Vomiting Blood in Pregnancy: When to Get Help
Seeing blood when you are sick is frightening at any time — and especially so during pregnancy. The good news is that small streaks of blood in vomit are often caused by something relatively minor. But there are situations that need urgent attention, so it is important to know what to look for and when to act.
Why Does Vomiting Blood Happen in Pregnancy?
The most common reason pregnant women notice blood in their vomit is forceful or repeated vomiting, which can cause tiny tears in the lining of the oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach). These small tears, sometimes called Mallory-Weiss tears, produce streaks or spots of bright red blood. They are more likely when morning sickness is severe or persistent.
Other possible causes of blood in vomit during pregnancy include:
- Irritation of the stomach lining from acid, which can be worsened by pregnancy hormones
- Heartburn and reflux, which are very common in pregnancy and can occasionally cause small amounts of blood
- Pre-existing conditions such as gastritis or oesophageal inflammation
What Does the Blood Look Like?
The appearance of the blood gives useful information:
- Bright red streaks or spots mixed into vomit — usually from small tears caused by forceful retching. Often resolves on its own once vomiting settles.
- Large amounts of bright red blood — this is not normal and needs urgent medical attention.
- Dark red or brown blood that looks like coffee grounds — this suggests blood that has been in the stomach for some time and has been partially digested. This needs urgent assessment regardless of the quantity.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if:
- You vomit a large amount of blood
- The blood looks dark or like coffee grounds
- You feel faint, dizzy, or collapse
- You have severe abdominal pain alongside vomiting blood
- Your heart is racing or you feel very unwell
Contact your GP or midwife the same day if:
- You notice small streaks or spots of bright red blood in your vomit
- Vomiting blood happens more than once
- You are unsure about what you are seeing
Even if you suspect it is minor, blood in vomit during pregnancy should always be reported to a healthcare professional. Your midwife or GP can assess you, check whether you need any treatment for vomiting (such as anti-sickness medication), and make sure there is nothing more serious going on.
Severe Morning Sickness and Hyperemesis Gravidarum
If you are vomiting frequently enough to cause oesophageal tears, you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) — a severe form of pregnancy sickness that goes well beyond ordinary morning sickness. HG can cause significant dehydration, weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies, and it often requires medical treatment.
Signs that your vomiting needs medical review include:
- Unable to keep any food or drink down for 24 hours or more
- Feeling very weak, dizzy, or unable to function day-to-day
- Noticing you are urinating very little (a sign of dehydration)
- Any blood in your vomit
Treatment for HG may include anti-sickness medication (which is safe in pregnancy), IV fluids in hospital if you are dehydrated, and vitamin supplements. You do not have to suffer through severe sickness without support — ask your GP or midwife for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blood in vomit normal during pregnancy?
Small streaks or spots of bright red blood can occur after forceful or repeated vomiting, caused by tiny tears in the oesophagus. While this is not uncommon when morning sickness is severe, it is not something to ignore. Always report any blood in your vomit to your GP or midwife so they can assess you properly.
When should I go to A&E for vomiting blood in pregnancy?
Go to A&E immediately — or call 999 — if you vomit a large amount of blood, if the blood looks dark or like coffee grounds, if you feel faint or have severe abdominal pain, or if you feel very unwell. These are signs of a potentially serious problem that needs urgent assessment.
What is the treatment if I have oesophageal tears from vomiting?
Small tears usually heal on their own once the vomiting is controlled. Your doctor or midwife may prescribe anti-sickness medication to reduce the frequency and force of vomiting, which allows the tears to heal. In more severe cases, further investigation may be needed. Always let your healthcare team know what you experienced so they can make sure nothing else is going on.
Speak to your midwife or GP for personalised advice about vomiting in pregnancy and any symptoms that concern you.
Further reading:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
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