Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids

Pregnant women are vulnerable to developing hemorrhoids. The growing fetus places increasing pressure on rectal veins and those that return blood from the legs. This compressive force promotes the swelling of rectal veins which can lead to hemorrhoids.

Changes in hormone levels can also weaken the rectal vein walls thereby increasing the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids can develop during labor due to the intense strain in pushing.

Following childbirth, increased vaginal and perianal tenderness can lead some women to postpone bowel movements. This postponement is a risk factor in developing hemorrhoids.

Please note: If you're considering using any herbal or medicinal treatments during pregnancy then please be sure to check with your doctor before you begin to ensure that they won't affect the fetus.

Tips to avoid or minimize hemorrhoids during pregnancy

The most basic things that women can do to avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy are:

• Ensuring a nutritious and high-fiber diet.
• • It should go without saying that a nutritious diet is essential, particularly during pregnancy. Pregnancy is not an excuse for eating any junk food that comes your way.
  • A high-fiber diet will help passing stools and contribute to reducing the likelihood of constipation. Include foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, bran, natural cereals. If you've never paid much attention to food nutrition labels, now would be a good time to start taking note. Keep an eye on the fiber content and avoid processed foods.
  • If you are experiencing digestion and/or elimination problems then it may be helpful to eat smaller meals more frequently instead of fewer larger meals.
     
• Do not postpone bowel movements.
• • Postponement tends to make stool drier and more difficult to pass.
     
• Daily exercise.
• • Include Kegel exercises. These will increase circulation and strengthen the muscles in the rectal area which will reduce the possibility of hemorrhoids. These will also strengthen the muscles around the vagina which may help in your recovery after delivery.
     
• Stay well hydrated.
• • Drinking plenty of water will help to keep stool soft.

Tips for relief from hemorrhoids

If you are experiencing hemorrhoids that are painful then the following suggestions may provide some relief:

• Apply a cold compress (or a softly covered ice pack) to the affected area several times a day. This should provide some relief and may also decrease swelling. Some women find that a compress saturated with witch hazel to be soothing. 
   
• Try a warm sitz bath. This is a small plastic basin that you fill with water and place over the toilet, allowing you to submerge your bottom simply by sitting in it. Note: A sitz bath is not recommended during the final months of pregnancy because water may seep into the vagina - in which case, consider a hot towel.
   
• Consider alternating cold and warm treatments.
   
• Petroleum jelly (such as "Vaseline") can be used to lubricate the anal canal before a bowel movement. This lubrication should make it easier to pass stool and reduce discomfort and any straining.
   
• Gently but thoroughly clean the affected area after each bowel movement using soft and plain (unscented and uncolored) toilet tissue. Moistening the tissue may be helpful. An alternative is  to use pre-moistened wipes which some people find more comfortable than toilet tissue. Medicated wipes that have been specifically designed for people with hemorrhoids are also available (such as "Tucks").

After pregnancy

For most women, their hemorrhoid condition will improve after delivery, usually within several weeks - especially with the help of the suggestions offered above.

In some cases, additional treatment may be required to further shrink the hemorrhoids.

Finally, if you are breast-feeding and are considering using any medications for hemorrhoids then please be sure to consult with your doctor before using such medications. You need to be sure that it wont affect the breast milk and be passed on to your baby.

You can read further about a completely natural hemorrhoid treatment program that covers topics such as these in much greater detail, as well as providing details on immediate relief, treatment and prevention of further recurrences of hemorrhoids.