What is a subchorionic hematoma?
The placenta is the organ that connects a growing fetus to its mother. The placenta consists of a maternal side (the chorion, which attaches to the uterus), a fetal side (the amnion, which lines the bag of water that the baby lives in), and the umbilical cord (which connects the baby to the placenta). Sometimes, bleeding can occur between the placenta and the uterus. Early in the pregnancy, bleeding happens behind the placenta as the fetus attaches to the uterus. The blood clot that collects behind the placenta is called a “subchorionic hematoma.” Most often, subchorionic hematomas are small and sometimes seen on an early routine ultrasound. Some women with a subchorionic hematoma may have bleeding in the first trimester, while others will have no symptoms at all. A small amount of vaginal bleeding early in the first trimester is not associated with any pregnancy complications. Heavy bleeding or bleeding that continues through more than one trimester has been associated with an increas
