A common, yet relatively unknown problem many women experience early in the pregnancy seen is vomiting blood. Although it is normal but still means there could be an underlying condition. Repeated instances of blood during pregnancy or morning sickness for a long period of time can lead to vomiting of blood during pregnancy. Vomiting can lead to severe rupture of the oesophagus lining causing blood to be spewed out. There is no need to panic as it could be dealt with medically. However, there are some serious conditions which could lead to vomiting blood during pregnancy. These conditions are surely a sign of worry and must be diagnosed and treated appropriately in the best interests of the mother and child.

 

In this article:

What is Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis)?
Must Know Facts About Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis) in Pregnancy
What Causes Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy?
How Does Blood in Vomit Appear?
Signs and Symptoms of Vomiting Blood in Pregnancy
How is the Diagnosis Done?
Complications Associated with Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant
Treatment for Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant
Prevention of Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant
Home Remedies for Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant

A Guide for Throwing Up Blood While Pregnant

What is Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis)?

Vomiting blood during pregnancy is called as hematemesis, occurs owing to a variety of medical reasons ranging from a small nosebleed or a serious bleeding of the intestine. It is not characterized by the presence of streaks of blood in the bile. Rather, the blood looks black or dark brown in colour same to ground coffee. Vomiting blood during pregnancy in the first trimester is common as morning sickness is at its worst then. The bleeding occurs due to a tear in the oesophagus or bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract primarily caused by the force of the previous vomiting.

Must Know Facts About Vomiting Blood (Hematemesis) in Pregnancy

• Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract is one of the major causes of vomiting blood during pregnancy
• Continuous vomiting increases the risk of melaena ( a condition which leads to black and tarry stools with the presence of blood)
• Haematin acid is the main cause of the presence of blood in vomit
• When some large blood vessels bleed heavily, fresh blood appears in the vomit
• Vomiting of blood leads to dizziness and slight abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood could lead to a dropping of blood pressure
• Forceful vomiting leads to a sudden mucosal tear at the oesophagus (known as Mallory-Weiss tear) which can also lead to vomiting blood

What Causes Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy?

Several factors are associated with it. Some of the common causes are as follows –

Gastritis

An inflammation of the stomach causes harmful bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, to infect the inner lining of the stomach causing gastritis. This disorder eventually presents itself with excessive vomiting of blood of red colour and accompanied by abdominal pain and weakness.

Dehydration

When the body runs out of fluid, it exerts excess pressure causing the vomit to spew bile pigments and also blood. Lack of fluids causes nausea and leads to vomiting.

Starvation

Mother needs to eat small meals at regular intervals to satisfy hunger. An empty stomach could make feel sick and result in vomiting blood. It is a stranger, but if not eating enough during pregnancy, the body rebels by vomiting.

Rupture of the Oesophagus

It is common to feel nauseous and vomit repeatedly during pregnancy. Repeated and constant episodes of vomiting especially forceful ones, could cause a rupture in the oesophagus and results in stains of blood in the vomit.

Improper Diet

Lack of a well-balanced diet during pregnancy leads to vomiting of blood. It is common if there is feeling of throwing up after meals or early in the morning if not following the diet chart.

Hypertension

Pregnancy induced Doctors always advise pregnant women to take ample rest and surround themselves in a peaceful and happy surrounding. More stress leads to an upset stomach eventually causing vomiting of blood.

Food Poisoning

It a gastrointestinal nightmare and intake of stale or toxic food puts an added risk during pregnancy. Ensure about hygiene and wash fruits and vegetables before consuming.

Medications

Medicines bought over the counter for pain such as aspirin, ibuprofen leads to irritation and bleeding. These medicines reduce production of mucus and irritate the lining of the stomach. Aspirin clot the blood and interferes with blood platelet function. Prenatal vitamins are also known to cause vomiting and nausea.

Rupture of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Vomiting puts pressure on the chest, oesophagus and abdomen and sudden increase in this pressure causes a rupture in the intestinal tract. This results in vomiting causing chest inflammation. There is chest pain, sweating and shortness of breath if a rupture in the gastrointestinal tract.

Cirrhosis

High consumption of alcohol or autoimmune diseases like hemochromatosis (absorption of the excess amount of iron in the blood) results in cirrhosis. It leads to dilation of blood vessels, which start rupturing and affects the oesophagus too. It is a serious condition affecting the health of the liver and people affected with the disease tend to vomit large quantities of bright red blood.

How Does Blood in Vomit Appear?

• If bleeding is by the rupture of the lower intestinal tract, then it may pass on to the stool and these appear black and tarry
• If the bleeding is by the injury to the stomach or duodenum, then the blood in the vomit appears maroon or dark brown
• If bleeding is caused by a tear in the oesophagus, the blood appears red and fresh

Signs and Symptoms of Vomiting Blood in Pregnancy

Colour and consistency of the blood vomited varies due to the cause of bleeding. Apart from bleeding, pregnant mothers may also experience other signs and symptoms which need attention. Some of them are as follows –

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain and discomfort
• Enlargement of pupils
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

How is the Diagnosis Done?

In the initial diagnosis, the doctor will ask questions about the colour of the blood discharged or any injuries in the past or in present. To diagnose any internal causes, the doctor may conduct imaging tests to look deeper. Scans determine the injury and the extent of the damage caused to suggest proper treatment. Common imaging tests include –

• Ultrasound
• X –ray
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Nuclear Medicine Scan
• Endoscopy
• Blood test

Complications Associated with Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant

• Choking
• Anaemia
• Stress or depression

Treatment for Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant

It depends on the cause of bleeding and administering the appropriate line of treatment –

• After vomiting there is deficiency of fluid levels. A pregnant woman needs to stay well hydrated
• If severe dehydration occurs the patient would need to be admitted to a hospital to ensure getting body fluids and supplements through intravenous saline
• A healthy well-balanced and nutritious diet must be followed to ensure the right amount of nutrients and minerals are being supplied to the mother and the baby

If there is a huge amount of blood loss caused by vomiting following treatment is done –

• Blood transfusion
• Administering oxygen
• Endoscopic treatment to determine any rupture and treat it accordingly
• Extraction of fluids through veins
• A surgical procedure in case of several internal haemorrhage or ulcer

Prevention of Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant

• Avoid intake of alcohol as it leads to inflammation of the stomach
• Quit smoking
• Avoid eating spicy food because it causes irritation of the stomach and acid reflux during pregnancy
• Limit intake of medicines especially painkillers and aspirin
• Be on vigil if had recent surgeries or injuries

Home Remedies for Throwing Up Blood while Pregnant

 

• Saline water – recurrent episodes of vomiting result in severe dehydration and low levels of body fluid. In this body fluid and supplements can be administered through intravenous salines to recover easily.
• Fruit juice – regular intake of water and fruit juice will keep the body hydrated and recover from spells of dehydration. Electrolyte solutions can also be used.
• Balanced diet – well planned, balanced and proportionate in vital nutrients and minerals will go a long way in maintaining optimum energy levels and reducing nausea.
• Small and light meals – avoid eating heavy meals at night and eat a light breakfast to minimise nausea.
• Hydrate the body – consume 2-3 litres of water in a day. Flush out the toxins from the body by this and balance the urine production.
• Regular eating pattern – avoid overeating at once. Have a fixed pattern to have food.
• Avoid oily food – curb the urge to gorge on fatty or spicy food. Food high in fat and spice causes the stomach lining to swell and causing acidity. Stick to boiled food with low spice.
• Ginger – the spicy and tangy flavour of ginger and juice secreted is to reduce nausea and morning sickness. Have ginger juice in the morning.
• Prenatal yoga – it cures nausea.
• Ventilation – be in places with sufficient movement of air and ensure there is no suffocation.
• Adequate rest – stay away from stress and take ample amount of rest.

Conclusion

Vomiting blood during pregnancy depends on several factors. After administering signs and symptoms get the diagnosis done with proper treatment. Home remedies can be used as they are effective.

References

https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/vomiting-blood

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314031.php