Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy- Causes, Signs, and Home Remedies

Pregnancy is a phase that is overwhelming to handle. It is not just a phase of carrying and nourishing another life but also bearing all the unpredictability that your body offers. Many common conditions expected during pregnancy will be minor and regress post-baby birth. But some problems do occur during pregnancy that demand medical attention. Hematemesis During Pregnancy or vomiting blood during pregnancy is one such condition.

What is Meant by Hematemesis(Vomiting Blood)?

Hematemesis is a condition where you may vomit blood mixed with food or just blood alone. This condition requires immediate medical attention. It mainly occurs when there is any problem in the upper digestive tract. The upper digestive tract includes the mouth, oesophagus (a tube that connects throat and stomach), stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Important Facts About Hematemesis During Pregnancy

Hematemesis is a critical problem that demands medical attention. People with underlying health conditions should not ignore this problem. Here are some vital facts regarding hematemesis during pregnancy.

Due to hematemesis, there is a possibility of passing black stools. This condition is called melaena.
Continuous vomiting during pregnancy may cause a tear in the oesophagal lining. It can lead to hematemesis.
Hematemesis blood looks dark or coffee ground in colour.
Acid hematin is a brown or dark red coloured pigment formed by the reaction of stomach acids and haemoglobin.
Red blood can indicate other crucial conditions like stomach or oesophagal tears.
Hematemesis can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
Viral gastroenteritis may also be a reason for hematemesis during pregnancy.
Extreme vomiting and spewing blood can lead to weakness, anaemia and sometimes lead the person into a state of shock.

Factors Contributing to Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

There are many reasons that can lead to hematemesis. Some of them are:

A tear in any part of the upper digestive tract: A tear in the esophagus is called a Mallory-Weiss tear. Mallory-Weiss tear occurs in the lower part of the esophagus. It can occur due to intense vomiting and coughing.
Inflammation in the abdomen (gastritis).
Ulcers that bleed.
Nosebleeds that are accidentally swallowed can be one of the reasons.

Top 8 Causes of Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

While vomiting is a common consequence of pregnancy, vomiting blood mixed with food is also common but rare. There are several possible causes of hematemesis during pregnancy:

Common Causes

Some of the common causes of hematemesis during pregnancy include

1. Gastritis and Gastric Ulcers

Gastritis is a common complaint during pregnancy. It occurs when the inner lining of the stomach inflames. People who already suffer from gastritis tend to experience it more during pregnancy. Gastritis occurs due to a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and can also cause hematemesis. Gastric ulcers can sometimes bleed thus causing hematemesis during pregnancy.

2. Oesophagitis

Oesophagitis is an inflammation in the inner lining of the oesophagus. If the swelling is more, there is a possibility of the ruptured lining resulting in hematemesis during pregnancy.

3. Duodenal Ulcers

Duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine. Duodenum is considered a part of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Ulcers in the duodenum can bleed and result in hematemesis during pregnancy.

4. Mallory-Weiss Syndrome

Pregnancy during the first trimester can cause extreme nausea and vomiting. Rigorous and repeated vomiting can cause a tear in the esophageal lining. This is called Mallory-Weiss syndrome. Increased pressure in the abdomen because of extreme coughing or rigorous vomiting can cause this tear. It occurs in the lower part of the oesophagus. Mallory-Weiss tear results in severe bleeding in the oesophagus and can give rise to hematemesis. This is a rare but existing condition and can be a common cause of hematemesis during pregnancy. Mallory-Weiss syndrome can be life-threatening and needs the immediate attention of a doctor.

5. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be a viral or bacterial infection, which when aggravated causes internal bleeding. It can eventually lead to blood mixed vomiting. It is vital to stay away if you are prone to such viral infections during pregnancy.

[Read : Gastroenteritis During Pregnancy]

Less Common Causes

Here are some of the lesser common causes of hematemesis during pregnancy.

6. Nose Bleeds

Nose bleeds are one of the common occurrences during pregnancy. Pregnancy increases blood flow and can sometimes lead to nosebleeds. An undetected nosebleed, if swallowed, can be seen as a blood-mixed spew while throwing up.

7. Bleeding Gums

Pregnancy gingivitis is a scientific name for bleeding gums. It is another reason for hematemesis during pregnancy. You may notice a small amount of blood mixed up with food while you vomit.

[Read : Pregnancy and Gum Diseases]

8. Oesophagal Varices

Oesophagal varices commonly occur in patients with liver cirrhosis. Pregnant women with pre-existing liver conditions are at high risk of hematemesis caused by oesophagal varices. It is the most uncommon and abnormal occurrence in pregnant women and can prove fatal to both mother and child. You must undergo an endoscopy if you have any pre-existing liver condition before conception. Oesophagal varices occur if there is a blockage in the portal vein that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver.

What Does the Color of Blood in Vomit Look Like?

The colour of the blood spewed out in the case of hematemesis is dark red (maroon) or coffee ground. This color of the blood can decide the seriousness of the condition. Seeing fresh red blood or only blood is uncommon but can happen in rare cases.

The colour of the blood changes to dark brown because of slow blood loss. It can also be because of the reaction of acids in the stomach with blood pigment haemoglobin.

Red blood indicates a fresh tear in the oesophagal lining.

Symptoms of Hematemesis During Pregnancy

Hematemesis can occur in both usual people and pregnant women in the same way. Some common signs and symptoms are:

Nausea
Dizziness
Low Blood Pressure
Abdominal Pain or Irritation
Heartburns
Blurred Vision
Severe Back Pain
Tiredness
Passing Very Dark and Tarry Stools

Diagnosing Hematemesis During Pregnancy

Hematemesis can be a serious and life-threatening condition. It always needs the attention of a doctor. If you consult a doctor with the possible signs of hematemesis, they can ask some questions like:

The intensity of nausea wave that you experience.
The colour and amount of blood seen in the spew.
Any previous liver conditions that you have had.
The intensity of gastritis that you experience.

Based on the analysis. Doctors will decide the type of tests you may need.

Complete blood count
An X-Ray
Endoscopy if necessary
Ultrasound
An MRI if necessary

Doctors may administer the necessary treatments depending on the intensity of the damage that occurred.

Complications Associated With Hematemesis During Pregnancy

Hematemesis is a crucial, and life-threatening condition. Hematemesis during pregnancy must be taken to the notice of a doctor. These are some complications associated with hematemesis during pregnancy.

Anaemia or deficiency of red blood cells due to heavy blood loss can cause weakness and lowered immunity. Taking nutritious foods may help avoid the situation.
Choking, continuous vomiting can cause choking. It can become difficult to swallow food or any fluids. Extreme vomiting can also irritate the inner lining of the throat.
Shock, spewing blood can lead to shock. This can lead to dizziness and fainting.

Treatment Options For Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

Treatment for hematemesis depends on the root cause. Doctors may prescribe some medications and discuss the required treatment options accordingly.

In the case of gastritis, doctors may prescribe some medication like antibiotics and antacids to control it.
Hematemesis can lead to extreme dehydration. Doctors may administer intravenous fluid for patients with dehydration and weakness.
Serious blood loss might need blood transfusions. Doctors may carry out further investigations based on the blood and ultrasound reports.
Conditions like gastroenteritis and ulcers can be treated through medication.
In rare cases, doctors may consider performing surgery to stop the internal bleeding.

Top 5 Ways to Prevent Hematemesis During Pregnancy

Let us discuss some preventive measures to follow to avoid hematemesis during pregnancy.

1. Stay Hydrated

Pregnant women need to drink a lot of water to avoid nausea. Staying hydrated can help minimize the waves of nausea. This can reduce the pressure buildup on the walls of the throat and oesophagus. Reduced vomiting episodes can help reduce the chances of Mallory-Weiss syndrome and lessen the risk of hematemesis.

2. Reduce Medications

It is better to avoid consuming a lot of medications during pregnancy. Certain types of antibiotics may lead to esophagitis. Get your doctor’s opinion on the problems you have. Take the medication under their supervision. This can help avoid hematemesis during pregnancy.

3. Control Spicy Food Intake

Avoiding spicy foods can help in controlling gastritis. Gastritis is one of the reasons for hematemesis during pregnancy. Foods that are spicy and acidic can aggravate the condition. It is better to have a balanced diet during pregnancy to avoid hematemesis.

[Read : Healthy Diet During Pregnancy]

4. Avoid Alcohol and Quit Smoking

It goes without saying that you should avoid alcohol and smoking once you are pregnant or at least three months before you plan to conceive. While smoking and drinking during pregnancy can have many complications, they can easily aggravate the condition of hematemesis during pregnancy

5. Maintain Hygiene

If you are prone to viral infections, stay away from an unhygienic environment. Infections lead to a temporary condition called gastroenteritis. Avoid taking contaminated food and water.

Home Remedies For Vomiting Blood During Pregnancy

Hematemesis during pregnancy occurs mainly due to excessive vomiting. Nausea can be controlled by following some remedies such as

Getting adequate sleep can help with better metabolism and digesting food.
Drinking lots of water, staying hydrated is one of the very important remedies to reduce nausea during pregnancy.
Having a balanced and alkaline diet can help avoid gastritis and esophagitis.
Consuming fresh fruit juice.
Increasing ginger intake in moderation. Ginger can help in reducing nausea and assist in better digestion. Taking ginger during pregnancy can also help in reducing cramps and aches.
Avoiding stressing yourself as stress can lead to nausea and difficulty sleeping. Avoid stressful environments.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Hematemesis requires the attention of a doctor at any cost. See your doctor immediately if you have hematemesis and other symptoms like

Feeling dizzy and tired
Extreme abdominal and back pain
Fast and shallow breathing
Low blood pressure
Feeling confused
Blurred vision
Black stool

If you see only blood in your vomiting, an immediate consultation can help in avoiding grave outcomes.

Hematemesis during pregnancy is rare but not uncommon. It can occur due to underlying infections or aggravated gastritis. You need to let your doctor know about your condition. Hematemesis during pregnancy can be serious and can complicate the phase leading to fatal outcomes. Certain home remedies can help you avoid a serious condition called Mallory-Weiss tear that occurs due to intense vomiting. Mallory- Weiss syndrome is one of the prime reasons for hematemesis during pregnancy. Taking the necessary steps to avoid gastritis and other conditions can help you reduce the waves of nausea during pregnancy.

FAQ’s

1. What is Hematemesis?

Dark or coffee ground coloured blood in vomit is called hematemesis. Hematemesis is caused by many conditions such as peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, gastroenteritis, Mallory-Weiss tears, and other rare conditions like tumours in the stomach and oesophagus.

2. Is Hematemesis During Pregnancy Serious?

Hematemesis itself is a serious condition. Pregnancy and its hormonal waves can aggravate it. It is better to consult your doctor if you see any symptoms of hematemesis during pregnancy. Hematemesis, if ignored, can prove fatal for both the baby and the mother.

3. Is Hematemesis Treatable During Pregnancy?

Yes, doctors can treat hematemesis during pregnancy. Doctors may require certain tests to identify the depth of the condition. They can administer the medications based on the reports. It is important to get immediate medical attention that can save you and your baby from such conditions.