Hemorrhoids Tend To Be More Common Later In Pregnancy Learn How To Get Rid Of These Uncomfortable Varicose Veins While Expecting
Hemorrhoids are itchy, painful varicose veins in your rectal area. Many women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy because their blood vessels are swollen with a higher blood volume than usual. The extra blood can cause hemorrhoids to plump up to the size of a marble, and your growing uterus exerts more pressure on the pelvic veins, increasing the swelling.
Pregnant women can implement several strategies to prevent hemorrhoids. For example, they can avoid constipation by consuming plenty of fluids, eating a high-fiber diet, and regularly exercising, says Jeanne Faulkner, R.N. Even when following this advice, though, hemorrhoids might still be inevitable.
So how long does it take for hemorrhoids to go away? Depending on the severity, they can stick around for days, weeks, or monthsbut you don’t have to suffer in silence. Learn how to get rid of hemorrhoids with these tips and tricks.
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.
Dont Miss: Can I Use Vagisil Wipes While Pregnant
When To Report Hemorrhoids To Your Healthcare Provider During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are mainly due to hormones ofpregnancy and once you deliver your baby, this complaint is largely resolvedwithout requiring any therapy. However, you must report to your healthcareprovider if hemorrhoids become extremely painful, tender or infected .
Moreover, if your hemorrhoids bleed with every bowelmovement, you may develop significant anemia. Its therefore important tocontinue iron supplements and seek a permanent cure for hemorrhoids.
Although with high fiber diet, adequate water intake andregular exercise you can prevent or reduce hemorrhoids during pregnancy, buteven if you develop this condition during pregnancy or postpartum, seek anexperts advice in order to avoid any possible complications from hemorrhoidsduring pregnancy, labor and delivery.
You May Like: Are There Prescriptions For Hemorrhoids
You May Like: Does Fiber Help With Hemorrhoids
What Are The Treatments For Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
The good news is that the problem usually improves after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat hemorrhoids.
- Place baking soda on the area to reduce itching
- Take a warm bath with baking soda in the water
- Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Use Tucks Medicated Pads
- Analgesics: Ointment or cream can be used for external hemorrhoids, if it involves pain and irritation
What Treatments Can You Get From Your Doctor
Treating hemorrhoids involves a combination of reducing symptoms and preventing them from coming back. If your hemorrhoids dont respond to at-home treatments and the cause is constipation-related, your doctor may recommend taking laxatives or stool softeners, which make stool easier to pass.
When youre pregnant, its always best to get the go-ahead from your doctor before taking a medication, even if its available over-the-counter.
According to the journal , there havent been many studies about the safety of laxatives in pregnancy. However, because of the way many of the treatments work , doctors usually regard them as safe.
Examples include:
- bulk-forming agents, such as bran and psyllium
- stool softeners, such as docusate sodium
However, its important to be aware of the side effects of any medications you may take. For example, some of the medications can cause lots of fluid losses through your stool. As a result, you may need to up your water intake to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
While there are surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, your doctor wont usually recommend any type of surgical approach while youre pregnant. Ideally, after you have your baby, your hemorrhoid symptoms should improve.
For most expectant moms, some at-home steps can help to reduce hemorrhoids and their symptoms. Some examples include:
Always check with your doctor before upping your exercise routine to ensure you can exercise safely during your pregnancy.
Also Check: How To Recover From Hemorrhoids
How Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids From Forming
One way to prevent hemorrhoids is to minimize straining. That includes avoiding heavy lifting, like picking up your three-year-old. To alleviate the strain of constipation, Toronto-based registered dietitian Cassandra Reid recommends changing your diet. Along with hormonal fluctuations, she says, constipation in pregnancy can also be caused by a lack of fibre. Eating during pregnancy can be hard, says Reid. Hormonally, you might be going for more of your wants versus what you really need, which is a balanced diet. Along with foods that are rich in fibre, Reid also suggests drinking plenty of water and taking probiotics.
The Importance Of Dietary Changes
A high fiber diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and whole grains can help prevent constipation. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is also important. Limit processed grains and foods as they are usually low in fiber and difficult to digest, which can contribute to constipation.
Cooking with healthy oils and using healthy oils on salads can also help keep your bowels regular. Coconut, olive and other natural oils are also a source of healthy fat which is excellent during pregnancy.
You May Like: Can I Drink Breakfast Essentials While Pregnant
Also Check: Is There Any Cure For Hemorrhoids
Home Treatments For Hemorrhoids
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 its acceptable to use a product . Only use a product approved by your healthcare provider. This is exceptionally important if youve 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 dont 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:
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.
You May Like: What Dr Takes Care Of Hemorrhoids
Can I Get Counselling Before An Abortion
Yes, you can. Counselling is an important part of the when you are considering whether to have an abortion. You should understand all of your options and make the decision that is right for you.
Your doctor or clinic will talk to you about your choices and offer support services so you can talk to someone.
If you can, talk to family and friends, but you shouldnt allow anyone else to pressure you. You should also make sure you seek advice and support from counselling services that will give you unbiased information and wont try to talk you into making a decision that is not right for you.
Read Also: How Long Does An Elephant Pregnancy Last
Should I Be Worried About Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Theres no need to worry about hemorrhoids, especially when you know how to manage symptoms if you do get them. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but theyre harmless and usually go away eventually.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hemorrhoids can be an uncomfortable and even embarrassing part of pregnancy, but dont worry if you have them. Relieving constipation and finding ways to soothe your symptoms can help make them more manageable. If your symptoms are bothering you and home treatments arent helping, reach out to your provider.
You May Like: Do I Have Internal Hemorrhoids
How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids
As uncomfortable as hemorrhoids can be, the good news is there are treatment options and they are usually a temporary ailment. There are natural options, dietary changes and medications available to treat hemorrhoids. Before taking or using anything to treat, be sure to check with your healthcare provider.
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.
Also Check: Is Coffee Bad For Hemorrhoids
What Medications Are Used To Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
If constipation is making your hemorrhoids unbearable, your healthcare provider may prescribe a laxative, hemorrhoid cream, or a fiber supplement. Always check with your provider before taking any over-the-counter medications. Your provider is your best resource for making sure youre choosing options that are effective and safe.
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 .
Recommended Reading: How To Stop My Hemorrhoids From Bleeding
How To Get Rid Of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
First the bad news: Hemorrhoids are permanent, so unfortunately, you cant get rid of them per se. The somewhat good news? Some women may not feel any symptoms, and if thats the case with you, then you dont have anything to worry about, Sullivan says. Just monitor it. However, if yours are uncomfortable, you can at least treat the symptoms. Heres how to ease hemorrhoid pain during pregnancy:
Ice pack. The simplest remedy, a cold compress can offer immediate, albeit very temporary, relief.
A sitz bath. This is an easy home remedy for pregnancy hemorrhoids. If youre having pain, your best friend is a warm tub of water, Minkin says. You dont need to put anything in itjust sit there and read a book for 10 or 15 minutes. Get out of the tub, pat the area dry, and then take your hair dryer on low heat to the areaits soothing, and you dont have to rub the area. Follow up with an over-the-counter medication .
Witch hazel pads. These have a cooling effect and can be used to clean the area or, when folded, as a compress to reduce swelling. One mom, plagued with no less than five hemorrhoids during pregnancy, found these pads to be especially helpful. I use witch hazel wipes or pads every time after I go to the bathroom, she says. In addition to generic witch hazel pads, you can also find treatments specifically for hemorrhoids, such as Tucks.
How To Find An Adoption Agency
Finding a reputable adoption agency will help ensure that your baby goes to the best possible family. You can start by asking an adoption lawyer or social worker for a referral. Or, do a search through an organization like the National Council for Adoption.
To make sure the agency is reputable, contact your states licensing specialist and Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against them. Also contact the states attorney generals office and ask if any legal action has been taken against the agency.
Finally, ask the adoption agency for at least three references from clients whove been through the adoption process.
The agency you choose should counsel you on your decision but never pressure you. You should never have to pay the agency for counseling or adoption services.
Also Check: Can Hemorrhoids Last For Months
Final Thoughts On Hemorrhoids & Pregnancy
Although giving birth is one of the most exciting times in a womans life, the journey through pregnancy be challenging. And when you struggle with hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it only makes things that much harder. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments that can provide relief. That allows you to focus on more important thingslike motherhood, for example.
Why Are They More Common During Pregnancy
Although hemorrhoids can appear at any time, most moms-to-be get them in the third trimester, starting around week 28.
Hemorrhoids can also result from constipation since pregnancy hormones cause your bowels slow down. When stool is hard, the extra straining to eliminate it can put pressure on veins in your rectal area, causing them to become inflamed and bulge. “On top of that, higher progesterone levels cause the walls of the veins to relax and allow them to swell more easily,” says Dr. Harris.
If you had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you’re more likely to have them during pregnancy. They can also develop postpartum because of pushing during labor.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Protruding Hemorrhoids
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.
You May Like: Can Hemorrhoids Cause Urinary Problems
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.
Dont Miss: What To Use For Yeast Infection While Pregnant
Recommended Reading: How To Treat Hemorrhoids Fast
Are Hemorrhoids Different During Pregnancy
Also called piles, they can look like varicose veins when outside your body. Hemorrhoids develop frequently during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and during and shortly after childbirth.
You may have hemorrhoids only during pregnancy, or you may have them at other times of your life as well.
The causes of your hemorrhoids may be unique to pregnancy. You can often treat or prevent hemorrhoids with home-based remedies and lifestyle adjustments.
There are two types of hemorrhoids:
- internal hemorrhoids, which are inside of your body
- external hemorrhoids, which are outside of your body
Your symptoms may vary depending on which type you have.
hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy
Generally, you will experience these symptoms with external hemorrhoids. You may have no symptoms with internal hemorrhoids.
You may also develop a blood clot in an external hemorrhoid. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. They are generally hard, inflamed, and more painful.
Its possible to push out an internal hemorrhoid when having a bowel movement. If this occurs, you may experience bleeding and discomfort.
Up to 50 percent of women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy.