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The complications associated with pregnancy can take out all the joy associated with it. Gestational diabetes, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, mood disorders, and extreme nausea are all too common among pregnant women. (1)
Subchorionic hemorrhage is another common complication, where the chorionic membrane of the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus and blood pools in the newly created gap. This blood often comes out via the vagina. (2) It usually occurs in the first trimester and accounts for about 11% of all vaginal bleeding. (3)
Subchorionic hemorrhages increase the risk of abortions and miscarriages due to damage to the placenta. However, if caught early and with proper precautions, they can heal on their own.
In addition, there are some things you can do to hasten the healing of a subchorionic hemorrhage, such as including certain foods in the diet. (2)
Foods Worth Eating
Consume these foods to aid the quick healing of a subchorionic hemorrhage.
1. Foods rich in iron
The loss of blood through bleeding results in anemia, which can severely delay wound healing. (4) Therefore, consuming foods that contain iron will be beneficial not only to replace the lost iron but also to heal the cause of hemorrhage.
Iron-rich foods are also beneficial as low maternal iron levels have been known to cause premature births, low birth weight, and even restricted fetal growth. (5)
Eat lean meat, organ meats, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified grains to obtain your recommended daily intake (27 mg/day for pregnant women). (6)
Expert Tip: Sprinkle lemon juice over dark green leafy vegetables to boost iron absorption.
2. Probiotic-rich foods
Probiotic foods are fermented foods that contain beneficial strains of bacteria.
Some studies have identified the role probiotic foods, such as yogurt, buttermilk, sauerkraut, and kimchi, can play in internal bleeding. Not only do they reduce the likelihood of bleeding, but they also reduce the risk of rebleeding. (7)
Another key benefit of probiotic-rich dairy products such as yogurt for pregnant women is their ability to reduce the risk of preterm delivery. (8)
Although no direct studies have linked these foods with subchorionic bleeding, they will likely have a similar effect in preventing bleeding as well as aiding healing.
3. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are vital nutrients that are not only needed by the pregnant mother but are also necessary for the brain development of the fetus.
There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). (9)
Omega-3 fatty acids help restore the body to its natural state after an injury. In a study that included pregnant women, ALA supplementation was effective in healing the body after a subchorionic hematoma had occurred. It also reduced the risk of preterm birth. (10)
Eat flaxseeds, fatty fish such as salmon, walnuts, and Brazil nuts for a natural daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts all contribute to vitamin K in the body.
This vitamin is also made in the human body by healthy gut bacteria, and a disbalance of gut microorganisms can lead to a deficiency of vitamin K. This deficiency is implicated in pregnancy and can cause hemorrhages as vitamin K is important for blood clotting. (11)
For this reason, it is important to maintain adequate vitamin K levels in the body when pregnant and to speed up the healing of a subchorionic hemorrhage. (11)
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Heal Subchorionic Hemorrhage
In addition to eating the right foods, exercising some precautions can facilitate healing from a subchorionic hemorrhage. These include: (12)
- Bed rest until the bleeding has stopped.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing heavy exercises.
- Avoid intercourse.
- Drink plenty of water.
How Is a Subchorionic Hemorrhage Diagnosed?
Most subchorionic hemorrhage is asymptomatic and women only experience some vaginal bleeding. Consult a doctor immediately who can carry out an ultrasound to make a proper diagnosis. (1)
Most-Asked Questions About a Subchorionic Hemorrhage
Does a subchorionic hemorrhage go away on its own?
With proper care and rest, subchorionic hemorrhage can heal on its own. However, healing is also dependent on the severity of the hemorrhage and proximity to delivery. So, it is essential to be in constant touch with your doctor.
Does catching a subchorionic hemorrhage early ensure that a miscarriage won’t occur?
While treating and healing a subchorionic hemorrhage in time is essential to reducing the risk of a miscarriage, it alone cannot ensure that a miscarriage won’t occur.
Several other factors including genetics, environmental stresses, trauma, diet, maternal health, injury, medication use, and drug abuse also influence the health and success of a pregnancy.
It is important to consult and stay in touch with your doctor to minimize these overall risks.
Practical Takeaways
- A subchorionic hemorrhage occurs when the subchorionic membrane of the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and blood pools in this gap. This blood trickles down and leaves via the vagina in the form of vaginal bleeding.
- With proper care and food, subchorionic hemorrhage can heal on its own.
- Some nutrients have been identified that can aid in the quick healing of a hemorrhage and prevent its complication such as a miscarriage or preterm delivery. Eat foods such as organ meats, yogurt, buttermilk, cruciferous vegetables, fortified grains (for iron), fatty fish, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and drink plenty of water to aid recovery.
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