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Hematoma in pregnancy is a common ailment that can fuel a lot of fear for any expectant mother. But is every hematoma just as dangerous? Find out what the risk of a hematoma in pregnancy is and how it can be dealt with.
What is a hematoma in pregnancy and where does it come from?
Hematomas are formed when a blood vessel is damaged and blood flows to and collects the body’s tissues. A common type of hematoma is bruising from minor injuries. As we know, they are usually self-absorbed and do not pose a threat to the proper functioning of the body.
Unfortunately, hematomas arising inside the uterus during pregnancy they are no longer completely harmless. The fetus is surrounded by complex structures that transport nutrients from the mother’s body. If hematoma arise in such a place that there will be oppression and, consequently, blocking the flow of these substances, it can constitute serious threat of pregnancy.
Doctors distinguish two basic types hematomas in pregnancy:
- Sub-chorionic hematoma, which is formed between the wall of the uterus and the chorion. It is the outermost membrane of the fetus, mediating the exchange of substances between mother and fetus and later transforming into the placenta. This type of hematoma is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy. The danger it poses to the fetus largely depends on its size. At a less advanced stage of pregnancy, it is not uncommon for the hematoma to exceed the size of the embryo, and thus there is a high risk of fetal-maternal exchange disturbance. The most dangerous scenario is when the hematoma causes the chorion to detach from the uterus. It can even cause a miscarriage.
- Post-placental hematoma. It occurs as a symptom of a pregnancy complication known as premature detachment of the placenta. The placenta should separate from the uterine wall at a certain stage in labor. When this occurs sooner, a hematoma is formed at the site where the placenta has started to peel off, which increases the distance of the placenta from the uterine wall, which can in the worst case impede access to oxygen for the fetus, creating an immediate life-threatening situation.
There is no certainty as to the causes of arising hematomas in pregnancy. Factors such as genetic predisposition, mechanical injuries or cardiovascular diseases may influence. There is definitely no reliable method of preventing formation hematomas.
What are hematomas in pregnancy?
Not all hematomas in pregnancy are dangerous. Some may be so small or located in such a way that they do not disturb the functioning of the fetus and absorb over time, just like ordinary bruises. but if hematoma is large and is located in a sensitive place, it can lead to serious complications. Unfortunately, there are also induced miscarriages hematoma in pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of a hematoma in pregnancy?
A common symptom hematoma in pregnancy there are bleeding of varying degrees of intensity. The alarm signal is both extensive hemorrhage and brown spotting on the underwear. Any such situation should be consulted with a doctor. It is also worth bearing in mind that hematoma may not show such symptoms at all and may only be visible on ultrasound. It is therefore crucial that the mother’s health is properly monitored so that alarming symptoms can be responded to as early as possible.
How is a hematoma in pregnancy treated?
Apart from the most urgent and dangerous cases, conservative treatment is used, because direct, e.g. surgical intervention in hematoma it is too risky. Therefore, the doctor’s job is to carefully monitor the mother’s health and administer medications that can help with absorption hematoma. We are talking about anticoagulants, e.g. heparin, as well as supplementation with vitamin C, which has a positive effect on blood vessels. In order to increase the chance of notifying a pregnancy, auxiliary hormone preparations containing progesterone or dydrogesterone are administered.
Quite controversial among gynecologists is the issue of recommendations regarding the lifestyle of a pregnant woman, in whom she developed hematoma. It is common to recommend avoiding any situations that put stress on the body, and it is best to order patients to lie in bed. However, this is not unequivocally supported by science – there is no evidence of a direct correlation between lying lifestyle and a reduction in the risk of complications associated with hematomas. Lack of exercise, on the other hand, can negatively affect the muscular system and even the mental state of the future mother. Therefore, in the event of an occurrence hematoma it is worth consulting with a doctor what risk it carries for pregnancy at a given time and whether the risk may be increased by factors such as driving a car, squatting, physical exertion, stress or sexual intercourse. You may find that hematoma it is so insignificant that taking such actions will not be dangerous.