Seeing blood in your vomit while pregnant can be a distressing experience, naturally causing alarm and worry. This symptom, known as hematemesis, ranges from minor irritations to more serious underlying conditions. This information explains the possible reasons for this occurrence and guides you on when to seek medical care.
Common Reasons for Blood in Vomit During Pregnancy
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy. This “morning sickness” affects most pregnant individuals. In severe cases, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, vomiting can be frequent and forceful, leading to complications like nutritional deficiencies and, occasionally, blood in vomit.
Forceful vomiting can cause irritation or small tears in the delicate lining of the esophagus. This type of bleeding usually appears as faint streaks, tiny specks, or a light pink tint in the vomit. It typically results from the physical strain of repeated retching and vomiting.
Pregnancy gingivitis, a common condition where hormonal changes make gums sensitive and prone to bleeding, is another source of minor bleeding. Up to 80% of pregnant people may experience moderate to severe gingivitis. If bleeding gums occur during vomiting, small amounts of blood can mix with the stomach contents, appearing in the throw-up. Increased blood flow throughout the body during pregnancy, including to the nose, can make nosebleeds more common. Blood from a nosebleed might drip down the back of the throat and be vomited up.
More Concerning Causes and When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While less common, medical conditions can lead to significant blood in vomit during pregnancy, requiring prompt medical evaluation. One such condition is a Mallory-Weiss tear, a laceration in the esophagus lining, often at the junction with the stomach. These tears are caused by sudden, forceful abdominal pressure, often from severe or prolonged vomiting, and can result in mild to substantial bleeding. Many Mallory-Weiss tears heal on their own, but some can cause heavy bleeding, potentially leading to anemia or, rarely, shock.
Peptic ulcers, open sores on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, are another potential cause. Although pregnancy hormones and increased mucus production might offer some protection, they can still occur, especially in individuals with a history of ulcers or Helicobacter pylori infection. Ulcers can cause burning abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, sometimes with blood.
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can also lead to bleeding. This condition can be exacerbated by hormonal changes during pregnancy or by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Acute gastritis can cause sudden, temporary inflammation and bleeding, while chronic gastritis leads to persistent symptoms. Severe gastritis can result in significant vomiting of red blood, often accompanied by abdominal pain.
Esophageal varices are enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and cause bleeding. This condition is rare in pregnancy and usually affects individuals with pre-existing liver conditions, such as cirrhosis. The physiological changes of pregnancy can worsen portal hypertension, increasing the risk of variceal bleeding, which can be life-threatening for mother and fetus.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience specific warning signs. These include vomiting large amounts of blood, vomit that resembles dark “coffee grounds” (digested blood), dizziness or lightheadedness, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or fainting. These symptoms suggest a potentially serious internal bleed or other complication needing urgent evaluation and treatment.
What to Do Next and Management Tips
If you observe blood in your vomit during pregnancy, contact your healthcare provider, even if the amount seems small. For non-emergencies, such as minor streaks or specks, still contact your doctor to discuss the symptom and determine the best course of action. Note the amount, color, and frequency of the blood to provide accurate information to your medical team.
To manage nausea and vomiting, which can contribute to minor bleeding, consider these strategies:
Eat small, frequent meals to prevent an empty or overly full stomach, which can worsen nausea.
Consume bland foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice.
Stay well-hydrated by sipping water or other caffeine-free fluids throughout the day, ideally between meals to avoid overfilling the stomach.
Avoid strong smells, spicy, fatty, or greasy foods, and any known triggers that worsen nausea.
Consider ginger in forms like tea, ale, or candies for relief.
Rest sufficiently, as fatigue can exacerbate nausea.
If remedies or lifestyle adjustments don’t provide relief, your healthcare provider may suggest safe anti-nausea medications, such as vitamin B6 and doxylamine.