Bleeding when vomiting during pregnancy

Repeated retching can irritate the throat or create a small tear near the junction of the oesophagus and stomach. Swallowed blood from a nosebleed can also appear in vomit. Bright red streaks may be surface bleeding, while dark material that resembles coffee grounds can indicate older blood. Food Poisoning, Gastroenteritis, gallstones, Pancreatitis, and severe pregnancy-related vomiting are among the conditions a clinician may consider; the appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Tell your maternity team or clinician about abdominal pain, fever, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness, reduced urination, inability to keep fluids down, and the amount and colour of blood. Pregnancy changes which medicines and tests are suitable.

Stop eating temporarily if vomiting is active, then take small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep them down. Sit upright, avoid lying flat immediately after vomiting, and do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers or anti-sickness medicines unless prescribed for you. Contact your maternity service or an urgent clinician today, even if the bleeding has stopped.

Seek emergency care for more than a small streak, coffee-ground vomit, repeated bleeding, faintness, severe weakness, severe abdominal or chest pain, black stools, confusion, or breathing difficulty. Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down or are passing very little urine. Bring a list of medicines and tell staff how far along the pregnancy is.

Ask whether the bleeding is likely from retching, how dehydration will be checked, which anti-sickness treatment is appropriate, and whether you need observation or further tests.