Why Am I Throwing Up Blood While Pregnant?

Pregnant woman holding her stomach with a concerned expression

Throwing up blood during pregnancy is an emergency requiring immediate medical care. This symptom, called hematemesis, can indicate serious conditions needing urgent treatment.

How Pregnancy Affects Nausea and Vomiting

Morning sickness affects 70% of pregnant people, typically peaking between weeks 9 and 11. Most cases involve mild nausea and vomiting, but severe cases may lead to hyperemesis gravidarum, causing persistent vomiting and dehydration.

While occasional vomiting is common, vomiting blood is not normal and should never be ignored. The blood may appear bright red or dark brown (digested blood).

Main Causes of Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

The most common causes include:

Esophageal tears (Mallory-Weiss syndrome): Severe vomiting can tear the esophagus, causing bleeding.
Stomach ulcers or gastritis: Pregnancy hormones increase stomach acid production, which can irritate the stomach lining.
Varices: High blood pressure in the veins of the esophagus can cause bleeding, often linked to liver disease.
Placental abnormalities: Rarely, the placenta may grow abnormally and press on blood vessels.

A study in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 1 in 1,000 pregnant people experience vomiting blood, most commonly due to Mallory-Weiss tears.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately if you notice:

Bright red or coffee-ground vomit
Dizziness, fainting, or confusion
Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
Black, tarry stools (a sign of digested blood)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose the cause through:

Endoscopy: A camera examines the esophagus and stomach.
Blood tests: Check for anemia or infection.
Ultrasound: Evaluates the placenta and uterus.

Treatment depends on the cause but may include IV fluids, medications to reduce stomach acid, or procedures to stop bleeding. In rare cases, surgery is needed.

Preventing Vomiting Complications

To reduce nausea and vomiting risks:

Eat small, frequent meals with bland foods.
Avoid triggers like greasy or spicy foods.
Stay hydrated with sips of water throughout the day.
Rest after eating to prevent reflux.

If symptoms worsen or you develop new concerns, consult your doctor immediately. For more on pregnancy-related infections, see E. coli during pregnancy.