Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy
Is There Anything You Can Do?

Many women consider hemorrhoids and pregnancy to go hand in hand.

Many consider pregnancy as a miraculous occasion. The ability of a woman’s body to hold another human life is truly magnificent.

An expecting woman’s body undergoes changes in preparation for the development of the growing fetus. Sometimes, there are unsightly unavoidable changes in the skin brought about by pregnancy. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy should not overpower the beauty of giving birth.

Pregnancy puts an expecting mother at risk of developing hemorrhoids. It frequently occurs that hemorrhoids and pregnancy coexist.

In fact, to add insult to injury, pregnant women may also experience vaginal hemorrhoids .

The proximity of the anus to the uterus increases the possibility. As the fetus develops and grows in size and weight, extra pressure is put on the internal and external hemorrhoidal veins. If the pressure is too much, these veins may swell and bulge.

In addition, the increase in progesterone promotes muscle relaxation that causes veins to swell more easily and the slowing down of the intestinal tract, which also contributes to constipation.

The symptoms that may manifest may range from mild to moderate anal discomfort to streaks of bright red blood on stools after a bowel movement.

The good news though, is that most of the ‘pregnancy hemorrhoids’ usually disappear after giving.

While there are a lot of prescription medications in all forms – creams, pills and supplements – for hemorrhoidal treatment, most pregnant and lactating mothers are reluctant to take drugs for fear of harming their baby.

This is a good judgment. A rule of thumb is that most medications - either not doctor approved or in doubt of its effects - should not be taken when hemorrhoids and pregnancy occur together.

Even if the product is claiming to be 100% natural, a doctor’s approval is required. There is a lot of false advertising. Do not fall prey to them and risk losing your baby and your health.

However, most relief measures for hemorrhoids are safe even for pregnant women:

• an application of ice compress on the affected area several times a day
• and then alternate with a warm bath or sitz bath to decrease swelling and pain as well as promoting relaxation
• some women find a cold compress immersed with witch hazel to be heavenly soothing

Still, hemorrhoids can be beaten by applying preventive measures. Though pregnant women are more susceptible to hemorrhoids, they are not inevitable.

One way to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy is to avoid constipation. Constipation can be prevented by eating high fiber foods such as:

• beans
• whole bran cereals and grains
• asparagus
• brussels sprouts
• carrots

You can prevent hemorrhoids by maintaining a regular bowel movement, avoid straining when defecating and avoiding lingering on the toilet bowl. Daily Kegel exercise is a fantastic way to not only prepare for bearing down during labor but can also prevent the development of hemorrhoids. It promotes blood circulation in the rectal area and strengthens.

Having a good idea what hemorrhoids are and how to prevent them during child birth can greatly increase the chances of expecting mothers of having a hemorrhoid-free pregnancy.

Knowing how to manage and treat hemorrhoids when pregnant should help to put your mind at rest. After all, don't you have enough to worry about?

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