Hemorrhoid attacks are common during pregnancy and the postpartum period. In effect, hemorrhoid attacks can quickly be a source of anxiety for a future mother, especially as childbirth approaches. The appearance of hemorrhoids is caused by many factors, including the constipation of the pregnant woman, hemorrhoidal tissue tenderness, the abundance of blood circulation, the weight of the baby, especially in the last month of pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids are a common phenomenon during pregnancy. They can cause intense pain and be very embarrassing. Although the treatment is drug, some preventions are possible and we will see in this article how to relieve the symptoms and prevent them from developing.
Summary
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are veins around the anus or rectum that can swell and form painful “bumps”. They are usually related:
- Has chronic constipation due to changes in diet;
- Has increased pressure on the belly during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to hemorrhoids since during pregnancy, the body produces hormones that relax the arterial and venous walls, which can affect blood circulation and cause the hemorrhoidal arteries to swell.
How do hemorrhoids occur during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body produces a lot of estrogen and progesterone, which allows the uterus to enlarge. However, these hormones also relax the walls of blood vessels. Moreover, the increase in the size of the uterus puts additional pressure on the blood vessels located in the anal region, which can cause the development of hemorrhoids.
To return to the production of hormones during pregnancy, it is progesterone which is primarily responsible for hemorrhoidal risks. In addition to slowing the contractions of the uterus, this hormone also acts on other smooth muscles, including the large intestine.. This explains the risk of hemorrhoids appearing in pregnant women.
What are the main causes of hemorrhoids?
The first causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are numerous:
- A high-fat diet and a low-fiber diet.
- Too much coffee or tea during pregnancy.
- Lack of physical activity.
- The pressure exerted by the uterus on the pelvic veins.
- Chronic constipation.
- Gain weight during pregnancy.
All these reasons are interrelated. Indeed, you should know that constipation is the main cause of a hemorrhoidal crisis in pregnant women. This is due to repeated pushing efforts during excrement evacuation. Moreover, a diet low in fiber promotes the hardening of excrement and can lead to constipation and the risk of hemorrhoidal crisis in pregnant women at the end of the pregnancy period, and even after childbirth.
However, prolonged sitting and intense physical effort also constitute a risk for the appearance of hemorrhoids in pregnant women and increase hemorrhoidal attacks.
What are the main symptoms?
The main signs of the appearance of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are:
- Pain and bleeding during bowel movements.
- Itching around the anus.
- Painful tumors around the anus.
- Anal discomfort and burning sensation.
- Presence of mucus and blood around the anus.
In general, internal hemorrhoids do not cause pain during pregnancy. You should also know that there is a case of hemorrhoid attack called prolapse. Blood vessels come out of the anus and cause signs of irritation and false need.
The case of prolapse resolves on its own and rarely requires the intervention of a doctor.
What are the preventions against hemorrhoids?
In order to avoid the development of hemorrhoids and prevent their symptoms, the doctor recommends taking the following measures:
- Eat fiber-rich foods and drink at least 8 glasses of water a day;
- Avoid excessive consumption of coffee or tea;
- Exercise daily to improve blood circulation;
- Avoid lying down after eating;
- Use a cushion specially designed for pregnancy;
- Try home remedies to relieve hemorrhoids.
Do not hesitate to seek advice from other pregnant mothers. The most important thing is to consult your doctor when in doubt about medications and home remedies..
What treatments are available?
Treatments available to relieve hemorrhoids include:
- Use of anti-inflammatory ointments or creams.
- Using a warm bath to relieve pain and itching.
- Using a cold compress to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Use of suppositories to facilitate bowel movements.
- Use of laxatives and constipation medications to facilitate bowel movements.
- Hemorrhoid surgery, if necessary.
Hemorrhoids appear frequently during pregnancy, as they are caused by the increased production of hormones and the influence exerted by the uterus on the blood vessels. The main symptoms are anal pain, itching and discomfort. Although the treatment is drug, some preventions are possible to prevent hemorrhoids from developing and relieve their symptoms. Of the high fiber foodseven dietary supplements, daily physical activity, avoiding lying down after eating, and the use of warm baths are effective ways to relieve symptoms and prevent the development of hemorrhoids.
