Hemorrhoids and pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy - in fact, a consequence of varicose veins around the anus. The veins on the rectum and around it swell and begin to ache strongly. During pregnancy, your body is filled with a lot of blood circulating through your veins. All your veins, especially those that are located below the uterus, expand. What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy and how to prevent them?
[Symptoms of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy include itching, burning, pain and bleeding in the anus. Bleeding during hemorrhoids is usually bright red, and most often it can be seen on toilet paper than in the toilet bowl. When a pregnant woman has rectal bleeding, immediate consultation of the doctor is needed, even if the woman herself suspects that this is due to hemorrhoids.
How to prevent pain in hemorrhoids in pregnant women?
For pregnant women, the main culprit in the formation of hemorrhoids is constipation. Straining at the bowel movement, the woman puts even more pressure on the already dilated veins. If the pregnant woman already has constipation, talk with your doctor about a laxative. To avoid constipation, first of all it is necessary
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
- There are foods high in fiber (bulk-forming agents can help to reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids).
- Exercise as much as possible regularly.
Kegel Exercise
- Strain the muscles of the vagina and the rectum area.
- Hold in this position for 8-10 seconds, relax and repeat the exercise several times.
- Do several such exercises throughout the day.
You can do Kegel exercises almost everywhere (sitting on your desk, in the car, while waiting for the doctor), and no one will even notice.
Kegel exercises are useful for two reasons. First, they increase blood circulation in the rectum, which, in turn, helps to avoid hemorrhoids.
The second reason is that they will strengthen the vagina and perianal muscles, which contribute to the healing of the uterus after childbirth.
Kegel exercises are exercises to strengthen a specific pelvic floor muscle, or PC muscle. This muscle is located in the pelvic floor. These muscles can help you control the flow of urine. If you are pregnant or recently after childbirth, you may suffer from urinary incontinence due to weakening of the muscles. Sometimes urinary incontinence or feces can occur when you sneeze, in other cases it can be a leak of urine whenever your bladder is full.
During exercise, you should slowly squeeze this muscle and hold it until you count to ten. This should be done at least three times a day. To achieve better results, do this exercise once standing, once sitting and once lying on your stomach.
The problem is not in the exercise, it's simple and easy - the problem is not to stop doing it.
How to get rid of hemorrhoids, if there are already its first signs during pregnancy?
Here are some tips for pregnant women, especially if hemorrhoids in this condition are supplemented with constipation.
Keep yourself clean Keep your anal area as clean as possible. Using a wet wipe can reduce the symptoms of pain in hemorrhoids - it's more convenient than using toilet paper.
Lie more often. Avoid sitting and standing for a long time, which can put pressure on the hemorrhoids.
Let someone else do it. Avoid lifting large or moderate weight during pregnancy.
Use Vaseline. Try to lubricate the area of the anus with Vaseline to cool it and ensure the ease of bowel movements during defecation.
Try a little ice. Sit on the ice compress - this can give some relief from the inflammation of the anus area.
Use foot baths. Put your feet in warm enough water to relieve the condition with hemorrhoids. You can wash the anus with cool water to reduce the level of inflammation.
Use candles, creams. Check the effect of suppositories on the rectal area, but only on the advice of a doctor.
If none of these remedies help, your hemorrhoids become worse, or you see any bleeding from the anus, check your condition again with the doctor. Remember, in order to defeat hemorrhoids during pregnancy, you need to have more knowledge and help from medics.
Features of hemorrhoids in pregnancy
After the first trimester of pregnancy, the signs of hemorrhoids are very similar. In most cases, they can be treated or prevented with natural home treatment. In fact, it is better to use natural methods of home treatment to avoid the risk to the health of the fetus. It is necessary to take medicine for hemorrhoids in the form of softeners of the stool or painkillers. Surgery in the treatment of hemorrhoids is the most risky method for pregnant women and is usually not a viable option because in most pregnancy cases hemorrhoids will disappear after a woman gives birth. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be a very inconvenient component of this condition, which is very annoying for a woman, but treatment can take place without any invasive procedures.
Manifestations of hemorrhoids in different periods of pregnancy
All cases of hemorrhoids at different stages of pregnancy are caused by excessive swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels around the rectum and anus. This tumor is usually caused by excessive pressure on these blood vessels. They are filled with blood to provoke an increase in the sphincter, which in turn leads to painful inflammation and rectal bleeding. Usually, hemorrhoids at different stages of pregnancy are caused by sitting in one posture for a long time or from excessively elevated pressure, which creates hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, hemorrhoids cause pressure on the uterus of a growing baby in the womb.
Hemorrhoids may not disturb a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy, but usually begins to appear around the anus in the fifth month of pregnancy. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be external or internal and most women do not progress beyond discomfort and itching. He can not cause pain.
Hemorrhoids and pain in pregnant women
However, serious cases of such symptoms of hemorrhoids can be very painful. In these cases, most doctors will prescribe natural ways of home treatment. Some natural healing recommendations can include a lot of water, gradually adding more fiber to your diet and doing regular physical exercises.
In addition, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid the same position during sitting for long periods of time. The use of herbal infusions during pregnancy on the recommendation of a doctor can help reduce pain with hemorrhoids. However, it is extremely important to consult your physician before starting any kind of treatment - or herbal medicine or alternative medicine, especially if you are pregnant.
Deterioration of the course of hemorrhoids in pregnancy
As a child grows, hemorrhoids during pregnancy usually worsen their course. The worst effects of this condition can be avoided by taking natural home remedies that help blood circulation and strengthen blood vessels. Some remedies include taking horse chestnut tincture, eating foods high in bioflavonoids, such as black currant.
But it is very important for pregnant women to consult a doctor before starting treatment with any kind of herbs in capsules or taking tea. Good for treating hemorrhoids during pregnancy, taking vitamin E and B vitamins is also a great way to strengthen the blood vessels of a pregnant woman and prevent inflammation associated with pregnancy. This is usually not a problem if a pregnant woman is observed in a female consultation properly, because almost all doctors will prescribe her vitamin supplements from the very beginning of pregnancy and even before her.
Do not forget about contacting a doctor at the first signs of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, this will make it possible to prevent pain and discomfort, giving you a chance for a happy, joyful, healthy pregnancy that will be a gift not only for you, but for your wonderful baby.