Nobody likes to talk about hemorrhoids (especially if they suffer from them), they are very uncomfortable and will affect more than 50% of pregnant women, especially during the middle of the second to third trimester. Basically hemorrhoids are varicose veins but in the rectum (horrible things). In case you’re wondering what they look like, they often look like a bunch of grapes, except they are much more painful than grapes.
What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
Around week 25, your uterus begins to enlarge, plus blood flow to the pelvic area will increase during pregnancy, and this can often cause the veins in the rectal wall to become very swollen and itchy. Constipation during pregnancy will be aggravated or may even cause hemorrhoids (if you have hard stools, the extra effort you make to remove them can put great pressure on the rectal veins and cause them to swell and bulge); They can also develop postpartum after pushing hard during labor. But here’s the good news: There are plenty of home remedies and they should be reduced after delivery.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hemorrhoids are often itchy, as well as being very painful. Sometimes they can bleed, especially when you are pressing on them during a bowel movement. Anal fissures (painful cracks in the skin of the anus caused by constipation) can cause rectal bleeding. Rectal bleeding should always be monitored by your doctor, rectal bleeding, although it may indicate that a more serious problem is, in most cases, caused by bleeding hemorrhoids.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Increase your fluid and fiber intake to stay regular.
Do exercises to improve circulation.
It is better not to sleep on your back but on your side, as it reduces the pressure caused by the batteries. Also, lie on your left side, when you can during the day, as this relieves pressure on your rectal veins.
Exercise. Do not sit or stand for long periods. Try taking a nice walk every hour or so, as this will greatly improve circulation in the rectal area.
Very important, never strain or stay on the toilet. If you don’t want to go, don’t force yourself. Do not wipe too hard as this will irritate the batteries. Some people use baby wipes because the toilet paper is too harsh.
A warm bath will help. Just soak in the bathtub for about 15 minutes; definitely relieves pain.
Witch hazel and ice packs are also helpful. They will soothe the itching and pain of hemorrhoids. A donut-shaped pillow can also make sitting down a lot less painful.
Talk to your doctor about the different treatments for hemorrhoids. Particularly during pregnancy
