Written by Suma R P
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.
Hematemesis is the medical term given to the condition of vomiting blood during pregnancy. Throwing up blood mixed with food or just blood is called hematemesis. So, why does this condition happen, what are the contributing factors and when should you consult your doctor? Read the article to know more.
In This Article
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).
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.
There are many reasons that can lead to hematemesis. Some of them are:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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.
Hematemesis can occur in both usual people and pregnant women in the same way. Some common signs and symptoms are:
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:
Based on the analysis. Doctors will decide the type of tests you may need.
Doctors may administer the necessary treatments depending on the intensity of the damage that occurred.
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.
Treatment for hematemesis depends on the root cause. Doctors may prescribe some medications and discuss the required treatment options accordingly.
Let us discuss some preventive measures to follow to avoid hematemesis during pregnancy.
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.
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.
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]
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
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.
Hematemesis during pregnancy occurs mainly due to excessive vomiting. Nausea can be controlled by following some remedies such as
Hematemesis requires the attention of a doctor at any cost. See your doctor immediately if you have hematemesis and other symptoms like
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read Also: Dark Stool During Pregnancy – Causes, Remedies, Diagnosis
Suma is a passionate content writer with a strong keenness to understand the miracle of pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Suma has successfully transitioned into a full-time content writer and a key contributor at Being The Parent. She leverages on her experimental background in chemistry and experience in writing to come up with well-researched content that helps parents struggling to deal with various medical conditions of their children.Read more.
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