Vomiting blood during pregnancy: what to know

Bright-red streaks may come from irritation in the throat after retching. Dark, grainy or coffee-ground material can represent older blood from the upper digestive tract. An ulcer, inflammation, swallowed blood, or a small tear can also cause haematemesis. Pregnancy itself does not make blood in vomit normal.

Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are possible digestive causes of bleeding, but the appearance of vomit cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask about pain, black stools, medicines, alcohol, previous ulcers, and the amount and timing of blood. They can also assess the pregnancy and your hydration.

Call your maternity service or an urgent medical service now for individual advice, and arrange assessment. Record the colour and approximate amount of blood, how many times you vomited, and whether you have black stools or abdominal pain. Take your medicines or a written list to the appointment.

If you are alert and able to swallow, take tiny sips of fluid while getting help. Do not force drinks if they trigger more vomiting. Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers or anti-sickness medicines unless a clinician has advised that they are suitable in pregnancy.

Go to an emergency department immediately for ongoing or large-volume bleeding, coffee-ground vomit, faintness, confusion, marked weakness, a racing heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. Severe chest or abdominal pain, black tar-like stools, inability to keep fluids down, and very little urine are also urgent warning signs.

Tell the maternity team urgently about vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or reduced fetal movement when relevant. These signs call for examination and do not establish that the vomiting is caused by cancer.

Ask: Could retching have caused a tear? Do I need blood tests, fluids, or a camera test of the digestive tract? Which medicines can I use for nausea? How will you monitor the pregnancy? What should I do if the bleeding happens again? Which symptoms mean I should call emergency services?