6.9 Bleeding After Transfer: What It Means and What to Do

Light spotting or bleeding after an embryo transfer can feel unsettling, but it’s not uncommon—especially in early pregnancy. One of the most common causes is a subchorionic hemorrhage (SCH), which occurs when a small amount of blood collects near the embryo. In most cases, SCH is manageable and resolves on its own without affecting the pregnancy.

This guide will walk you through what SCH is, what to expect, and how GSHC is here to support you every step of the way.

1. What Is a Subchorionic Hemorrhage?

A subchorionic hemorrhage (often called SCH) happens when a small amount of blood collects between the wall of the uterus and the membrane surrounding the embryo. It usually occurs early in pregnancy, often around the time the embryo implants.

It can cause light spotting or bleeding—sometimes pink, red, or brown in color—and may or may not come with cramping. In many cases, women don’t even notice any symptoms, and it’s only found during an early ultrasound.

Although seeing blood can be stressful, the good news is that most SCH cases clear up on their own and don’t lead to complications when monitored and managed appropriately.

2. How Serious Is It?

The seriousness of SCH really depends on its size and how your body responds. Here’s a general idea of how it’s handled:

Small SCHs are very common and usually resolve with rest and routine monitoring.
Moderate or larger ones may require more follow-ups and some activity restrictions—like avoiding heavy lifting or intense exercise.
In rare cases, larger SCHs can carry a higher risk of complications, which is why staying in close touch with your clinic is so important.

Your clinic and OB will decide on the best plan based on your ultrasound results and any symptoms you're experiencing.

3. What to Do If You Notice Bleeding (and How It’s Treated)

If you experience any spotting or bleeding—no matter how light—it’s important to let both your GSHC case manager and your clinic know as soon as possible. Even if it turns out to be minor, keeping your care team in the loop ensures you get the right support and follow-up.

Once reported, here’s what typically happens:

You may be asked to rest or limit activity, including pelvic rest (no sex, exercise, or heavy lifting).
Continue taking all prescribed medications, including progesterone and estrogen, unless instructed otherwise.
Follow-up ultrasounds will likely be scheduled to check the size of the bleed and make sure the pregnancy is progressing normally.
If needed, your doctor may adjust your medication plan based on what they see.
Avoid strenuous movement and keep your daily routine gentle and low-stress for now.
Seek medical attention right away if bleeding becomes heavy or you have strong cramps.

In most cases, subchorionic hemorrhages resolve on their own with some extra care and monitoring. Your medical team—and your GSHC case manager—are here to help guide you through it every step of the way.

4. Talking to Intended Parents

It’s normal to feel nervous about sharing medical updates like this with your intended parents, especially if you’re still waiting for more answers. But being open—even with something common like SCH—can help build trust and reduce anxiety for everyone involved.

You don’t have to explain every medical detail. Just share clear, honest updates and let them know the clinic is monitoring everything closely. If you’re not sure how to word something, your GSHC case manager can help with communication or speak with the IPs on your behalf if needed.

5. Reassurance and Support

While a subchorionic hemorrhage can be unsettling, it’s something many women experience—and in most cases, everything turns out fine. The key is staying in touch with your medical team, following their guidance, and taking good care of yourself.

At GSHC Surrogacy & Egg Donation, we’re here to make sure you feel informed, supported, and not alone through any bumps in the road. We’ll work with your clinic and your intended parents to ensure everyone is on the same page—and that you have what you need to feel steady and reassured as the pregnancy continues.

Start Your Surrogacy Journey Today!

📩 Contact us now to learn more about becoming a surrogate mother and making a life-changing difference for intended parents!
📞 Call: 310-953-0137
📍 Apply to Become a Surrogate: Start Your Application Here

Follow Us for Surrogacy Insights & Updates!

📲 Stay connected and learn more about surrogacy through our social channels: