Olivia Culpo on the Pregnancy Complication That Left Her on Bed Rest

Between morning sickness, food aversions, breakouts, and more, pregnancy symptoms can make the first trimester challenging. But sometimes, routine symptoms evolve into something more serious, catching moms-to-be off guard. Despite the first trimester being the most common time for pregnancy complications, many women are blindsided by unexpected health scares. For model and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, early pregnancy took an unexpected turn.

In a recent TikTok video, Culpo shared a “time capsule” update from when she was nine weeks pregnant in December, revealing that she had already been on bed rest since the second week of her pregnancy. “At the end of the two weeks of being really sick, I got a subchorionic hematoma, which is basically a blood clot in my uterus, and I was bleeding everywhere," she shared.

A subchorionic hematoma or ubchorionic hemorrhage (SCH) is one of the most common causes of bleeding between weeks 10 and 20 of pregnancy. It occurs when blood collects between the uterus and the chorionic membrane. While the condition can be concerning, many pregnancies continue safely with close monitoring.

“At this point, I was so exhausted—two weeks of not being able to move, and then suddenly, just purging. It was a lot. It was heavy. I went to the doctor, and it was really exciting to see that there were still heartbeats,” Culpo recalled the overwhelming moment.

After an ultrasound confirmed SCH, Culpo was put on strict bed rest and prescribed 800 mg of progesterone, a hormone sometimes used to support pregnancy. “A lot of progesterone that you have to put on your crotch, which a lot of girls don’t know about. It helps maintain the best environment for the baby, relaxes the uterine wall, and allows the placenta to attach,” she explained.

While research on progesterone’s effectiveness in preventing miscarriage remains inconclusive, Culpo believes it made a difference in her pregnancy. “If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding in your first trimester, it’s not always the worst-case scenario you’re thinking. Go to your doctor, ask them about progesterone suppositories. I truly believe that’s the only reason I’m still carrying this baby.”

Getting emotional, she added: “I just hope this helps someone not feel alone. I just want you all to know—for everyone going through some part of pregnancy and feeling alone, even when it’s something you don’t want to accept… If you feel like you don’t know why this is happening to you, I am praying for you. For everyone on their birth journey, I love you guys.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.