Hemorrhoids before, during and after pregnancy

By | January 31, 2018

Hemorrhoids are prevalent in the perinatal period, specifically on the third trimester. The symptom of the condition may start as a simple pain that becomes persistent until it gets as far as severe bleeding.

At first, you may suspect the disease as a normal thing for pregnant women, but you should be more educated about it. Itching is a common indicator followed by feeling of discomfort. If you notice other indications like a sign of drops of fresh blood after wiping, then it is confirmed that you are positive of the disorder.

Pregnancy makes you more at risk with the syndrome. Every day your uterus tends to be growing and gives more pressure to your pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, a large vein located on the right side of the body which is responsible for receiving blood from the lower extremities. During pregnancy, the return of blood from the lower part of the body is being slowed down by the change of uterus size, which, in turn, will increase pressure on the veins below the uterus making them more expanded and puffed-up.

Constipation, also very common during pregnancy, also tends to intensify the said condition, brought about by the ‘hard push’ that makes you tensed and strained.

Health scholars also attribute the condition as an effect of increased release of hormones estrogen and progesterone during gestation. By this time, the walls of the veins are caused to relax, which lets them to swell even more.
A closer look at the condition

Hemorrhoids can begin as a small lump that appears like a pea, usually red in colour. It is painless at first, but can turn itchy as time passes by. To some people, it may have a shocking look, especially if they have never seen one before.

Natures of Hemorrhoids:

1. External hemorrhoids – These are found at the opening of the anus. This is the simpler kind, as it needs not be operated, lest the situation gets worse. Indications such as itching and simple pains are apparent.

2. Internal hemorrhoids – These are positioned inside of the anal canal. A combination of itch and bleeding is observable, although it’s not that excruciating. Also known as prolapsed hemorrhoid, the condition is quantified on harshness from first to fourth degree.

•First degree- bleeding is seeming but not to the extent of sticking out from the anus

•Second degree – will stick out but during bowel movement but gets back into place. Minor flow of blood is manifested.

•Third degree –Really sticks out and needed to be put back with support.

•Fourth degree – Sticks out, and can’t be put back into place; blood clots are present.

The Kegel exercises

Aside from eating fibrous foods, fruits and vegetables, and consuming fluids to prevent hemorrhoids, Kegel exercises are also recommended for pregnant for the following reasons:

1.It makes the muscles sustaining the uterus and bladder reinforced;

2. It fortifies the muscles of the vagina; and

3. It aids in attaining stress-free delivery

The Kegel exercises area also advantageous after giving birth to:

1. Stimulate perineal restoration;

2. recuperate bladder control; and

3. Toughens the muscles in the pelvis.

How to Perform Kegel Exercises

1. Locate your kegel muscles (These are the muscles that surround your vagina).

2. Contract the said muscles for 5-10 seconds.

3. Relax.

4. Repeat as much as 20 times.

5. Take breaths.

6. Do the exercise at least three times a day.

Note: During Kegel exercises, evade affecting the legs, buttocks and abdominal muscles.

You can execute the Kegel exercises anytime, anywhere, like when sitting at your chair, while reading, while waiting for the doctor in the clinic or before going to bed.

Postpartum Hemorrhoids

This condition is the consequence of pressure on the perineum on earlier, during, and time of delivery. Veins tend to swell, even with blood because they work as a kind of faucet to drive blood back to the heart.

The pressure in carrying a baby is almost unbearable, and the stress in making the baby out through the vagina causes the veins to bulge.

Constipation is also evident after giving birth. This bursts hemorrhoids making the mother afraid of letting go, which further aggravates the situation.

Hemorrhoids Management

The following are tips to shrink or reduce discomfort out of the circumstances:

•Observe cleanliness. Keep your anal as clean as possible.

•Lay down. You are putting more pressure on the hemorrhoids if you sit and stand for long hours.

•Do not lift/carry heavy objects.

•Petroleum jelly. To calm off and ease bowel movements, try putting on petroleum jelly on the rectum

•Ice. Try sitting on an ice to let go of the burning feeling.

•With the guidance of a health practitioner, you can use safe suppository that are medicated. But don’t just buy them at the market and try it at your own without proper prescription.

Additional notes on getting rid of the complaint:

•Heal constipation as early as possible.

•Whenever there is a compulsion to use the comfort room, go. Don’t let that fear restrain you from going to. The lengthier you delay, the worse circumstance you will get.

•Don’t just sit down. Carry out Kegel exercises. This is very helpful.
On calling a doctor

Possible home treatments may be sufficient if you are very diligent in getting out of the problem after giving birth. Nevertheless, if the state remains stubborn, creates restlessness, and you think bleeding is getting worse, refer your condition to your doctor. Don’t be shy about the problem and don’t be afraid, as surgery is not always recommended for these instances.

Get that Lifetime Satisfaction

Hemorrhoids may sound funny to others, but it must never be associated with a joke. Do not underestimate the nuisance it could bring into your life. Treating the illness should be on top of your priorities. It is only when you have treated yourself ultimately, that you could say to yourself, “Now, I can work harder for that lifetime satisfaction.”