Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids can occur at any time, but become a common problem during pregnancy that may be temporary or permanent. Hemorrhoids are varicose swollen veins of the rectal area, varying from the size of a raisin to the size of a grape, usually painful, and more often associated to chronic constipation.

Prolonged standing may be a factor contributing to hemorrhoids, particularly during the third trimester, as well as advanced maternal age or constipation combined with the pregnancy-increased pressure of your growing uterus on the rectum and perineum, slowing the return of blood from the lower half of your body.

Hemorrhoids can be painful, sometimes with rectal bleeding during a bowel movement, or just itchy with enlarged veins protrude through the anus, causing discomfort near your rectum. Women usually suffer from hemorrhoids for the first time during their pregnancy, but those who had them earlier in their life, are more likely to get them back again.

Other women do not develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, not until the second stage of labor, as a result of the pushing; however, you can prevent hemorrhoids by avoiding constipation, or trying to avoid straining during bowel movements if you are already constipated. Eating a high fiber diet and drinking plenty of fluids, including prune juice, fruits and vegetables, is the best way to prevent constipation, and never delay going to the bathroom.

Either way, with prevention or not, hemorrhoids usually go away on their own after you give birth, although sometimes it is necessary to take a few simple measures until they disappear. Women suffering from hemorrhoids after delivery can relief itchy or pain with ice packs for the first 24 hours, and switching to warm sitz baths, wiping with witch hazel pads.

In rare cases, minor surgery is required after pregnancy, while in few women hemorrhoids resolve until their body is recovering from the birthing experience, but once again preventing constipation and using topical ointments containing hydrocortisone can prevent the development of hemorrhoids and/or relief the symptoms associated with them.

If your family has a medical history revealing you are susceptible to hemorrhoids, ask your physician to recommend safe medicated suppositories or topical anesthetics to avoid them or relief the pain for a short time, as their continued use can cause inflammation of the swollen veins.

Prevention can save you from the hemorrhoids' pain and embarrassment. Use white unscented, soft toilet tissue, instead of colored, scented brands to avoid irritation, moistening the tissue if necessary, or substitute the toilet tissue with pre-moistened wipes, or those medicated wipes made specifically for people with hemorrhoids.

Constipation can also be prevented with regular exercising, including walking daily, avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you are already constipated, ask your doctor about using a stool softener or include in your diet a high-fiber supplement.