Vaginal And Perineal Problems
- Try using ice. You can put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Cleanse yourself with a gentle squeeze of warm water from a bottle instead of wiping with toilet paper.
- Try sitting in a few inches of warm water 3 times a day and after bowel movements.
Recovery from an episiotomy or perineal tear can take several weeks.
When To See Your Healthcare Provider About Postpartum Hemorrhoids
These home care tips should make your hemorrhoids shrink. If you’ve tried them for more than a week and your symptoms haven’t improved, call your doctor.
Hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing topic to talk about, even with your doctor. But getting treatment will end your discomfort and help you avoid hemorrhoid complications like anemia, a blood clot, or an infection.
- Pain in your rectum
- A hemorrhoid has become hard and painful
If the hemorrhoids don’t go away or they bother you, your provider has treatments for them. One uses rubber bands to cut off the hemorrhoid’s blood supply. Others get rid of hemorrhoids with an electrical current or heat. Rarely, eliminating hemorrhoids requires minor surgery.
BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.
ACOG. 2022. Exercise after pregnancy.
Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Hemorrhoids.
What Causes Piles After Pregnancy
One can get haemorrhoids post pregnancy due to various reasons:
- During pregnancy, there is an increase in progesterone in the body which relaxes the vein walls and leads to swelling of these veins easily.
- Progesterone is also responsible for constipation since it slows down the intestinal tract.
- During constipation, you tend to strain during a hard bowel movement. This straining can cause or worsen piles after pregnancy.
- As the size of the uterus grows, the pelvic veins and inferior vena cava are pressurised. Inferior vena cava is a large vein that gets blood from the lower portion of our body. The veins below the uterus are put under pressure and get enlarged.
- Haemorrhoids can also be developed due to the extreme pushing at the time of delivery.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Large External Hemorrhoids
How Internal Hemorrhoids Manifest And How They Are Diagnosed
The internal hemorrhoids are usually not as painful and uncomfortable as external, however, symptoms are individualized to each patient, most of them presents:
- Bleeding : The presence of blood with each bowel movement appears bright red and can usually be seen on toilet paper or directly in the sink. Generally, this type of bleeding is not mixed with stool so it is easy to identify.
- Itching : when internal hemorrhoids prolapse, a certain amount of mucosa can be detached, generating irritation and intense itching in the perianal area.
- Pain : in general, internal hemorrhoids are painless, however when the severity of this condition increases, pain of sudden or sudden onset may be experienced.
Another of the manifestations are:
- Difficulty in hygiene in the perianal area.
- Mucous discharge.
The doctor is the one who has the ability to make the diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids, with the digital rectal examination will be enough to diagnose them. In case of doubt, the doctor will indicate an anoscopy where the rectum will be visualized by video.
Dont Miss: How Do You Use Witch Hazel For Hemorrhoids
A Sitz Bath Reduces Swelling
Even if you didnt tear during labor, most women experience swollen labia post-birth. You probably know that padsicles reduce swelling, but sitz baths can reduce this type of swelling, too. A sitz bath can also help relax and diminish any swelling of the internal sphincteranother common postpartum complaint.
Recommended Reading: Can Hemorrhoids Make Your Stomach Hurt
How Common Are Hemorrhoids After Birth
Postpartum hemorrhoids are commonso common, in fact, that 43% of the women in this study developed them.
And this study came up with comparable results, with a third of new mamas developing hemorrhoids in the postpartum period.
So, if it helps at all, youre not alone.
Hemorrhoids occur during and after pregnancy for various reasons.
While youre pregnant, your blood volume increases significantly, meaning your veins expand.
Add to this the fact that your uterus is expanding, and its not hard to see that the veins beneath it may be feeling the pressure.
Then you actually give birthand all the pushing that you do for this mighty task can make a delicate situation even more so.
Another factor is that constipation is also really common in the postpartum time47% after vaginal delivery and 57% after c-sectionand the strain to the general area is further increased.
Also Check: Is Cortizone 10 Good For Hemorrhoids
Watch Out For Depression
Baby blues are common for the first 1 to 2 weeks after birth. You may cry or feel sad or irritable for no reason. If your symptoms last for more than a few weeks, or if you feel very depressed, ask your doctor for help. You may have postpartum depression. It can be treated. Support groups and counseling can help. Sometimes medicine can also help. For more information, see the topic Postpartum Depression.
Read Also: Can You Live With Hemorrhoids
You May Like: What Is The Treatment For External Hemorrhoids
What Should You Know About Newborn Care
During your babys first few weeks, you will spend most of your time feeding, diapering, and comforting your baby. You may feel overwhelmed at times. Its normal to wonder if you know what you are doing, especially if this is your first child. Newborn care gets easier with every day. Soon you may get to know what each cry means and be able to figure out what your baby needs and wants.
At first, babies often sleep during the day and are awake at night. They dont have a pattern or routine. They may make sudden gasps, jerk themselves awake, or look like they have crossed eyes. These are all normal, and they may even make you smile.
You naturally develop an emotional bond with your baby simply by spending time together, being physically close, and responding to his or her cues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Treatment For Hemorrhoids
During pregnancy, always talk with your doctor before taking any medication, including those you apply to your skin . This will ensure treatments do not pose a risk to your baby.
Topical over-the-counter or prescription treatments may help hemorrhoids. These medications often include pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Creams or ointments that contain hydrocortisone-pramoxine can be especially effective for reducing pain, inflammation, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. But these ingredients may not be safe for pregnancy. Make sure to discuss them with a doctor.
The doctor may also be able to recommend a safe laxative or a suppository to relieve constipation.
Some prescription oral treatments, like , are available for treating hemorrhoids, but they may not be safe during pregnancy or if youre breastfeeding or chestfeeding.
Other medical treatment options for hemorrhoids includes:
Your doctor may suggest packing the site of the hemorrhoid with absorbent bandages to avoid excessive bleeding.
You can try to reduce hemorrhoids or prevent them from developing in several ways.
Don’t Miss: Can Diarrhea Cause Hemorrhoids To Flare Up
Radish And Honey Therapy
This is another home remedy to try. Honey is one common home ingredient that can be used to treat many illnesses. Postpartum hemorrhoids can also be treated with honey when it is applied directly.
- Take 1 spoon of honey
- Add some radish juice to the honey
- Apply directly on the affected area
You will get instant healing from your discomfort. It is great for treating the pain and discomfort of postpartum hemorrhoids.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Cure For Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Home Treatment For Hemorrhoids In Los Angeles After Childbirth
If you find yourself avoiding bowel movements out of fear you will aggravate the pain of hemorrhoids, or an episiotomy wound, take steps to keep your stools soft and regular. Eat foods high in fiber including fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and drink plenty of water. Its also helpful to remain as physically active as possible. Ask your health care provider about a stool softener or fiber laxative, if needed.
Also Check: Can I Go To Urgent Care For Hemorrhoids
Recommended Reading: Can You Live With Hemorrhoids
Will They Go Away On Their Own
Hemorrhoids will usually go away on their own. Depending on their size, location, and severity, this can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Occasionally, hemorrhoids form a painful blood clot. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. While these clots arent dangerous, they can be extremely painful. A doctor can treat this type of hemorrhoid with a minimally invasive in-office procedure.
In addition, some hemorrhoids that become chronic, lasting several months or more. Like thrombosed hemorrhoids, these can usually be treated by a doctor.
When To Call A Doctor
If you are being diligent in your home treatment, you should notice a gradual improvement in your hemorrhoids within the weeks following the birth. However, if your hemorrhoids are aggressively persistent or if you experience rectal bleeding, contact a healthcare provider doctor or midwife. In extreme and rare cases, you may need to consult a specialist, and surgery may be required.
As a new parent, hemorrhoids are the last thing you want to be dealing with. But with a little bit of self-care, you should be feelingâand sittingâbetter in no time.
Also Check: Do Hemorrhoids Itch And Burn
What Exactly Is A Hemorroid
Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, are veins that have become swollen and engorged with blood varicose veins but in your rectum, basically. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can either be inside the rectum or external. Hemorrhoids can cause pain, itching, and general discomfort, and make sitting super unpleasant. External ones are more likely to bleed and be itchy, while internal hemorrhoids can bleed and are typically more painful.
Recommended Reading: Can Hemorrhoids Make Your Lower Back Hurt
Know When To Seek Help
Mild hemorrhoids usually dont require any kind of medical treatment. But if youve never experienced them before and have rectal bleeding, its best to see a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis. They can rule out any other potential causes of your bleeding that might need treatment.
Also seek treatment if you start to experience intense pain. This may be a symptom of a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which happens when a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid. Try to get an appointment as soon as you can. Throbomsed hemorrhoids are easiest to treat in the first 72 hours.
Finally, if you arent feeling any relief after two weeks, its best to follow up with a healthcare provider. They may suggest a procedure to remove the hemorrhoids.
Read Also: Will Epsom Salt Help Hemorrhoids
What To Expect Emotionally
Emotionally, you may be feeling:
- “Baby blues.” Many new moms have irritability, sadness, crying, or anxiety, beginning within the first several days after delivery. These baby blues are very common and may be related to physical changes and the emotional transition as you adjust to changing roles and your new baby. Baby blues usually go away within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Postpartum depression. More serious and longer lasting than the baby blues, this condition may cause mood swings, anxiety, guilt, and persistent sadness. PPD can be diagnosed up to a year after giving birth, and it’s more common in women with a history of depression, multiple life stressors, and a family history of depression.
Also, when it comes to intimacy, you and your partner may be on completely different pages. Your partner may be ready to pick up where you left off before baby’s arrival, whereas you may not feel comfortable enough physically or emotionally and might crave nothing more than a good night’s sleep. Doctors often ask women to wait a few weeks before having sex to allow them to heal.
Causes Of Postpartum Hemorrhoids
Here are a few reasons why you may develop hemorrhoids after pregnancy.
- Stress on the perineum before and during delivery
- The stress of carrying a baby, and pushing it out during labor
- Constipation or straining for a bowel movement
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and childbirth affect the blood vessels that cause the veins in the legs and pelvis to swell
Read Also: What Does It Mean When Hemorrhoids Bleed
Hemorrhoid Creams Cold Packs Sitz Baths Witch Hazel
- Hemorrhoid creams are good for reducing any itchiness, however, I found that they only soothed and did not reduce the size of my swollen veins.
- Using a cold pack or ice pack on your rectal area is great for reducing swollen veins.
- Taking a sitz bath is often recommended, however, it is important to avoid warm water. Warm water agitates swollen veins because warmth causes more blood to circulate to the area.
- Using witch hazel on a sanitary pad helps to cool and reduce itchiness.
Possible Complications And Side Effects
If you have a bleeding hemorrhoid, you might consider it a small problem, but it can still be a very painful experience. Seeing blood after we use the bathroom can be scary, but youre not alone.
There are a lot of different ways to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid and in some cases, its best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later if:
- Youre experiencing rectal bleeding or see blood on your toilet paper
- Youve tried over the counter treatments for a week with no change in symptoms
- Your bowel movements look maroon or tarry in color
If your doctor recommends surgery to treat a bleeding hemorrhoid, there are some possible complications to be aware of like :
Other treatments and medications may have different side effects. Consult your healthcare provider about possible complications of any medications you might take for a bleeding hemorrhoid.
Don’t Miss: How To Naturally Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
Precautions On How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
A common concern is that hemorrhoids increase the risk of colorectal cancer, but thats not true. However, the two conditions do cause similar symptoms. This is why its important to mention your hemorrhoids to your health care provider. Even when a hemorrhoid is healed completely, a colonoscopy may be done to rule out other causes of rectal bleeding. According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons , every person age 50 and older should undergo a colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.
Recommended Reading: How To Relieve Internal Hemorrhoids
What Causes Hemorrhoids After Having A Bowel Movement
Hemorrhoids after pregnancy and delivery are commonly caused by pushing during labor. Recognize external hemorrhoids. You may notice blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after having a bowel movement. This is the most common symptom. Hemorrhoids can also be itchy and painful. You may feel an external hemorrhoid when cleaning yourself.
Recommended Reading: What Do You Take For Hemorrhoids
How To Make Hemorrhoids Go Away Fast And Completely: 9 Quick Tips
1) Diet It always sounds so simple doesnt it, just diet when in reality it is very difficult for us as human beings to change our food consumptions habits.
The fact remains that diets high in fiber can help your hemorrhoids condition.
2) Stay Hydrated Staying hydrated is extremely important for regular bowel movements. If you dont stay hydrated you can become constipated which is terrible for your hemorrhoids .
Staying well hydrated is also import for general health.
3) Dont Strain Too MuchDuring Bowel Movements Following #1 and #2 will help prevent you from straining too much. Be aware of your toilet time.
Straining on the toilet seat can cause you to increase the pressure and worsen your hemorrhoid pain .
You dont want to stay on the toilet all day, yet you most certainly dont want to overstrain and rush.
4) Use a Hemorrhoid Cream or Suppository There are creams and suppositories that are clinically proven to improve your hemorrhoid condition, reduce swelling and shrink your hemorrhoids.
Incorporating a cream or suppository can also greatly reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
5) Use a Hemorrhoid WipeWhy clean yourself after a bowel movement with toilet paper when you can use a wipe soaked with medicine proven to help your symptoms and give you relief? Its a no brainer.
The medicine can actually shrink your hemorrhoid, cause a cooling effect and relieve itching. A common medicine found in hemorrhoid wipes is witch hazel.
How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids At Home
There are a few different at-home treatments available for hemorrhoids, including the following: Utilize some ice. Ice or a cold compress should be placed on the affected area for approximately ten minutes. There is a good chance that you were given postnatal ice packs to take home with you if you gave birth in a hospital or birth center.
Recommended Reading: What To Do Bleeding Hemorrhoids
Home Treatments For Postpartum Hemorrhoids
While most hemorrhoids will go away on their own, you can use these remedies to ease symptoms.
- 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 about over-the-counter treatments. Topical ointments and suppositories may provide relief. Only use a product approved by a healthcare provider. This is exceptionally important if you’ve had an episiotomy or tear. Discuss how long it’s acceptable to use these treatments .
- Clean the area gently, but thoroughly. Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water. Rather than 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 . In recommended doses, both are safe painkillers to take while breastfeeding.
- Try a sitz bath. If you don’t already have a basin for sitz baths, 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: