Blood in vomit during pregnancy

Forceful retching can irritate the throat or create a small tear near the junction of the oesophagus and stomach, but ulcers and other upper digestive bleeding also need consideration. A maternity or emergency team can assess both the pregnant person and the pregnancy.

A few red streaks after several bouts of retching may come from irritated tissue. Larger amounts, clots, or material resembling coffee grounds can indicate bleeding farther down the upper digestive tract. Stomach cancer and oesophageal cancer can present with vomiting blood, though pregnancy-related vomiting and non-cancer digestive conditions provide other possible explanations. The appearance alone cannot confirm where bleeding began.

Contact your maternity unit, obstetric clinician, or urgent-care service now and describe the blood, vomiting frequency, abdominal pain, and whether you can keep fluids down. Mention dizziness, urine becoming scant or dark, and any medicine used for nausea, pain, clot prevention, or another condition. Keep a photo of the vomit if safe and practical, but do not delay leaving for care to collect one.

Call emergency services if bleeding is more than a trace, continues, or accompanies fainting, confusion, breathlessness, severe chest or abdominal pain, black stools, a racing heartbeat, or cold clammy skin. Urgent assessment is also needed when vomiting prevents fluids staying down or you notice reduced fetal movement at a stage when movements are normally felt. Do not travel alone if you are dizzy or weak.

Ask whether dehydration, anaemia, or an upper digestive tear is suspected; which tests can clarify the source; and which anti-sickness treatments are suitable for you. Confirm what you should drink or eat after assessment and exactly which recurrence signs require returning to hospital.