Pregnancy Complication: Subchorionic Hematoma
Pregnancy is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, and sometimes unexpected challenges. My latest pregnancy was no exception, as I faced the hurdle of a subchorionic hematoma, a condition I had encountered before but never with such persistence.
A subchorionic hematoma is a collection of blood between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane. Unfortunately, it can increase the risk of miscarriage due to potential disruption of the placenta’s attachment to the uterine wall. This knowledge added a layer of anxiety to my pregnancy, but I was determined to stay positive.
I had experienced subchorionic hematomas with my previous pregnancies, and they had resolved by the 12-week mark. However, this time, it seemed my little hematoma had other plans. It persisted, growing larger despite my efforts to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
You can see it on the left side – the black patch – I do not have an good angle of it – but the full size is about 1/2 of the sac the baby is in.
To prevent further complications, my doctor advised strict bed rest for two long months. It was undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods of my life. The guilt of not being able to be as active and present for my other children weighed heavily on my heart.
Throughout those two months, I had weekly ultrasounds to monitor the subchorionic hematoma’s progression. To my dismay, it continued to grow, doubling in size over just two weeks. The uncertainty and fear took a toll on my emotional well-being.
It wasn’t until around the 16-week mark that the subchorionic hematoma started to show signs of improvement. Thankfully, by my 20-week ultrasound, it had become a non-issue, and my baby was growing strong and healthy.
The first 15 weeks of my pregnancy were undoubtedly challenging. I kept my pregnancy news private a little longer than usual as I navigated the emotional and physical hurdles of bed rest. I longed to be outdoors and enjoy my favorite season, but I knew that my commitment to a healthy pregnancy was my top priority.
My pregnancy journey with a subchorionic hematoma taught me resilience and the importance of seeking medical guidance. While it was a tough road, the reward of a healthy baby is beyond measure. It’s a testament to the strength and determination that can arise during even the most challenging pregnancies.
