Blood During Vomiting in Pregnancy: What to Know

Small red streaks may appear after forceful or repeated vomiting because the lining of the throat or upper digestive tract has become irritated. A small tear can also develop where the food pipe meets the stomach. Blood may be bright red, or it may look brown or like coffee grounds after it has spent time in the stomach.

Other causes of vomiting, including food poisoning or gastroenteritis, can leave you dehydrated and make repeated retching more likely. Abdominal pain may point to a different problem, such as gallstones or pancreatitis. These conditions are not diagnosed from the appearance of vomit alone.

Stop eating solid food for the moment if vomiting is continuing, and take small sips of water only if you can keep them down. Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or an anti-sickness medicine unless a clinician who knows you are pregnant has advised it. Note the colour and approximate amount of blood, how often you have vomited, and any pain, fever, dizziness, or reduced urination.

Contact your maternity team, obstetric clinician, or an urgent medical service today for advice, even if the bleeding seems minor. They can decide whether you need an examination, blood tests, fluids, or treatment for the cause of the vomiting.

Seek emergency help now for more than a trace of blood, vomit that is dark or resembles coffee grounds, black stools, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, trouble breathing, a fast heartbeat, severe or persistent abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent assessment is also needed if you feel markedly dehydrated or the bleeding returns.

Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or unwell. Tell the clinician how many weeks pregnant you are and mention every medicine or supplement you take. Blood in vomit is a symptom that warrants assessment; it does not by itself identify a specific condition.

Ask: Could the repeated vomiting have caused a tear or irritation? Do I need tests or fluids? Which anti-sickness medicines are suitable in my pregnancy? What symptoms should make me return immediately? Could another illness be contributing to the vomiting?