Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment

• 23/05/2024
• 0

Pregnancy brings nausea and vomiting. It is harmless but unpleasant. But if you ever notice blood in your vomit, that is a different story for you. This is known medically as hematemesis, and it is not something to brush off or wait out at home. In this blog, we discuss vomiting blood during pregnancy, its causes, and treatment.

The blood can come mixed in with your vomit, or you may bring it up on its own. It usually means there is bleeding somewhere in your digestive tract, and in pregnancy, that needs to be checked immediately. It can put real strain on your body through blood loss and dehydration, and in some cases it points to a condition that needs urgent treatment to protect both you and your baby.

What Is Hematemesis in Pregnancy?

Hematemesis simply means vomiting blood. During pregnancy, it usually points to bleeding somewhere in the upper digestive tract, the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Because pregnancy already puts extra pressure on your body, this symptom can escalate quickly. It may lead to dehydration, blood loss, and stress for both mother and baby if left untreated. 

Vomiting blood during pregnancy is also known as hematemesis. You may vomit blood with stomach contents or blood separately. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention because it causes weight loss and dehydration. It can indicate various medical conditions, such as internal bleeding from the upper part of the digestive tract – the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Some of them present a serious risk to the mother and fetus. 

Prompt medical intervention is essential to protect the health of both mother and baby. Careful monitoring and follow-up are essential because if this disease is not treated in time, the patient may develop irreversible disability or even die.

What are the Causes of Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

Vomiting blood during pregnancy, also known as hematemesis, is a concerning symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Several potential causes may contribute to this condition:

1. Gastric Ulcers: Pregnancy can increase the risk of gastric ulcers due to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the abdomen. Gastric Ulcers are the unfolded sores in the lining of the stomach.  Ulcers can lead to bleeding in the stomach, which manifests as vomiting blood.
2. Esophageal Varices: These are swollen veins in the oesophagus, often caused by liver disease (such as cirrhosis). Pregnancy-related changes in blood flow and increased pressure on blood vessels can exacerbate oesophagal varices, leading to bleeding.
3. Rupture of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Vomiting puts pressure on the chest, oesophagus, and abdomen. The sudden increased weight leads to a rupture in the intestinal tract. This results in vomiting causing chest inflammation. If there is a tear in the digestive tract, you may experience chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath.
4. Gastritis: An inflammation of the stomach causes harmful bacteria, during pregnancy. Helicobacter pylori infects the inner lining of the stomach, which leads to gastritis. Acute gastritis causes mild inflammation, while chronic gastritis causes chronic inflammation. This disorder can eventually lead to excessive vomiting of blood, which is often red. It may also be accompanied by abdominal pain and weakness. Severe gastritis can cause bleeding, resulting in vomiting blood.
5. Bleeding Gums: Pregnancy hormones make your gums more sensitive and easy to bleed due to the increased blood flow to the gums. Vomiting blood, during pregnancy can indicate various issues such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or other gastrointestinal problems. 
6. Less Common Causes: Other possible causes include tears in the stomach or oesophagus, vascular abnormalities, or rare diseases such as thrombocytopenic purpura.

Note: It can pose serious risks to both the mother and the fetus, including severe blood loss, anaemia, and fetal distress.

Treatment of Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

Vomiting blood during pregnancy, or hematemesis can be caused by various factors, including gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or gastritis, as well as more severe conditions.

Here are some steps to take if you or someone you know experiences vomiting blood during pregnancy:

• Seek Medical Help Immediately: Contact emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room. Vomiting blood is a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
• Diagnosis: Inform the medical staff about any relevant medical history, and follow all the instructions given by the medical team. They may conduct various tests, such as blood tests, imaging scans, or endoscopy, to determine the cause of the bleeding.
• Receive Treatment: Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the vomiting blood. It may include medications to address ulcers or gastritis, intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, blood transfusions if necessary, or surgical intervention in case of bowel or stomach perforation becomes vital.
• Monitor Symptoms: After initial treatment, it’s essential to monitor for any recurrence of symptoms or new developments. Follow up with your obstetrician or healthcare provider as directed.
• Take Preventive Measures: Keep yourself hydrated. Ginger is an effective home remedy known to prevent nausea or vomiting. Lifestyle changes such as following a balanced diet, avoiding greasy or spicy foods opting for small and light meals, sleeping well, and taking adequate rest.  

It’s important not to ignore vomiting blood during pregnancy, as it can indicate a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.

Simple Ways to Support Recovery

With the treatment, your doctor recommends some tips to you. Here are a few everyday habits that can help your body recover:

• You should drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• You can also try ginger in tea, candies, or capsules to settle nausea.
• Stick to small, light meals rather than large ones.
• Skip spicy, greasy, or heavy foods for a while.

When to See a Doctor?

There is really no “wait and see” with this symptom, such as vomiting blood during pregnancy always warrants a doctor’s visit. But get to an emergency room right away if it comes with any of the following:

• Dizziness or fainting
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Severe pain in the abdomen or chest
• Pale, clammy skin
• Noticeably less fetal movement than usual 

Conclusion

Vomiting blood or hematemesis is a very urgent medical emergency. The blood in the vomit comes from your digestive system, and it takes a significant amount of blood to induce vomiting and cause vomiting. Active internal bleeding needs immediate medical assistance. Dr. Ahuja Clinic is the best maternity hospital in Chandigarh. Dr Ruchi Rai Ahuja is the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh, she understands the complications and seriousness of the disease and provides good medical support.  Their goal is to control the bleeding and stabilize your condition before treating the cause.