Understanding Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins on the interior of your anal canal and on the exterior of your anal opening that become swollen as the result of pressure being applied to the veins. Usually the pressure is the result of constipation and passing a hard stool; however during pregnancy hemorrhoids can be caused by a number of other factors that cause pressure on your anal veins.

If you have been lucky enough to avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy and end up developing them as a result of giving birth here are a few tips on how to provide relief from postpartum hemorrhoids.

Use Hemorrhoids Pads

If you suffer from postpartum hemorrhoids there are hemorrhoid pads that you can obtain from your local pharmacy that contain witch hazel as the main ingredient. Witch hazel is a safe ingredient that helps to reduce the pain and swelling of hemorrhoid tissue. You can use the hemorrhoid pads following a bowel movement and you can also place them on a sanitary napkin to provide soothing relief to the area that is affected by hemorrhoids.

Alternate Warm and Cold

Prepare a sitz bath of warm water and a touch of witch hazel and sit in it for up to 20 minutes several times each day. Apply a cold compress of ice and witch hazel in between each bath to numb the area and provide soothing relief. If you have just given birth it may be easier to ask the hospital to provide you with a sitz bath which is a plastic bowl that you can rest on the toilet seat as opposed to sitting in the bath tub.

Use a Peri-Bottle

Use a peri-bottle to spray water on your anal area following a bowel movement. Most hospitals can supply you with a peri-bottle which you simply fill with warm water and squirt onto the area that is affected by hemorrhoids. After you thoroughly clean the area then wipe with hemorrhoids pads instead of toilet paper.

Take Ibuprofen

You can take a dose of ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoids. It is important to use ibuprofen instead of aspirin if you are breast feeding and make sure you do not take more than the recommended amount.

Water and High Fiber Diet

Eat a diet that is high in fiber which includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Follow up by drinking at least eight glasses of water each day. A diet that is high in fiber will help to reduce symptoms of constipation and make passing a stool a lot easier.

Do Kegel Exercises

If possible, try doing some Kegel exercises which will help to strengthen your anal muscles and increase the blood circulation in the anal veins. Kegel exercises will also help to strengthen the muscles around the vagina which can be beneficial after you have given birth.

Use Recommended Products

If you have developed postpartum hemorrhoids ask your doctor what products are effective for providing relief from hemorrhoids. There are a number of products that your doctor can prescribe as well as over the counter treatments that are effective as well.

Anyway you look at it postpartum hemorrhoids are not fun and hopefully the information provided on this website will help to bring you comfort and relief from your hemorrhoid condition.

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