A very large group that develops hemorrhoids are pregnant women. Due to the relatively rapid changes in their body during the course of pregnancy the bowel and anus can become strained and weaken as a result. Also the intense high pressures required when finally giving birth can often irritate and damage the anus causing hemorrhoids to develop during the birthing process, making it much more likely to become a recurring condition in later life.
Hemorrhoids are most likely to occur during the third trimester of pregnancy, with many women suffering from them for the very first time while they’re pregnant. If a woman has had hemorrhoids before becoming pregnant, there is a medium to high risk of them occurring again. The most intense pressures happen during the second stage of labour; therefore this is the most likely time for them to occur.
The reason pregnancy has many undesirable side effects (including hemorrhoids and varicose veins in the legs and even in the vulva) is because the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, the large vein on the right hand side of the body that receives blood from the lower limbs. Over time the flow of blood slows, straining many veins and causing the various problems.
There is also a biological reason behind it too. During pregnancy there is an increase in the hormone progesterone. This hormone causes the walls of your veins to relax which allows them to become irritated and swell more easily. It also slows down the intestinal tract making constipation more likely.
There are ways to avoid getting hemorrhoids during pregnancy: First and foremost is to avoid constipation by eating a high fibre, low fat diet. Drinking plenty of water during the day keeps you hydrated and everything in working order and moving, and partaking in regular exercise (be it from a steady workout to a short, brisk walk) should aid the digestion process. Fibre supplements or stool softeners should help if constipation does occur at any time.
Secondly, when the urge to have a bowel movement occurs it should be acted upon. Straining when having a bowel movement combined with sitting too long on the toilet puts pressure on the area making it more prone to hemorrhoids.
Avoiding sitting OR standing for long periods of time is also key. If a job requires a pregnant woman to sit for prolonged periods of time, frequent standing up and having a quick walk around is recommended. Pregnant women are also advised to lay on their left hand side while sleeping, watching TV or reading in order to relieve any pressure off of rectal veins and increasing blood flow to the lower limbs. Daily Kegal exercises (exercises that help strengthen the pelvic floor muscle) could also increase circulation in the rectal area, strengthening the muscles around the anus thus decreasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
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