What Causes Hemorrhoids And Varicose Veins In Pregnancy
Normally, veins have one-way valves to help keep blood flowing toward the heart. Pressure or weakening of these valves allows blood to back up and pool in the veins. This causes them to enlarge and swell. Hemorrhoids result when rectal veins enlarge. Varicose veins occur when veins of the legs swell.
Many changes in pregnancy can increase the risk of hemorrhoids and varicose veins, such as:
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Increased blood volume, which enlarges the veins
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The heavy weight of the growing baby, which presses on the large blood vessels in the pelvis, altering blood flow
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Hormone changes affecting blood vessels, which can slow the return of blood to the heart and cause the smaller veins in the pelvis and legs to swell
Hemorrhoids can get worse with pushing or straining, especially with constipation. Being overweight and having hemorrhoids before pregnancy can also make them worse. Pushing during delivery tends to worsen hemorrhoids, too.
Varicose veins tend to run in families. Sitting or standing in one position for a long time may force the veins to work harder to pump blood to the heart. This can result in swollen, varicose veins and can also worsen existing hemorrhoids. Varicose veins can also occur in a womanâs genital area.
Hemorrhoid Relief During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment
Pregnancy is indeed a lovely phase! It is a rather important period in the life span of any woman. Undoubtedly, pregnancy is likewise the opportunity to concentrate on a perfect mental and physical health which can be optimized by consuming the appropriate kinds of food. Pregnancy is a fantastic experience however, it is truly a common reason for hemorrhoids, if you may imagine. It is common to receive them during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. Pregnancy and abnormally substantial tension of the internal sphincter muscle may also cause hemorrhoidal issues, presumably by way of the very same mechanism, which is believed to be decreased venous return.
The reason why hemorrhoids are so common during pregnancy is connected to the rise in female hormones when pregnant. When they do develop, most women experience itching or pain in the area. The perfect way to help prevent hemorrhoids during this phase is to refrain from getting constipated. Hemorrhoids during and following pregnancy are extremely common. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can likewise be a consequence of constipation.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a significant issue for pregnant women because 10% of pregnant ladies suffer. Unfortunately there isnt a foolproof approach to wholly prevent hemorrhoids while pregnant. It can be challenging to prevent hemorrhoids whenever you are pregnant, but these suggestions will help to steer clear of the condition if at all possible.
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
The Bottom Line About Treating Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Half of women get hemorrhoids during pregnancy. That number is so high because the changes your body goes through while gestating are naturally contributing factors to hemorrhoids:
These changes are necessary for a growing baby, but bad for a body susceptible to hemorrhoids. Make yourself as hemorrhoid-proof as possible by strengthening your rectal walls with kegel exercises, staying regular with high fiber foods and plenty of water, and taking as much weight off of your pelvic floor as possible by staying active and sleeping on your side.
If you already suffer with problematic hemorrhoids, they can be treated during pregnancy with topical medicine and sitz baths to relieve your symptoms. Doctor Butlers Advanced Formula Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment fights symptoms while delivering healing herbs and essential oils that can keep you focused on attending to your baby and bodily needs during and after pregnancy. Be sure to discuss with your personal physician the use of all over the counter medications before using, while pregnant or nursing.
About Robert Cutler, D.O.
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Unwind During Solid Discharges
Pushing excessively hard during defecation squeezes the rectal veins, which can cause or demolish hemorrhoids.
Put your feet up on a stool during defecations. This can assist with assuaging the tension on the rectal region and permit you to pass the stool all the more without any problem.
Utilize the restroom promptly on the off chance that you want to go this can lessen the danger of hemorrhoids.
The passing stool can turn out to be more troublesome on the off chance that you stand by.
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How Do You Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Education is often the best treatment for hemorrhoids until they go away on their own. They usually go away after your baby arrives.
Relieve your constipation
Having regular bowel movements can ease the strain on your hemorrhoids. The less youre straining on the toilet, the less stress youre putting on these veins. Heres how you do it:
- Eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day.
- Drink eight to 12 cups of water a day.
- Take a laxative but only one that your provider has approved.
Try home remedies
Try some home remedies for hemorrhoids to relieve any discomfort youre feeling.
- Apply pure aloe or coconut oil to ease minor pain or discomfort.
- Apply witch hazel to your hemorrhoids to reduce itching and pain.
- Apply either wet or dry baking soda to your hemorrhoids to ease itching.
Take the pressure off your hemorrhoids
Theres nothing you can do about the added pressure from the fetus thats putting strain on your body, but you can change your habits so that youre reducing the strain that you can control. Here are some tips:
- Dont remain standing or sitting for too long. Instead, lay on your side to take pressure off your pelvic area and bowel.
- When you do sit, use a donut pillow.
- Dont strain or linger too long on the toilet when youre having trouble pooping. Instead, focus on relieving your constipation.
If at-home care isnt working, your healthcare provider may recommend a procedure to remove your hemorrhoids thats safe for you and your baby.
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Do Hemorrhoids Go Away After Pregnancy
Your hemorrhoids may disappear completely after pregnancy and delivery without any treatment as your hormone levels, blood volume, and intra-abdominal pressure decrease after delivery.
The most common times hemorrhoids develop during pregnancy is in your third trimester and during and immediately after childbirth. You may develop hemorrhoids from childbirth if you experience extended straining during the second stage of labor.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy And The Best Way To Treat Them
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.
While cleaning the area is important, rubbing or excessive cleaning can make symptoms of external hemorrhoids worse.
Symptoms from minor external hemorrhoids tend to ease within a few days.
External hemorrhoids, and less often internal hemorrhoids, can become thrombosed. A thrombosed hemorrhoid occurs when a blood clot forms inside the hemorrhoid. This blocks blood flow, causing a sudden and severe swelling. The swelling is painful and often causes a lump that may be bluish in color.
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How To Ease Piles
Constipation can cause piles. If this is the cause, try to keep your stools soft and regular by eating plenty of food that’s high in fibre.
This includes:
Find out more about a healthy diet in pregnancy.
Other things you can try include:
- avoid standing for long periods
- take regular exercise to improve your circulation
- use a cloth wrung out in iced water to ease the pain hold it gently against the piles
- if the piles stick out, push them gently back inside using a lubricating jelly
- avoid straining to pass a stool, as this may make your piles worse
- pat, rather than rub, the area
Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist if they can suggest a suitable ointment to help ease the pain. Don’t use a cream or medicine without checking with them first.
Include Foods Rich In Bioflavonoids In Your Diet
You can add food items that are rich in bioflavonoids for relief from piles during pregnancy. Lemons, oranges, ripe papaya, broccoli and strawberries, are some of the foodswhich are rich in bioflavonoids. Though medicines may also be effective in providing relief during piles, going the natural way is always a better option during pregnancy because it is safe for you and your baby.
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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.
What Are The Symptoms Of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
You can have hemorrhoids without having any symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, they may include:
- Pain when youre pooping.
- Blood on the toilet, in your stool, or on the toilet paper where you wiped after a bowel movement .
It can be scary to see blood in your stool, but therectal bleeding from an internal hemorrhoid is usually harmless. Still, see your provider about any bleeding you notice if youre pregnant.
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If Youre Having A Bowel Movement
- Squat to do your doo. Squatting is the natural way to poo. Sitting, or worse, leaning back, pinches the intestines so your stool gets stuck. It puts a lot of pressure on the rectum. Squatting, on the other hand, lets everything relax. You can try raising your legs up and leaning forward so youre in a more squat position, or you can invest in one of these.
Here are more tips on how to have a great poop.
How Are Haemorrhoids Treated 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.
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How Are Hemorrhoids And Varicose Veins In Pregnancy Treated
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are a short-term problem, and they get better after your baby is born. Still, there are some things you can do to relieve the discomfort:
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To relieve pain, sit in a tub or sitz bath several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes each time. When you use a tub bath, dont fill the tub all the way. Just put in enough warm water to sit in. That will direct blood flow to your rectum.
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Use ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling.
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Ask your healthcare provider about creams or other medicines, such as stool softeners, that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Its important to prevent constipation by including lots of fiber and fluids in your diet.
Also try not to strain with bowel movements, and avoid sitting for a long time. Regular Kegel exercises can help improve muscle tone, These exercises involve squeezing and relaxing the muscles in your vaginal and rectal area.
Most varicose veins that develop during pregnancy get better within the first year after birth. But for now, limit standing or sitting for a long time without a break, and try not to cross your legs. Also try to raise your legs and feet whenever youre sitting or lying down.
Avoid tight clothing around your waist, thighs, and legs, as it can worsen varicose veins.
How To Prevent Hemorrhoids
Prevent hemorrhoids by keeping your stools soft so they are easier to pass. Reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids by following these tips:
Eat high-fiber foods.
Getting more fiber can help prevent hemorrhoids. Add more whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables to your diet but do it gradually until you reach 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. As you increase the fiber in your diet, remember to also increase your water intake and other liquids, such as clear soups and fruit juices. Water can improve digestion and help the fiber in your diet work more efficiently. If you dont increase your water intake, you might suffer from constipation which could cause you to develop hemorrhoids.
Also check your prenatal vitamins, as sometimes the iron in your supplements can cause constipation. Find out the best prenatal vitamins here.
Use a step stool.When you elevate your feet while sitting on the toilet, you change the position of the rectum and this helps for easier passage of stools.
Wipe your butt with moist towelettes rather than dry toilet paper.Wet wipes can clean the rectal area without causing irritation. It would be best to use fragrance-free wipes with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or witch hazel.
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Creams And Ointment For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
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How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids Fast During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are one of the most common problems that most of the women suffer. In most of the cases hemorrhoids during pregnancy is temporary. It normally starts as soon as you conceive and ends after few months of your delivery. Though hemorrhoids during pregnancy are considered temporary they are very painful and give lots of discomfort.
My wife too was suffering from hemorrhoids during pregnancy of my first daughter. As she knew that I am also hemorrhoid patient since last few years, she always use to ask me questions like how to get rid of hemorrhoids naturally while pregnant or will this she be able to shrink hemorrhoids after pregnancy. Sometime she feels so uncomfortable due to hemorrohids that she use to call me in middle of my meeting and ask me how to cure hemorrhoids in 48 hours Well I never get angry on her as I know how it feels when you have hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
I have suggested many methods and creams for hemorrhoid pain relief which she can use during pregnancy and with those creams and ointments she is feeling better. This is the reason she told me to write this blog and share this details so others can also take benefits of this hemorrhoids cream during pregnancy.
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