Pregnant women are susceptible to suffer from hemorrhoids because of your growing uterus. It puts pressure to your inferior vena cava and pelvic veins. Great news! You can deal with hemorrhoids during pregnancy. You do not have to worry because it will not put your life and your baby’s life at risk with hemorrhoids. All you have to do is read materials about hemorrhoids and how you can manage it.
An introduction
Hemorrhoids are also called piles. It is also a form of varicose vein. These are the veins that surround the rectum that are inflamed and swollen. During pregnancy, so many physiological changes happen. You have more blood circulating in your body through the veins. Your veins will be dilated especially those located below the uterus. The signs that you will experience are burning, itching, bleeding and pain. You will see bright red blood on your stool or toilet paper after your bowel movement if you have bleeding hemorrhoids. Make sure if this happens, you have to tell your obstetrician even though you suspect that it is because of your hemorrhoids.
What to do
The main suspect for the formation of your hemorrhoids is constipation. Straining during bowel movements will put pressure on your dilated veins. If you suffer from constipation, make sure to get an advice from your doctor for stool softener. Pregnant women can still do something about their hemorrhoids. Here are some ways to avoid constipation:
•Drink at least six to 10 glasses of water everyday.
•Consume foods rich in fiber.
•Engage in exercise. The perfect exercises for pregnant women are yoga and kegel exercises. This will not help you and your baby to stay healthy but it will prepare your body to the upcoming delivery day.
Managing the discomfort
Apart from doing the tips above in order to prevent from getting constipated, here are tips to reduce the discomfort and uneasy feeling.
•Always make sure that your anal area is always clean. Use baby wipes or wet tissue instead of dry tissue and paper towel. There are medicated hemorrhoid pads available as well that are more comfortable to use.
•Prevent standing and sitting for a long time because it gives too much pressure on your hemorrhoids. Lay down for a few minutes to rest your tired body.
•Prevent lifting heavy objects. Let someone do it for you. Apart from pressuring your hemorrhoids, it is bad for you and your baby.
•Apply petroleum jelly on your rectum to ease and cool off your bowel movements.
•Sit on a pack of ice to give you a soothing relief from the inflammation and burning sensation.
•Take a warm bath enough to cover your hemorrhoids. Fill the bathtub with warm water and sit on it for a few minutes at least two times a day.
•Ask your obstetrician for medicated creams. Do not just try any over-the-counter remedies.
Remember, your hemorrhoids will go away soon after you give birth. It is not a big problem to add in your worries during pregnancy.
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