Subchorionic Hematoma

[lifebuilder]

Hi Doctor,
On Sep 3/07 I was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma (this after rushing to ER bc I was "gushing blood"). It was measuring 1.6 x 4.5 x 4.5 cm. 2 weeks later u/s showed it had grown to 2 x 6.5 x 8.5. For the last 13 days I have had dark brown, black/red blood everytime I wiped and sometimes I bit on my pad.But no heavy bleeding of any kind. I have not "gushed" fresh red blood since that first week. Nothing I have read clarifies things. Could this be an indication that the hematoma is dissolving or being reabsorbed by my body? This is my third pregnancy, with the first two being text book pregnancies. I am 32 yrs old and 16 weeks pregnant and otherwise very healthy. I have been off work and on bed rest since. Any info/advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[lifebuilder]

Thanks Dr. Downing for your reply. I just had another ultrasound and it showed that the hematoma has reduced to 6 x 4 x 2 cm. I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will get even smaller.   Thanks for your input.
Regards,
Alana

[Keith Downing, MD]

Hello,

The dark blood is old blood, what you notice when wiping is normal.  It may become slightly smaller, but will likely remain present until delivery.  Things to look for down the line will be the amniotic fluid level around the baby and fetal growth (both may be compromised), and uterine irritability/cramping as blood can be irritating to the uterus.  Continue to heed the advice of your physician.

Best regards,

Dr. Downing