Publication:

Association of volume of first trimester subchorionic hemorrhage with pregnancy outcome

Background Vaginal bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy may or may not be associated with subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH). The volume of SCH may affect foetal growth or development. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of first trimester pregnancy SCH on pregnancy outcome.

Methods 151 women each in two groups (with and without SCH), all with first trimester bleeding were enrolled, monitored throughout pregnancy and outcome noted.

Results 72.8% women with SCH and 78.1% women without SCH gave birth to a live neonate. The relative risk of pregnancy wastage (spontaneous abortion, antepartum or intrapartum stillbirth) for the women with SCH was 1.22 (95% CI 0.81-1.82; p value =0.33) as compared to those with no SCH. 97% of women with SCH>10 ml had pregnancy wastage (mostly aborted before 20 weeks), 40% of women with SCH>5-10 ml had pregnancy wastage (p<0.001).

Conclusions The mere presence of SCH did not increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, a large volume of SCH significantly increased the risk of pregnancy wastage in comparison to a smaller SCH.