Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can turn an otherwise healthy pregnancy into a nightmare. Read on to see why pregnant women get hemorrhoids and what you can do to prevent or relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Read my story how I use hemorrhoids home treatment to cure myself.
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The capillary in the anal wall become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to pool. This will make the surface of the capillary to extent developing the apparent ball on the outside of the anus known as hemorrhoids.
What leads to pregnancy hemorrhoids?
Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby nutrition and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant woman’s blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Pregnant women are also likely to constipate due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels.
Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the baby growth another reason for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Types of pregnancy hemorrhoids:
1. Internal hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
You can’t see or feel these hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoid’s delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Due to internal anal membranes not really pain sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually did not cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.
2. External hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When iharassed, external hemorrhoids can tingling or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids can be same as being thrust in the rectum by a knife.
What can you do to relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
The good news is that hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born. At the same time, there are few things you can do to cure hemorrhoids. This is hemorrhoids relief that may help relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
1. Put some baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) while taking a warm bath on the affected area to reduce itching.
2. Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.
3. Use Tucks Medicated Pads.
4. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
5. Drink plenty of fluids.
6. Drink prune juice.
7. Do not delay going to the bathroom.
8. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
If you feel very painful due to pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your doctor to suggest hemorrhoid medication.
