What is the appropriate clinical notation and management plan for a patient at approximately 8 weeks gestation with a subchorionic hematoma that has increased in size from 3 cm to 4 cm, using Mod Med (Modern Medicine)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: November 13, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Clinical Documentation for 8-Week Gestation Patient with Enlarging Subchorionic Hematoma

For a patient at 8 weeks gestation with a subchorionic hematoma that has increased from 3 cm to 4 cm, the primary impression should be "threatened abortion with subchorionic hematoma" (ICD-10: O20.0), with documentation emphasizing the enlarging nature of the hematoma and its associated risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Primary Impression (ICD-10 Codes)

The impression section should include:

  • O20.0 - Threatened abortion - Primary diagnosis given vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy with documented subchorionic hematoma 1
  • O26.89 - Other specified pregnancy-related conditions - Secondary code for the specific finding of enlarging subchorionic hematoma 1
  • Z3A.08 - 8 weeks gestation of pregnancy - Document exact gestational age 1

Assessment and Plan Documentation

Diagnostic Workup Completed Today

  • Transvaginal ultrasound performed - Document fetal cardiac activity status (present/absent), as this is the most important prognostic factor 1
  • Subchorionic hematoma measurements: Document exact size (4 cm), location relative to placenta, and comparison to prior imaging (previously 3 cm) 1
  • Rh status verification - Critical for determining need for anti-D immunoglobulin 1

Orders and Interventions

Immediate interventions:

  • Anti-D immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) 50 μg IM - Administer today if patient is Rh-negative to prevent alloimmunization 1
  • Quantitative beta-hCG level - Baseline value for trending 2
  • Complete blood count - Assess for anemia from bleeding 2
  • Blood type and screen - If not already on file 2

Follow-up imaging orders:

  • Repeat transvaginal ultrasound in 1-2 weeks - Monitor hematoma size progression and confirm fetal viability, as enlarging hematomas carry higher risk 3, 4
  • Avoid pulsed Doppler ultrasound in first trimester - Use M-mode or video clips to document cardiac activity due to potential bioeffects on developing embryo 1

Management Plan

Activity and restrictions:

  • Pelvic rest - No intercourse, no tampons, no douching until hematoma resolves 3
  • Modified activity - Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise, though strict bed rest is not evidence-based 3
  • Monitor bleeding - Patient to track pad usage and report increased bleeding immediately 3

Medications:

  • No proven pharmacologic treatment exists for subchorionic hematoma - Progesterone supplementation may be considered but lacks strong evidence 4
  • Prenatal vitamins - Continue daily 4

Patient Counseling Documentation

Prognosis discussion:

  • Counseled that presence of fetal cardiac activity is the most important favorable prognostic factor 1
  • Discussed that enlarging hematomas (3 cm to 4 cm) carry increased risk for adverse outcomes including miscarriage, though many pregnancies with SCH proceed normally 3, 4
  • Explained that subchorionic hematomas occur in 7-27% of pregnancies and most resolve spontaneously 1

Warning signs requiring immediate evaluation:

  • Heavy vaginal bleeding - Soaking more than 2 pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours 3
  • Severe abdominal pain or cramping - Beyond mild cramping 3
  • Fever >100.4°F - May indicate infection 3
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope - Signs of significant blood loss 3

Potential complications discussed:

  • Risk of pregnancy loss - Higher with enlarging hematomas, though exact risk difficult to quantify 3, 4
  • Preterm birth risk - If hematoma persists into second/third trimester 3
  • Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes - Associated with larger hematomas 3
  • Fetal growth restriction - Rare but possible with large persistent hematomas 3, 5

Reassurance provided:

  • Many pregnancies with subchorionic hematoma result in healthy term deliveries 4
  • Close monitoring allows early detection of complications 3

Follow-Up Plan

Scheduled appointments:

  • Return in 1-2 weeks for repeat ultrasound - Assess hematoma size and fetal viability 3
  • Establish routine prenatal care if not already done - First prenatal visit should occur by 10-12 weeks 1
  • Serial ultrasounds every 2-4 weeks until hematoma resolves or stabilizes 3

Contact instructions:

  • 24/7 access to on-call provider for warning signs 3
  • Return to emergency department for heavy bleeding, severe pain, or concerning symptoms 3

Clinical Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not perform pulsed Doppler in first trimester - Use alternative methods to document cardiac activity 1
  • Do not miss Rh-negative status - Anti-D immunoglobulin must be given with any first trimester bleeding 1
  • Do not provide false reassurance - Enlarging hematomas warrant closer surveillance than stable small ones 3
  • Do not delay follow-up imaging - Growth from 3 cm to 4 cm requires reassessment in 1-2 weeks, not routine 4-week interval 3

References

Guideline

Management of Small Subchorionic Hematoma in the First Trimester

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.