Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy – Being Parents

Hemorrhoids are inflammation of the blood veins located in the rectum or anal canal. This is a very common problem throughout pregnancy, although they also develop as a woman pushes during childbirth.

During pregnancy, the veins under the uterus are likely to swell and dilate. In fact, often the intense pressure of the uterus on the veins in the anal area causes the appearance of hemorrhoids.

In addition to appearing during pregnancy or childbirth, hemorrhoids can also appear as a result of postpartum constipation. This is the time when the body eliminates excess fluid needed during pregnancy and begins to produce breast milk.

In the rest of this article, we will explain how hemorrhoidal disorders can occur during childbirth. We also tell you what are the preventive measures to reduce the pain they cause.

Why can hemorrhoids appear?

During labor and due to increased pressure on the anus, hemorrhoids may begin to appear.

However, other causes are also responsible for this disorder. In fact, the physical changes that women undergo during the months of pregnancy are usually the ones that cause hemorrhoids to appear.

It should be taken into account that during this period the uterus of the pregnant woman begins to grow, while the size of the baby continues to increase. This process causes decreased blood flow.

In turn, these changes cause the appearance of hemorrhoids due to increased venous pressure in the lower part of the body.

Hemorrhoids can form inside or outside. To speak more specifically, if they form in the rectum, they are called internal hemorrhoids. When they appear outside the anus, they are called external hemorrhoids.

In addition, bleeding is an important symptom of internal hemorrhoids. Bleeding occurs when the veins dilate to the point where they exit the anus and return to the rectum.

As for external hemorrhoids, they usually appear outside the rectum, in the opening of the anus. Usually, they go away within two weeks.

To stay healthy, most pregnant women take iron supplements. However, consuming this mineral in large amounts can cause constipation. Ingestion of a large amount of iron remains an important factor in the development of hemorrhoids.

How to avoid hemorrhoids during childbirth?

Hemorrhoidal disorders are caused by pushing during labor, but they can also be a consequence of constipation that occurs after childbirth. Here are some suggestions to limit them:

1. Stay hydrated

First of all, you need to drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration throughout pregnancy. In fact, the daily amount of water should be 1.5-2 liters. This usually helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass.

2. Consume a diet rich in fiber

A diet containing fiber is the best natural remedy for circulation disorders because it consumes large amounts of fruits, vegetables and grains. For example, orange is a natural laxative against constipation.

3. Better control your negative emotions

On the other hand, it is important to control emotional stress and eliminate unnecessary anxiety you might feel before giving birth.

Stress has the ability to increase blood pressure. This has the effect of dilating the veins in the anal cavity. The result: the famous hemorrhoids.

4. Get regular physical activity

Finally, you should know that it is not easy to maintain regular physical activity during pregnancy. However, it is important to avoid sitting for too long.

Be aware that walking also lowers blood pressure and helps blood flow through the body. Hence, it is very effective in shrinking hemorrhoids.

After childbirth, local treatment can be combined to reduce inflammation and a suppository, cream or local corticosteroids to control the hemorrhoid attack.

The regularization of intestinal transit is essential to overcome it.

Finally, consider hemorrhoids as a way to improve your lifestyle, to take care of your health as a future mother. Therefore, it is important to take care of your diet, hydration and   exercise.

Also remember to avoid emotional stress and anxiety. Thus, you will be able to prevent the appearance of a new crisis for sure!