Is it normal to throw up blood while pregnant?

Why This Happens

There are several reasons why a person might notice blood in their vomit during pregnancy, ranging from benign irritations to more acute health concerns.

• Mallory-Weiss Tears: This occurs when the lining of the esophagus tears due to the force of severe vomiting or retching, which is common in those experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum or severe morning sickness.
• Irritated Throat or Gums: Frequent vomiting can cause inflammation in the throat or trigger bleeding in the gums, which may be more sensitive during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or peptic ulcers can cause bleeding that appears in vomit.

What It Might Mean in Your Situation

The meaning of this symptom often depends on the volume of blood, the color of the blood, and accompanying symptoms. If the blood is bright red and occurs after a bout of intense vomiting, it may be a surface-level irritation or a small tear. However, if the blood looks like “coffee grounds” (dark brown or black), it can indicate a more serious bleed further down in the digestive tract.

Other factors to consider include whether you are experiencing extreme nausea, unintentional weight loss, or signs of dehydration. The timing—whether this happens once or is a recurring pattern—also helps healthcare providers determine the urgency and the likely source of the bleeding.

What To Do About It

1. Contact Your Medical Provider: Call your OB-GYN, midwife, or primary care doctor immediately. Be prepared to describe the color of the blood and how much you saw.
2. Document the Symptoms: Note when the bleeding started, if it followed a specific meal or a period of heavy vomiting, and any other symptoms like dizziness or stomach pain.
3. Seek Urgent Care if Severe: If you experience a large volume of blood, feel faint, have a rapid heart rate, or have severe abdominal pain, go to the nearest emergency room without waiting for a callback.

Real-Life Example

Imagine a person in their first trimester who has been struggling with severe morning sickness. After a particularly intense morning of vomiting, they notice a few streaks of bright red blood in the basin. Though they feel generally okay otherwise, they recognize that blood is not a normal part of pregnancy. They immediately call their midwife, who advises them to come in for an evaluation to ensure there are no esophageal tears and to discuss strategies for managing their nausea to prevent further irritation.

Related Questions

• Is blood in urine normal during pregnancy?
• What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
• How to deal with severe morning sickness?
• When to call the doctor during pregnancy?

When To Seek Outside Help

Because throwing up blood is a medical symptom, outside professional help is not optional; it is necessary. You should contact a qualified medical professional, your obstetrician, or emergency services immediately. If the physical stress of pregnancy is causing severe emotional distress or if you are unable to maintain nutrition and hydration, a licensed counselor or nutritionist may also be helpful in conjunction with your medical team.