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Subchorionic Bleeding in Pregnancy: A Guide

What Is a Subchorionic Haematoma?

A subchorionic haematoma (SCH) is a pocket of blood that forms between the uterine wall and the chorionic membrane (the outer sac around your baby). It is sometimes called subchorionic bleeding and is a relatively common finding on early pregnancy scans.

Many women only discover they have one when they experience spotting or bleeding and are referred for an ultrasound. For some, it is picked up incidentally at a routine scan with no symptoms at all.

What Causes It

The exact cause is not always clear, but subchorionic bleeds are thought to happen when small blood vessels in the developing placenta rupture. They are not caused by anything you did — not exercise, not stress, not sex.

Symptoms

You may notice:

  • Light to moderate spotting, brown or red
  • Bleeding that comes and goes
  • Mild cramping (though many women have no pain)

Some SCHs cause no bleeding at all and are found by chance.

How It Is Diagnosed

A transvaginal ultrasound shows the haematoma and its size relative to the gestational sac. Your sonographer or doctor may classify it as small, moderate, or large based on measurements.

What It Means for Your Pregnancy

Most small to moderate subchorionic bleeds resolve on their own. The blood is reabsorbed by your body over days or weeks, and the pregnancy continues normally. Studies suggest the majority of women with a small SCH go on to have healthy babies.

Larger haematomas may carry a slightly higher risk of complications, so your team may offer extra monitoring, advice to rest, and follow-up scans.

What You Can Do

There is no specific treatment that speeds healing, but you can:

  • Rest and avoid heavy lifting
  • Avoid intercourse until the bleed settles
  • Stay hydrated
  • Use a pad to monitor bleeding
  • Attend all follow-up scans

When to Seek Urgent Help

Call your EPU, GP, or 111 urgently if:

  • Bleeding becomes heavy or bright red
  • You develop severe pain or fever
  • You feel faint or dizzy
  • You pass clots or tissue

Key Takeaways

A subchorionic haematoma is a common, usually harmless pocket of blood found on early scans. Most resolve without treatment, but larger ones may need monitoring. Always report bleeding to your midwife and attend follow-up appointments for reassurance.

What to Expect at Follow-Up

Your team may arrange another scan a week or two later to check whether the haematoma has shrunk or resolved. Watching it get smaller on screen is hugely reassuring for many women.