Hematoma has grown at 20 week scan

[georgianwindow]

Hi

Just looking for positive stories or to see if anyone else has experienced this, as I can't find a huge amount online about having hematomas after 20 weeks.

I had a big bleed at 13 weeks (gushing red blood) and they found a 5 x 4cm (ish) hematoma on my ultrasound. No specific recommendations although I did take the next week off work as I have an active job, and I have reduced my working hours considerably for the foreseeable.

Had a private ultrasound at 16 weeks which showed that the hematoma had shrunk by around 30% so that left me feeling really hopeful.

During this time I had pretty much constant spotting, although as of today I have had no spotting or bleeding for about a week and a half which is a new record.

Today at my 20 week scan, the hematoma has grown and is now about 6.2 x 6.2 x 4cm. I am so upset and anxious. The doctors haven't given me any specific care instructions and I have another scan at 28 weeks. Baby is doing well though.

I am so worried about this and not sure what the believe, I kept being told it would likely resolve by 20 weeks but it has actually grown so am concerned that it is being minimised and I'm not being seen for ages?
Really worried about complications and although if I'm doing the right things. I've put myself on pelvic rest (which sucks as I do miss being intimate with DH) including no sexual stimulation of any kind, I have reduced my working hours. I asked today if I should stop working altogether (on my feet whilst working) and they said only I could decide.

I'm waiting for my community MW to call me later this week to refer for support because being this anxious won't be doing my MH any good and I'd also like to speak to a consultant about the hematoma itself which she said she might be able to sort out.

Has anyone got any stories about hematomas after 20 weeks? Positive please, I think negative stories might finish me off today. Did yours grow? Was everything alright? What did the doctors recommend?

Sorry you're having this worry.
I've read success stories on here where posters have had healthy babies after SCH. (And a couple in real life).

How big is the SCH in relation to the sac? And where is it in relation to sac/placenta? As I understand, these are relevant data points.

Keep pushing to get some more advice about it. Did a medical professional recommend pelvic rest?

I'm 20 weeks pregnant so no idea how big my amniotic sac is (my uterus goes from my cervix right up to about 2 inches above my belly button) but baby is estimated to weigh about 1lb and is 75th percentile for estimated weight. My placenta is mostly posterior with some anterior also (it curves round) and the hematoma is under a small portion of the anterior part of it, as well as off to the side of it. The baby's cord is connected to the posterior part of the placenta.

They've not recommended anything at all - pelvic rest, bed rest, or any reduction in activity. They've told me several times pelvic rest isn't necessary but that doesn't seem sensible to me so I put myself on pelvic rest 4 weeks ago. I've reduced my activity level, not done any heavy lifting, avoided anything strenuous. So frustrated and sad that it has got bigger by around 2.5cm x 2.5cm.

As I understand it the risk is less if the SCH is between the placenta and cervix ie could come away without interfering with the placenta.

Also, yours sounds small (large = >50% of gestational sac).

Nb I am not a medical professional just tried to read what I can about it.

I know it's frustrating to be told there's something there that may or may not be a problem but with no suggestion of what to do to help the situation.

Bed rest certainly used to be recommended (for a relative of mine 40 years ago) but it seems not now.

I can only wish you good luck and a hand hold. I hope you get more clarity.

(For context, in my last pregnancy at 6w+5 the CRL was 4.5mm and the SCH was > twice that.

Actually > 3 times

Oh @georgianwindow I can feel your pain and fear ❤️ I had a Hematoma with my second at 13 weeks (6cm) and was resolved by 18 weeks.

Like you, I went on pelvic rest and avoided lifting as much as possible. Another thing I found useful was orange juice or anything high in Vitamin C as this helps the area heal. Lots of water as well!

Thinking of you xxxx

Thank you. I think it's just the uncertainty of it and the lack of clarity on what I can do to help. I'd rather be given clear guidelines than being told nothing.

Hey there, @georgianwindow. I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I had my 20 week appointment this week and found out I also have a SCH. There is not much information on them from this stage of pregnancy.

My question is, is did yours shrink? If so did you find anything useful that helped it heal?

I hope you went on to have a positive pregnancy x

I had one too but much earlier than you in my pregnancy - massive bleed and then a very large SCH. I did a lot of googling and found some trials that recommend Alpha Lipoic Acid (it’s an antioxidant) to speed up healing. I took that 3 times a day (200mg each) and also had acupuncture - I have no idea if it helped but I at least felt like I was doing something positive. Mine had resolved by 15 weeks, much to the consultant’s surprise!