Blood with vomiting in pregnancy: guidance

A few red threads can appear when forceful vomiting irritates the throat or food pipe. Brown or coffee-ground material can indicate blood that has been in the stomach longer. The appearance alone cannot show whether the bleeding is minor. Vomiting may accompany gastroenteritis, food poisoning, migraine, gallstones, or pancreatitis, and these conditions can cause fluid loss or abdominal pain. Pregnancy changes which medicines and treatments are suitable, so the cause should be assessed by a maternity or medical team rather than self-treated.

Call your maternity service, obstetric clinician, or urgent care provider for same-day guidance. Keep the sample or a clear description of the vomit if possible, and note pain, fever, urine output, fluid intake, and medicines. Take tiny sips of water while waiting if you are awake and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol and avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or non-prescribed remedies unless your clinician has specifically advised them. Do not travel alone if weak.

Call emergency services for a large amount of blood, repeated bleeding, fainting, collapse, marked weakness, confusion, severe pain, breathing difficulty, black stools, or inability to retain fluids. Very little urine or worsening dizziness can signal dehydration. Fever with a severe headache or stiff neck needs urgent assessment. In later pregnancy, contact maternity services immediately for reduced fetal movement or other concerning pregnancy symptoms.

Ask what examination is needed, whether you require fluids or blood tests, and which anti-sickness treatment is suitable for pregnancy. Ask how much fluid to aim for, which warning signs require emergency care, and whether any current medicine could irritate the stomach or affect bleeding.