Is throwing up blood while pregnant normal? – Causes – treatment – prevention

Pregnancy

Pregnancy comes up with a lot of complications. Vomiting is one of the most usual of those. Even some women discover their pregnancy when they are not able to hold down their breakfast. Is throwing up blood while pregnant normal or not you are going to a factual answer here.

During the first trimester (0 to 13 weeks) most of the pregnant women have nausea and vomiting. It is generally called “morning sickness” that goes away itself by week 12 to 14.

The outcome is that vomiting is common in pregnancy. However, vomiting blood is not a good, sign but it does happen. Medically it is recognized as, Hematemesis.

Several health reasons are responsible for this condition. Most of these are casual and go away on their own after the first trimester or after birth. Albeit the normality, you should visit your doctor to avoid any risks.

Spitting up blood or Hematemesis

Vomiting blood during pregnancy is medically known as Hematemesis. Medical reason for hematemesis ranges from a simple nosebleed to serious intestinal bleeding.

Hematemesis happens when morning sickness is at its worst and common during the first trimester.

What causes blood in saliva during pregnancy?

Several factors that can lead to hematemesis are discussed as follows

Esophageal disorder

The esophagus tube connects our mouth and throat to the stomach. Vomiting a lot and especially forceful vomits can rupture the lining of your esophagus. This injury can lead to a small amount of blood in the vomits.

The more serious condition can be an esophageal tear that is very rare in the first trimester. It may happen in the third trimester due to overweight and several other reasons that include:

  • high blood pressure
  • preeclampsia
  • severe coughing
  • stomach infections
  • alcohol misuse
  • bulimia
  • a hernia

You will see bright red blood in vomits if you have an esophageal tear.

Gastritis or Ulcer

Open sores in the lining of our stomach are called stomach ulcers. A bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori can infect this lining and cause these tiny wounds to bleed, and lead to gastritis.

Stomach ulcer patients before pregnancy can undergo this again while pregnant. Other than the bacterial infection, too much stress and medication like aspirin can also cause stomach ulcers.

Bright red and dark blood are seen in the vomits of stomach ulcer patients.

Pregnancy gingivitis or Bleeding gums

Getting sore, swollen, and bleeding gums while pregnancy is common. It is also called pregnancy gingivitis.

During pregnancy, hormones increase the flow of blood and if you have sensitive gums, they can bleed. Bad breath, receding gums, inflamed gums are all part of this disorder.

Having good dental health will not prevent pregnancy gingivitis. However, brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing will help a lot.

Cirrhosis

Excessive use of alcohol or autoimmune diseases like hemochromatosis (absorption of the excess amount of iron in the blood) can cause cirrhosis. It causes the dilation of blood vessels.

Blood vessels can start rupturing and affect the esophagus too. It is a serious disease and can also affect the liver of the patient. Those who have cirrhosis vomit large quantities of bright red blood.

Other than these factors you may also see blood in vomits due to:

  • Dehydration
  • Food-poisoning
  • Nosebleeds
  • Starvation
  • Irritation in mouth or throat
  • Hypertension
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Medications

All of the above-discussed and mentioned causes are not chronic to a great extent. But let your doctor know is always helpful.

Symptoms of Hematemesis

Apart from seeing blood in vomits, pregnant women also have some other symptoms. These are also associated with vomiting blood while pregnant.

  • Back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Abnormal tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Blurred vision
  • Enlargement of pupils
  • Weight loss

What is the right time to visit your doctor?

Vomiting blood is not a good sign for anyone. Especially for women that are pregnant, as loss of blood can cause weakness and halt your baby’s growth. It is always the right time to consult your doctor about any issue.

Most causes of Hematemesis are associated with the upper part of your digestive tracts such as mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. It does not mean that these can be ignored. Visit our doctor and let her take a closer look.

You might be recommended to have some tests or scans like endoscopy, MRI, blood tests, and ultrasound to eliminate any risks that can worsen your condition.

Treatment for throwing up blood while pregnant

Medical treatment for blood in your vomit depends upon the cause. The cause needs to be diagnosed first. Your doctor will have some queries about the color of blood or any injury related to it.

The doctor may use some tests for internal diagnosis. Ultrasound tests, endoscopy, MRI, or some blood tests could be done for such purpose. 

After the diagnosis, treatment begins with proper care. For common reasons like nausea, excessive vomiting, and stomach ulcer the doctor may only prescribe some anti-biotics.

A healthy diet and a lot of fluids are always prescribed to keep the mother and the baby well hydrated. The right amount of nutrients and minerals are also required as per the need.

If reasons are serious such as an esophageal tear or a large amount of blood loss. The doctor may prescribe blood transfusion, internal surgery, endoscopic treatment, or any suitable treatment.

Helpful home remedies

You should not seek home remedies straight away until you do not know the proper reason. Remember that, natural herbs can act as soothing agents but can never wipe out the problem itself. While overuse can worsen the cause.

Here are some helpful tips that you can follow to avoid nausea and vomiting to some extent

Intake of fluids- Regular intake of fluids can keep your body hydrated and help prevent dehydration. Fresh fruit juices and at least 2-3 liters of water are essential. Electrolyte solutions are also handy. Fluids will let your body maintain balanced urine production and flush out toxins.

Use of Ginger- Ginger is a tested remedy for nausea and vomiting. A medical review in 2016 proved that women who took 250 mg (milligrams) of ginger 4 times a day had less nausea and vomiting problem.   

Adding ginger to your juices, tea or water depends upon your likings. Even powdered ginger and ginger capsules are good. You can use dried or candied ginger too.

 A balanced diet- A balanced and proportionate diet is the first thing anyone will suggest in any case. For women that are pregnant, nutrients, and minerals in proper proportion are essential.

A good diet will help your body maintain energy levels and reduce nausea. Therefore, always eat healthy food.

Prefer small and light meals- Most women experience nausea in the morning. Eat less at night and have a light breakfast to avoid such an experience. Eat less so that you do not feel full and vomit. Also, have 3-4 hours interval between meals to digest food properly.

Prenatal yoga- Like all other preparations for child-birth, prenatal yoga is vital too. Yoga exercises will help to stretch, focus, and proper circulation. Researches have also suggested prenatal yoga to be safe and beneficial.

Have adequate rest- You should take a proper night’s sleep. Keep in mind that the place where you sleep should not be air-tight. You must not feel any suffocation or claustrophobic.

Ample rest and no stress should be your priority to relax and unwind your body.  

Preventive measures

 It is always useful to adapt some preventions to avoid any risks. Here are some of the simplest yet helpful preventions

  • Do not use spicy and junk food to avoid acid reflux or stomach irritation
  • Never use medicines without a prescription especially painkillers
  • Stop smoking if you do
  • Lessen the intake of alcohol

Possible complications

Throwing up blood is usually more associated with you than your baby. But a lot of blood loss can be a concern for both of you. So, visit your doctor if you spot any blood in vomits and do not ignore it.

 You might not need any treatment it might be just one of those un-concerning causes. While signs like dark poop or blood in it, severe nausea, a lot of morning sickness, dizziness, and confusion are not good. 

Throwing up blood in 3rd trimester

Vomiting throughout your pregnancy is very usual. Throwing up blood is not that concerning too if you know the reason behind it. If you still see blood in vomits in 3rd trimester, do not panic.

Food poisoning, acidity, or morning sickness might be the cause and these will not harm your baby’s health. Simple medications yet prescribed by the doctor are helpful.

Despite the normality of the cause, a visit to your doctor is good to prevent any major risks or health concerns.

Is Hematemesis or throwing up blood a sign of miscarriage?

A lot of women are concern about throwing up blood and loss of pregnancy. As discussed before, throwing up blood due to simple reasons will not affect your baby’s health at all. Your pregnancy will still be fine.

However, throwing up blood along with symptoms like severe stomach pain, serious headache, back pain, period-like bleeding might be concerning.

Conclusion

Severe vomiting and forceful vomiting might be the reason for blood in vomits. Other than this, several simple causes may also be blamed. Chronic causes are very rare.

You may not need medication at all, but letting your doctor know is important. Treating the cause properly is necessary. Hope now you are all clear about Is throwing up blood while pregnant normal?

Wish you a healthy and safe pregnancy! 

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