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Things You Should Know About Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy

hemorrhoids and pregnancy Hemorrhoids and pregnancy are fairly common and women can develop hemorrhoids during their first pregnancy or after multiple pregnancies.
Hemorrhoids are anal veins that appear in the rectal area and can become swollen to the size of a grape. They can appear as internal hemorrhoids or external hemorrhoids and depending upon the type of severity of the condition, they can be irritating or painful and cause rectal bleeding.

After you have an understanding of some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids in women during pregnancy, it is then appropriate to learn more about the causes of hemorrhoids in women during pregnancyand hemorrhoid treatment during pregnancy.



Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids usually occur through strained bowel movements, constipation, improper diet, or not drinking enough water. Pregnancy can increase the chances of developing a hemorrhoid condition since it involves veins in the anal area. Here are some of the reasons postpartum hemorrhoids can easily develop during pregnancy.

  • Varicose Veins

    • During pregnancy you become susceptible to developing varicose veins in your legs and in the vulva due to a number of reasons. Since hemorrhoids are essentially a varicose vein hemorrhoids and pregnancy can go hand in hand.

    Varicose veins are common during pregnancy because they develop as a result of the expansion of your uterus. When your uterus expands it places additional pressure on the veins in your pelvic area and the inferior vena cava. The inferior vena cava is the main vein in your body that carries the blood from the lower limbs to the right atrium of the heart.

    The pressure on the pelvic area and the inferior vena cava can cause your blood to return slowly to the lower limbs of your body. This in turn causes the veins below your uterus to become swollen which can cause hemorrhoids.

  • Progesterone

    • Progesterone is a natural hormone in your body that increases during pregnancy. The increase in this hormone can cause your veins to become relaxed which encourages swelling and a hemorrhoid condition.

  • Childbirth

    • The process of giving birth frequently causes postpartum hemorrhoids in women after pregnancy.

  • Constipation

    • Constipation is a normal part of pregnancy due to the increase in the hormone progesterone which slows down your intestinal tract. Constipation causes you to strain during bowel movements which can rupture the hemorrhoid vein and cause rectal bleeding and irritation.

Treatment for Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy

There are a number of steps you can take for alleviating hemorrhoid problems during pregnancy.

  • Fiber

    • Eating a diet that is high in fiber will help reduce symptoms of constipation and prevent you from straining during bowel movements. Diets that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also supplement with a natural fiber such as psyllium husk.

  • Ice It

    • If the hemorrhoids are external or prolapsed, apply a cold compress to the area that is affected by hemorrhoids a few times each day to reduce the swelling, pain, and discomfort. You can also add witch hazel to the cold compress for an added cooling and soothing effect. Follow the cold compress with warm sitz bath and keep alternating back and forth a few times a day.

  • Use Wipes

    • Use moistened wipes after a bowel movement to clean the area that is affected by hemorrhoids. You can purchase wipes that are medicated to help provide relief from hemorrhoids following a bowel movement.

    hemroids and pregnancy

    Eating fiber and drinking plenty of water is always important, but it is especially important during pregnancy. For women, the risks of getting hemorrhoids is greatest during pregnancy, so be sure to follow this advice to avoid the additional discomfort of hemorrhoids.



  • Consult Your Physician

    • Consult your doctor to ensure that the condition you have is due to hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoids and pregnancy are common it is best to rule out other health conditions especially during pregnancy. Also, your doctor can supply you with medication to provide relief from hemorrhoid symptoms.
There are preventative measures that you can take to reduce the chances of developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Practice a high fiber diet, drink plenty of water, do mild exercises, and avoid sitting for long periods of time. Taking these measures may help to prevent you from having to deal with hemorrhoids and pregnancy simultaneously.





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