Vomiting blood when pregnant

Pregnancy nausea and vomiting can lead to forceful retching, which may irritate the throat or cause a small tear in the oesophagus. Blood may also come from an ulcer, inflammation, swallowed blood, or another digestive problem. Bright red blood and dark coffee-ground material both deserve medical advice.

Vomiting blood does not by itself mean cancer. Oesophageal cancer and stomach cancer are conditions clinicians may consider when symptoms persist or other warning signs appear, but pregnancy-related vomiting and other non-cancer causes are also possible.

Contact your maternity team, doctor, or urgent medical service promptly and explain that blood was present. Keep a note of the colour, amount, timing, and number of episodes. Do not start medicines for pain, nausea, or bleeding without checking they are suitable in pregnancy. If you cannot keep fluids down, mention this because dehydration may need treatment.

Call emergency services or attend an emergency department for ongoing or heavy bleeding, faintness, confusion, severe weakness, severe abdominal or chest pain, black stools, trouble breathing, inability to swallow, or very little urine. Seek urgent maternity advice for reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, or severe headache with visual changes.

Ask whether you need fluids, blood tests, or a digestive examination, and which anti-sickness medicines are suitable. Tell them about your pregnancy stage, prescribed medicines, previous ulcers, swallowing symptoms, and any recent nosebleed or forceful vomiting.