Subchorionic Hematoma AKA The Most Terrifying Fu**ing Thing Ever

So, I went in on Wednesday for my first OB appointment. They did the usual things: pap, blood tests, gave me a bag of baby magazines. The doc told me I might spot for a while after the pap.

This scared me a little because I had some spotting between 5 and 7 weeks. I had HCG tests and an early ultrasound and everything looked great. They said they didn't know what caused it, but it stopped, so all was good. Also, they said that since it was never bright red it was likely nothing serious.

So, Wednesday night, I had bright red spotting and assumed it was from the pap. Thursday morning I had more, and assumed the same. By Thursday afternoon it was heavier, so I called the doc, who told me to monitor it and go to the ER if it got heavier.

I woke up, as usual, in the middle of the night to pee. At 4:00 am I sat down to see a TON of bright red blood. I was certain that I had miscarried and was terrified. I rushed (sorta, for some reason, at 4 in the morning, we hit EVERY SINGLE red light between here and the hospital) to the ER. They got me in right away, did an ultrasound and (thank God) found a heartbeat. The baby measured 8w2d--right on target. The heartbeat was 162, also good.

Then they wheeled me out of ultrasound and back to the ER, where I stayed for hours and hours. They finally came and told me that I had a subchorionic hematoma--pooled blood between the placenta and uterine wall. This sounded pretty terrifying to me. They said that only 1-2% of women get them, but most of those go on to deliver healthy babies, so I'm trying to stay positive. There is an increased risk for miscarriage and an increased risk for some complications later.

I'm on complete pelvic rest and restricted movement (no lifting, no exercise).

Although I'm writing this blog as someone who wants to illustrate my ability (and therefore others' abilities) to have it all, this scare has had me in full mommy-mode for the past two days. I called into work Friday, missed a meeting this morning, and have put my school assignments on the back burner. Having it all does not mean losing focus on priorities, and my top priority is having a healthy, loved baby. God willing, that's exactly what I'll do.