02/12/2026
Do you know what really freaks out a newly pregnant woman? Hands down, it’s Spotting
If you experience vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy, it could be a subchorionic bleed. Or it could be called a subchorionic hemorrhage. Or called a hematoma. Or simply SCH.
It’s a condition that should clear up on its own and doesn’t usually pose a risk to you or your baby.
But no matter what it may be called, it’s scary to go experience.
This kind of spotting/bleeding is the accumulation of blood between the uterine lining and the chorion (the outer fetal membrane next to the uterus). It can cause light to heavy spotting or bleeding. Most of the time, subchorionic bleeds resolve on their own and you go on to have a perfectly healthy pregnant. But all bleeds should be monitored.
How I explain it to my patients:
When an embryo implants into the uterine lining, it’s hungry. And a juicy, nourished lining is just what an embryo is looking for. This lining can get a little roughed up during implantation causing some sloughing and bleeding. Sometimes, the bleeding re-absorbs or dries up without ever showing evidence. And other times, the bleeding is contained, like in a bubble, and may spot, trickle, or even sploosh.
How common is it?
The frequency has been shown to be higher with fertility treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) (22.4%) versus non-IVF (11%)
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Sometimes a routine monitoring ultrasound reveals a subchorionic bleed without any symptoms. But if you notice vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, call your practitioner. Depending on their preferences, may suggest restricted activity or pelvic rest (no s*x) until resolved.
Did you know can specifically treat subchorionic bleeds?
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