Coughing up blood in pregnancy: what to know

Pregnancy can make breathlessness more noticeable, but blood in sputum is not a symptom to explain away. A hard cough, throat irritation, or a chest infection may be responsible. Pregnancy also changes clotting and circulation, so a pulmonary embolism must be considered when bleeding occurs with sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a racing heartbeat, or faintness. Pneumonia and other airway conditions remain possible causes.

Contact your maternity team, midwife, obstetric clinician, or general practitioner promptly and say that you are coughing up blood. Mention how far along the pregnancy is, the amount and colour of blood, fever, pain, recent travel or reduced movement, and all medicines. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics or cold remedies before checking that they are suitable in pregnancy. Rest and sip fluids if comfortable, but do not delay assessment to try a home remedy.

Call emergency services for sudden or severe breathlessness, chest or upper-back pain, faintness, confusion, a very fast heartbeat, blue-grey lips, or bleeding that is more than a trace or is repeated. Do not drive yourself if you feel faint or short of breath. Fever with worsening cough also warrants urgent review because pneumonia can need treatment.

Ask what examinations and scans are appropriate during pregnancy, how possible infection or clotting problems will be assessed, and which medicines are safe for you. Ask what to do if the blood returns and how to contact the maternity service out of hours.