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