre term labor at 16 weeks. The labor could not be stopped and our son was born completely healthy but was unfortunately too small to make ir😔😔😔😔 so just be careful and I truly hope your situation turns out better than ours did
bea says
Hi. Many thanks for your wonderful post, and good luck to all the mommies in this situation. I had an abortion threat at week 5 after an IVF (sudden massive bleeding) but the pregnancy was confirmed in the ER and heart beat detected! i continued to bleed for some days and took it easy, and in the follow up ultrasound at week 6 i was diagnosed with a SCH. At week 7 the hematoma is still there, and i¡m just not sure if it can be classified as big or small… It measures 35mm x 13mm, and the CRL of the embryo is 8.2mm. My guess is its pretty big but i was not told.. I was recommended bed rest and i will go back for another scan in 3 days. I’m terrified!! this is my 6th IVF, i’ve miscarried twice, and i do have a healthy 3 year old boy but during the pregnancy i had two abortion threats.
This feels like a race full of obstacles, i cannot let my hopes up after all i’ve been thru and im worried to death that this friday the SCH will be bigger. We have no more money or strength for another IVF so this is it! good luck to all of you xoxoxoxox
Marissa says
Hi Bea, I’m so sorry that you too are experiencing an SCH, considering all you have been through. I wish I could tell you about the size, but as I am not a medical professional I can’t really make a judgement call. You should ask your doctor the next time you see him or her. I hope that all goes well for you!
Jill says
Loved the graphic! Went to the ER yesterday after Thanksgiving dinner with bleeding. We did 3 rounds of IVF to get pregnant with this Singleton and we’re terrified. Seeing baby moving and doing fine helped, but the info on SCH both online and from the ER doctor was scarce, as you mentioned. This simple explanation was helpful!
Marissa says
Jill, I’m glad this was helpful for you. Best wishes!
Caroline says
I have had a SCH since 11 weeks and I’m 20 weeks now. Baby is growing and doing well and hematoma is getting smaller and getting reabsorbed. Hang in there! Should be fine. You just need to REST and take it easy.
Eva says
Thank you so much for your post. It’s very helpful and gives me hope. I’m 12w5d and the dr told me there is nothing for me to do to make it worse or better but I’m very much a person to do every thing I can to make my baby safe even if it’s not confirmed to have helped or not. Iv been so scared and your post was very uplifting thank you !
Marissa says
I’m so sorry that you have to experience an SCH, but I’m glad my post was helpful. Best wishes!
Frances says
Thank you so much for the information. It makes me feel better, I just found out I have sh and I need to rest. Hope my body absorb it.
Marissa says
Rest can certainly help. Best wishes!
charity drewes says
Thank you for your positivity and reassurance! 😇 So glad your baby was healthy and full-term!
charity says
Thank you for your positivity and reassurance! 😇 So glad your baby was healthy and full-term!
Unni says
I had 3 loss of pregnancy ….nd 2 kids..of which one with sch. She has hemangioma..a big one nd multiple sites. ….which is not clear whether it’s due to sch..now I’ve a positive pregnancy again with sch..nd a vanishing twin along ..I pray everything will come out well by God’s grace…requesting your prayers..
Marissa says
Unni, I’ll definitely keep you in my prayers. I hope all turns out well.
Fria says
I’m a mother of a very active 3yr old son. On my second pregnancy I experienced intense cramp that I couldn’t even stand, was rush to the E.R and my ultrasound shows I had a SCH. I was put on bed rest but I already started bleeding which last for about 2 weeks. Sadly to say I lost my baby at 5 weeks, that happen last year on March 2016 to be exact. Now I’m pregnant again, my husband and I are so happy to be blessed again with such gift. I had an ultrasound this March 23 ,im on my 12 weeks and is diagnosed again with SCH. I’m not experiencing any bleeding or cramps and to hear such news was such a blow that Im afraid to lose another child. My doctor put me on medication with Duphaston thrice a day for 2 weeks. She advice me to think happy thoughtsaas stress won’t be good for the baby. And that I did, happy thoughts, prayers, and keeping up with my medication. I just had my ultrasound again this April 7, I’m on my 14 weeks, the baby’s healthy,heartbeat strong and my SCH gone. I couldn’t even help crying and laughing at the same time during the ultrasound. I’m being careful still though 😊. I’m sharing this, so others mom out there won’t lose hope..I sure didnt..keep thinking happy thoughts,and I’m praying for other mom out their too
Melissa says
The medication you mentioned did they put you on this to help lessen the sch … Ive recently found out im pregnant with sch complications and nothing is helpful other then being told bedrest bedrest bedrest well with a 6 and 8 year old and the only one that cares for the house it makes that hard i was on antidepressants and xanax for panic attacks stress and anxiety as well as sleep meds for insomnia! All which i stopped due to finding out i was pregnant everything i read says dont be stressed and dont over do it and bed rest which like i said with no more meds to help and two very active kids no sleep and now extra stress due to the sch i dont know what to do with myself. I left work do to no physical exertion and being a dancer ment no more work for u ps more stress. Im trying to stay calm funtion not freak out maintain and stay healthy with what seems to be no clue n no help in my near future. Im wondering what this medication was for mainly because im being told with increased bleeding episodes that my sch is growing and could result ultimately in a miscarriage. Did the medicine help with the sch or bleeding or im just curious ive read every post on here good stories sad stories wishful prayers you however are the only one who mentioned a medicine and the sch disappearing was this medicine partly to help with this or for a completely different reason. Im sorry and dont mean to pry i just cant imagine carrying a baby and losing it my heart would crush. Im mainly wondering because it sounds as if this medicine helped you and am wondering what you were given it for and if eventually it was the reason your sch disappeared.
Thanks for your input and responce .
A very irritable and concerned worried again-mommy to be
Marissa says
Hi, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing an SCH! I personally was not put on any medication. I found in my research that other women were given baby aspirin or hormones. It wouldn’t hurt to ask your doctor about it. I hope everything turns out ok!
Angie says
I had bleeding early on in one of my pregnancies, happened numerous times, kept going to the ER and they kept seeing the heartbeat & everything seemed ok. Dr suspected it might be this subchrionic hematoma but they weren’t sure. Bleeding episodes stopped mid way through the pregnancy, rest of the pregnancy was uneventful & my son was born healthy. He’ll be 12 yrs old at the end of this year & doing well. I found that not all bleeding means something bad in pregnancy but it surely was anxiety ridden with all the worrying. I was put on bed rest for most of the pregnancy but if anyone winds up with this please do not worry, it’s looks and seems worse than it really is.
Marissa says
Thank you for sharing your story!
Venu says
Hi Marissa,
Thanks for your blog. It’s inspirational. My wife has been tested as having SCH yesterday and I was really worried. She is on bed rest and taking medicines suggested by our Gynaecologist. Your blog has good information. Hope My wife will be better soon.
Regards,
Venu
Marissa says
Venu, I hope everything turns out okay!
Teresa says
Thank you so much for posting this. I found out I have this today and the baby is doing just fine but I am told to rest whenever possible and no strenuous activity whatsoever. It was really scary since my first pregnancy went so smooth! This post made me feel a lot better and put me at ease. You are helping many families with this post. I know my family and I are resting much easier tonight!
Marissa says
Teresa, it’s good to know that you and your baby are okay! I’m glad that my post and experience are helping others. Take care, and rest well!
Mj says
Thanks for sharing! I am thinking about being open to another LO and have experienced both a miscarriage and a SCH with our LO early on in the pregnancy. I was on rest for several weeks until it cleared and our LO was born very healthy. But it was scary, we hadn’t even had an ultrasound and there was a massive amount of bleeding. We had to wait until the following day to go and have ‘our miscarriage confirmed’ Needless to say it was a long night. The next day we bravely went in for the ultrasound and there was our little one kicking and squirming with a very strong heartbeat. Being open to growing our family brings up a lot of anxieties and this is just one I hope not to face again. Wish there was more known about them, but grateful for your (and our) happy outcomes.
Marissa says
Mj, so so scary, right? I’m glad you too had a positive outcome. Someday hopefully more research will be done so that more is known about SCHs. Best wishes to you as you continue to grow your family!
Deb says
Thank you for this post! I’m 10 weeks pregnant and have no problems this pregnancy 🙂 I’m researching because we lost our first baby boy at 22 wks 4 days, due to bleeding and later preterm ruptured membranes and low fluid. Doctors think the bleeding irritated the amniotic sac and caused the rupture.(this is a very rare outcome ! ) dont get worried. Its great to hear that most people recover from the SCH.
It took us over a year to want to try again and I am trying to do all I can to avoid a similar situation. Thank you for the info! Doctors said there was nothing I could do to make it better or worse, I was not told to avoid lifting or to rest. They told my husband and I to avoid having sex, however I wish they had said to avoid having orgasms as that stimulates the uterus, I didn’t understand that at the time and thought they meant to avoid penetrative sex. Thank you for talking about avoiding uterine stimulation in your post 🙂
The doctors said they couldn’t offer us any intervention until 24 weeks. Just monitoring until then. I am still on a mission to find out if there are particular movements or activities I really need to avoid. Keeping myself calm and trying to stay stress free. My midwife and naturopath recommended vitamin c supplement and or plenty vit c rich foods for I think both the placenta and membranes. Best of luck and love to all those going through stressful times or loss. Deb
Marissa says
Deb, thanks for sharing your story with us. I’m so sorry for your loss. I truly hope all the best for this pregnancy!
Amelia Nino says
Thanks for the positive information because am going through with the situation right now I have sub chronic hemorrhage as well and have been googling slot about it
This issue the first time for me to read positive statements about this sickness.
Thank you again
Marissa says
Amelia, I’m sorry you’re experiencing an SCH. I truly hope all goes well for you!
Joanne Fields says
Thanks for posting this. I’m just discouraged and I’ve been trying to research to find out more. I lost my 2nd baby at 22 weeks 6 days. I had a large subchorionic hemorrhage at 8 week ultrasound and bleed from 10 weeks to when I finally went into labor at 22 weeks due to placenta abruption (caused by the bleeding). I now just lost my 3rd baby at 9 weeks due to another subchorionic hemorrhage. I wish there was something more I could do. I’m so scared I won’t be able to carry another baby full term as I seem to be prone to subchorionic bleeds as I’ve had them in all 3 pregnancies. Thankfully my first was a very small bleed and it did resolve, so I do have an almost 3 year old that is our miracle. Just searching and trying to find anything more out in hopes to give us a better out coming in the future.
Marissa says
Joanne, I’m so sorry for your losses. I sincerely hope you find answers to help.
Tina says
Hello!
What did u do when you found out you had the SH? I’m almost 6 weeks and have 1.
Marissa says
Hi, I’m sorry about the SCH. I didn’t find out about mine until I was 12 weeks. I detail my experience in this post: https://mommyknowswhatsbest.com/subchorionic-hemorrhage-pregnancy-complications-in-first-trimester/
Best wishes!
Marissa says
Great article. I was just diagnosed with this today at 12 weeks. They said it was mild so that is hopeful but I still worry because the bleeding hasnt stopped yet. It will for a short time and then return again. This was quite comforting and I hope it goes away soon. My name is also Marissa so that was a sweet surprise at the end. I love our name because it’s not so common and yet still beautiful. Thanks Mama!
Marissa says
I’m so sorry you’re experiencing an SCH, especially at this time. I hope it resolves soon! And love the name. ❤️
Lynne says
I was diagnosed with a large sch in April and lost my baby a week later, my OB didn’t say anything to me on how to manage the condition, she just said I might have some bleeding and to call if I did. Well I moved furniture around and generally do a lot of heavy lifting, we have a small farm and 6 kids my youngest being 2 and the size of a 3 yr old. Even when I started bleeding she didn’t put me on bed rest but I kind of tried to take it easy myself. But no luck I started bleeding intensely (more than a par an hour) and the ER dr did an ultrasound and placenta had already detached. I was heart broken especially since with COVID my husband couldn’t even be with me and it was almost exactly 3 years since my last misscarrage of a Suspected blighted ovum, I thought I was good after seeing a heartbeat that week before so I had told everyone we were expecting, just for this to happen because I didn’t do research and take precautions because I was told not to worry by the dr. Well fast forward to today, I am 8 weeks pregnant having gotten surprised just 3 weeks after my bleeding stopped from loosing our LO and my ultrasound today showed anothe sch with this one. I’m so scared but have put myself on pelvic rest and taking it super easy after seeing how strong my baby is already I don’t want this to happen again and am looking for a better dr too!! Thank you! For your article!!
Marissa says
Lynne, I’m so sorry you have gone through this not once but twice! I’ll keep you and your baby in my prayers.
Deanna says
Hi! I’m 39 and 11 weeks pregnant. I started having spotting when I was 8 weeks and it got heavier intermittently. I had called my ob-gyn told them about my bleeding they told me to watch it at first but then I ended going to the ER and they did an ultrasound and found out when I was 9 weeks I had a little white spot on my uterus I got scared and worried and was wondering what it could be. I didn’t want to lose my baby. I saw my ob-gyn for a follow up and found out that I had SCH. I have an almost 2 1/2 year old from my first pregnancy and no complications. This is my third pregnancy and my rainbow baby. I had lost my previous pregnancy earlier this year do to an ectopic pregnancy. I’m praying that this baby will be healthy and without complications.
Marissa says
Deanna, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing an SCH. It’s so hard, especially after such sadness. I truly hope all goes well for you and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Michaela says
Thanks for your post, I’m 10w6days and went to the ER yesterday for blood clots and bleeding. They said it’s SCH, I’m really scared as my first pregnancy last year resulted in miscarriage at 6w3days. Reading the positive outcomes though is making me feel better for one myself so hopefully everything is ok!
Marissa says
Michaela, I’m truly sorry that you are experiencing an SCH. I will keep you and your baby in my prayers.