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How To Care For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy And The Best Way To Treat Them

Natural Treatment for Hemorrhoids – How to Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

by Robert Cutler, D.O. | Jun 7, 2021 | Pregnancy and Motherhood |

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a common inconvenience that can be managed with some time and care. This guide will help you minimize the uncomfortable, itchy, painful symptoms of pregnancy and postpartum hemorrhoids and give you tips to help lead you back to full anorectal health.

We will also talk briefly about hemorrhoids themselves, including what they are, why half of all pregnancies result in them, how to treat them, and how best to prevent them from forming in the first place. This information helps to make sense of the practical tips I provide later.

As a practicing proctologist, Ive spent more than 30 years treating many different anorectal conditions, hemorrhoids while pregnant included, and have figured out effective treatments and prevention strategies, so read on to learn more. If you have any questions after reading, send me a message on our contact page.

Should I Go To The Doctor If I Think I Have Hemorrhoids

If you suspect you have hemorrhoids, mention it at your next ob/gyn or midwife appointment. Dont be embarrassedtheyve seen this many times. Its crucial to raise the issue if youve seen blood, says Zaltz, because there can be other, more serious causes of bleeding. Want to know sooner? Grab a mirror. If theyre the external kind, youll be able to see them around the opening of your anus. Internal hemorrhoids should be looked at by a doctor. Treat the symptoms Though hemorrhoids cant be cured, the symptoms can be treated until the hemorrhoids go away on their own. Brenshaws case appeared seven months into her pregnancy, and she was told to manage her symptoms until after delivery. For most women, thats the case. They probably wont completely disappear until after the baby is born, warns Zaltz.

If youre still struggling with discomfort once youve increased your fibre and water intake, Ottawa-based pharmacist Shelita Dattani suggests talking to your doctor about using an over-the-counter hemorrhoid product containing pramoxine, which relieves pain. Soaking in a bath with witch hazel or Epsom salts will ease discomfort. An OTC stool softener may also help.

Discussing hemorrhoids isnt funso even if the topic doesnt come up in your prenatal class, know that a few of the women in the group are probably struggling too. Its not a subject people openly talk about, says Brenshaw. They probably prefer to talk about their kids poops, not their own.

Best Hemorrhoid Cream During Pregnancy

The secret in finding the best hemorrhoid cream to use during pregnancy is finding a cream with natural ingredients.;

Studies have concluded that the use of natural ingredients like beeswax, honey, and olive oil are effective in treating symptoms of hemorrhoids.;

Products;that have accumulated a number of 5 star reviews on sites like as being both safe and effective treatments for hemorrhoids that occur during pregnancy.;

Other popular creams like Preparation H are also safe to use when pregnant.;

As with any other treatmentnatural or notconsult your doctor before use.

Read Also: Can Internal Hemorrhoids Cause Back Pain

Will Hemorrhoids Go Away On Their Own After Pregnancy

Yes, hemorrhoids will go away on their own, even after pregnancy.;

Hemorrhoids can be at their worst after labor, due to the straining and pushing that occurs for delivery, especially for mothers that deliver vaginally.

After pregnancy, hemorrhoids may remain inflamed and irritated for a few days, but symptoms should subside naturally anywhere from just a few days to two weeks.;

One step you can take to help with hemorrhoid treatment is to include more fiber in your diet.; This will keep your colon regular, bowel movements less strained, and keep the veins inside your rectum from becoming inflamed.;

You want to avoid constipation as much as possible because this is one of the leading causes of a hemorrhoid flare-up.

Consult a hemorrhoid doctor before you decide to use an OTC hemorrhoid medicine.

Home Treatments For Hemorrhoids

How To Get Relief From Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy ...

There are several things you can do to treat your hemorrhoids at home:

  • Apply ice. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and apply for about 10 minutes. If you had a hospital or birth center delivery, you may have been given postnatal ice packs to bring home.
  • Ask your doctor about over-the-counter treatments. Topical ointments and suppositories may provide relief. Discuss how long it’s acceptable to use a product . Only use a product approved by your healthcare provider. This is exceptionally important if you’ve had an episiotomy or tear.
  • Clean the area gently, but thoroughly. Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water. Rather than using dry toilet paper, pat the area with a wet wipe. Hemorrhoid pads that contain witch hazel are often recommended, as well.
  • Lie down as much as you can. Take the pressure off your backside.
  • Take Tylenol or Motrin . Both are safe painkillers for breastfeeding mothers in the recommended dosages.
  • Try a sitz bath. If you don’t already have one, you can purchase one at the drugstore. Sitz baths can be done several times a day.;Alternatively, you could simply soak in the bathtub.
  • Use unscented and dye-free hygiene products. This includes toilet paper, menstrual pads, etc.
  • Add fiber to your diet. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and other foods with fiber. Fiber helps to increase bowel movements.

If you want to speed things along, there are a few other things you can do in addition to your home treatments:

Read Also: What Kind Of Dr For Hemorrhoids

How Do I Know If I Have Hemorrhoids When Im Pregnant

There are a number of signs and symptoms that may point to Hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Some of these are dependent on the location of the hemorrhoids, but generally include:

  • Itching or Irritation in the rectal or anal region
  • Presence of blood in small amounts during bowel movement
  • Swelling around the anus
  • Painful or stinging sensations or discomfort around the anus
  • Lump, which may be painful or thrombosed, near the anus. These are referred to as thrombosed hemorrhoids.

In the cases of internal hemorrhoids which occur inside the rectum, hemorrhoids are usually not visible and may not be felt as they rarely cause discomfort.

These hemorrhoids may only be noticed or felt when straining to pass a stool as the hemorrhoid surface becomes damaged and may bleed.

Our how to get rid of internal hemorrhoids guide can help you get the relief you need.

Sometimes, straining may push these internal hemorrhages put through the anus, thereby resulting in a condition referred to as prolapsed or protruding hemorrhoids, and can be accompanied with pain or irritations.

External hemorrhoids will usually manifest under the skin surrounding the anus and may itch or bleed when irritated.

Thrombosed hemorrhoids as earlier mentioned forms as a result of blood pooling in an external hemorrhoid, thereby clotting and resulting in severe pain, inflammation and swelling around the rectal and anal areas.

What Else Can I Do To Get Relief

  • Use an ice bag to the afflicted area a number of times a day. Ice may help decrease swelling and discomfort.
  • Soak your bottom in warm water in a tub for 10 to 15 minutes a few times every day.
  • Try alternating cold and warm treatments.
  • Carefully but completely tidy the afflicted area after each defecation using soft, unscented, white bathroom tissue, which causes less irritation than colored, aromatic ranges.
  • Dampening the tissue can help, too. Numerous women discover using premoistened wipes more comfortable than using toilet paper.
  • Ask your healthcare specialist to suggest a safe topical anesthetic or medicated suppository. There are numerous hemorrhoid-relief products on the marketplace, however consult your specialist before trying one by yourself. Most of these products ought to be used for no more than a week. Continued use can cause a lot more inflammation.

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What Can I Do To Avoid Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Though hemorrhoids sometimes simply take place, there are ways to reduce your risk. To prevent trapping more blood in the veins, try not to strain when youre doing your business.

Prevent constipation by staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced, fiber-filled diet . Given that excess weight can likewise contribute to hemorrhoids, prevent acquiring more than your doctor suggests, and leave your bottom typically both during pregnancy and after delivery.

Moving alleviates the pressure on the veins in your pelvic area and gets your bowels moving. When youre feeling lazy, though, rest and make yourself comfy long periods of sitting or standing add hemorrhoid-inducing pressure. Kegel exercises can likewise alleviate hemorrhoids by increasing flow to the area, together with assisting to stop urine leaks and reducing the chances of an episiotomy three quite persuading reasons to give them a try.

How Are Haemorrhoids Treated During Pregnancy

How you can cure Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Because constipation worsens haemorrhoids, treatment options centre around preventing or managing constipation, or reducing pain associated with haemorrhoids.

Treatment options include the following:

  • Lifestyle changes having a diet high in fibre and drinking lots of water will help ensure you dont need to strain on the toilet. External haemorrhoids can be treated by placing an icepack on the affected area to reduce swelling. Taking a warm bath may also help to reduce the pain.
  • Laxatives these help ease any straining associated with constipation. They help you pass bowel movements more easily.
  • Pain relief medicine paracetamol can help address pain associated with sore, swollen veins, and can be taken during pregnancy. Be sure to follow the directions for use.
  • Haemorrhoid creams help address itchiness, pain or inflammation, and contain active ingredients such as corticosteroids or local anaesthetics.

Speak with a health professional such as pharmacist before using medicines or creams while pregnant.

Avoiding constipation is the best way you can reduce your chance of haemorrhoids. A healthy gut helps stop you from straining during a bowel movement. Eat a diet high in fruit, vegetables and wholegrains, and drink plenty of water.

Also Check: How Do I Get Rid Of My Hemorrhoids

How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy Fast

Hey mamas! Carrying a little one can make your body do crazy things. One of the most common complaints we hear about is hemorrhoids during pregnancy and postpartum.

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the anus that can get uncomfortable, itchy, and downright painful!

And guess what? Over half of all pregnant women get them! They are commonly caused by pressure your expanding uterus puts on pelvic veins and an increase in the hormone progesterone.

Even if you were lucky enough to avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy, you might end up with them during postpartum !

Although they can be extremely annoying, dont worry. There are plenty of options to relieve and treat them!

Hemorrhoids Post Pregnancy Overview

Why do hemorrhoids seem to be most prevalent and painful post pregnancy?; This is because throughout labor, mothers use their abdominal muscles and subsequently, their muscles in the lower rectal region, to push and deliver the baby.;

Mothers know that labor can go on for several hours, so the straining that occurs during this time inflames the rectal veins, resulting in swollen hemorrhoids.

Experiencing hemorrhoids post pregnancy is completely normal.;

You can use natural remedies to soothe the pain caused by the swollen hemorrhoids.;

Many methods of treatments are safe to use even while breastfeeding.; If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, consult your doctor for a treatment plan.

Hemorrhoids can be unbearable at times, so get as much help as you can by checking out this hemorrhoid pain guide.

Recommended Reading: When Should You Go To The Hospital For Hemorrhoids

Medically Treating Hemorrhoids In Pregnancy

There are medical solutions to problem internal and external hemorrhoids, ranging from the application of OTC ointments to surgery. Surgery is reserved for the most serious and chronic of cases where skin has been permanently stretched out. If pursuing any at-home remedies, still do let your doctor know about the treatment.

Whether pregnant or not, surgery is only advised for hemorrhoids that are causing prolapse, excessive bleeding or pain that will not resolve with ointments, lifestyle changes or in-office treatments. Speak to your doctor if you have chronic hemorrhoids that stay painful no matter how you try to remedy the problem.

If you notice you have external hemorrhoids, but they arent causing you any pain or irritation, then its actually recommended treating the internal hemorrhoids with medicine to help prevent further progression of the external hemorrhoids. If your hemorrhoids are painful however, try the methods discussed above as well as an ointment with Lidocaine and healing herbs to numb the area and promote healing like Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid Cream or protective Pregnancy Spray

When Do I Need To Consult My Doctor For Hemorrhoids

Pin on All things Pregnancy

While in many cases simple home remedies provide relief, see your doctor in any of these following situations:

Often, hemorrhoids dont completely disappear until a few weeks post-delivery. However, during pregnancy follow these tips to keep discomfort at bay. Regular exercise and balanced diet are important for a healthy pregnancy, and will also help you minimize the effects hemorrhoids.

Have any tips for avoiding hemorrhoids, or dealing with them? Share them with the expecting mothers, in the comments section!

  • No relief after home treatment: You need to consult your doctor immediately if despite continuous home treatment, you have no relief;
  • Unbearable pain: Pregnancy should be a smooth ride with less pain and more fun so if you feel the pain from hemorrhoids is unbearable then it is better to consult your gyneacologist immediately;
  • Rectal bleeding: When you have a rectal bleeding in hemorrhoids it is better to consult your doctor;
  • Other symptoms that call for immediate doctor attention: Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms if you feel or have below mentioned symptoms then it is better to seek immediate consultation with your doctor-
  • If the tissue, which has bulged out from the anus, has not receded to normal despite 3- 7 days of home treatment
  • If a lump in the anus has become big in size or has become painful
  • Pregnant Moms Also Read:

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    Apply Witch Hazel Externally

    Witch Hazel is an extremely popular and trustworthy pregnancy hemorrhoids treatment, both historically and today. It helps relieve itching and burning by targeting the mucus secretions of hemorrhoids with its natural anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. Many hemorrhoid specific OTC treatments are made with Witch Hazel, coming in wipe, spray and other topical forms.

    You can find pure Witch Hazel at many drug stores, along with hemorrhoid treatments that combine the soothing and healing properties of Witch Hazel with other relieving ingredients. Doctor Butlers Hemorrhoid Spray combines Witch Hazel with Aloe for its antiseptic and cooling properties in a no touch delivery system.

    What Is The Treatment For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

    There are many home remedies and lifestyle modifications you can try to reduce hemorrhoids.

    Its a good idea not to ignore them, since untreated hemorrhoids may get worse with time and may cause complications such as increased pain, or in rare cases anemia from bleeding.

    You may also need to reach out to your doctor to diagnose and treat your hemorrhoids. Since hemorrhoids are not the only cause of bleeding near your anus, its always a good idea to speak to your doctor if you notice new bleeding when you wipe or in your stool.

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    Why Should Pregnant Individuals Be Mindful Of Their Toilet Habits Too

    Toilet habits;;

    Certain activities, like sitting in the toilet for an extended time, can cause hemorrhoids as well. You may be inclined to play mobile games or read while using the toilet, and time can pass by. This simple activity can lead to congestion and increases the likelihood of hemorrhoids. For this reason, it is best to limit the time you spend inside the restroom.

    Diet;;

    One of the most likely reasons;for having hemorrhoids while pregnant is poor eating habits. Not consuming enough fiber and eating lots of carbohydrates may lead to developing hemorrhoids, just like non-pregnant people do. Milk and dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, which is one cause of constipation.

    To avoid this chain reaction, eat right and perform regular physical activities, even minor movements .

    What Are Hemorrhoids And Varicose Veins

    Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

    Hemorrhoids and varicose veins might seem to be two different, unrelated problems, but they are actually quite similar. And, many women, especially those in the third trimester of pregnancy, have them.

    Both hemorrhoids and varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins. These veins are often in the legs, but they also can form in other parts of your body. When they form in the rectum, they are called hemorrhoids.;

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    Vary Your Activity Level

    Sitting or standing for long periods of time places added pressure on the pelvis during pregnancy and can lead to the development or worsening of hemorrhoids. If you are required to sit at a desk for hours at a time, try to stand up every 30 minutes or so to stretch and walk around.

    If, on the other hand, you need to stand on your feet for long periods of time , ask for a bar-height stool to sit on.

    Solutions You Can Try At Home

    Hemorrhoids are veins that have become swollen and engorged with blood . Many women experience them for the first time during pregnancy or the postpartum period for several reasons, including a rush of hormones, internal pressure, and constipation.

    They can range from irritating to quite painful, but the good news is that for the most part, hemorrhoids aren’t serious. Most tend to go away with attentive home treatment.

    Read Also: How Do You Help Hemorrhoids

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