Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in or around the anus. Women often encounter hemorrhoids during pregnancy due to the increased flow and pressure of blood to the lower half of the body.
Hemorrhoids are more likely to occur during pregnancy to women who have had bouts of hemorrhoids in the past but women who have never had hemorrhoids are still at risk, especially if proper prevention methods are not used. Hemorrhoids can be triggered during the birth of the child or at any stage throughout the pregnancy. Hemorrhoids in pregnant women sometimes disappear naturally after giving birth but this shouldnt be taken for granted as the hemorrhoids can inflame further and become more serious.
Another factor that can trigger hemorrhoids during pregnancy is constipation. Straining to pass stools can cause hemorrhoids. This is bigger threat for pregnant women than non-pregnant women due to pregnant women already having additional pressure on their veins.
If you are pregnant and notice one or more of the following signs, its likely you have a hemorrhoid. Signs include blood coating the stool, blood on the toilet paper, an itchy anus, a mound of skin coming out of the anus and pain while sitting down or during bowel movement.
As always ” its better to avoid having hemorrhoids in the first place than to struggle to cure them. Some useful hemorrhoid prevention tips include drinking lots of water, eating foods high in fiber (to avoid constipation), avoiding lifting heavy weights, 20 minutes of daily exercises (walking is fine), and to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
As mentioned, hemorrhoids can be extremely painful. Some useful pain relief tips include:
1. Sit in warm water a few times each day
2. Put an ice pack on your anus a few times each day
3. Ensure the anus is well cleaned after bowel movement
Through applying these 3 simply tips, you should definitely notice some degree of pain relief. Treatment of hemorrhoids can be done quickly and easily however working to treat the hemorrhoid instead of providing temporary solutions is the best approach. Treatment methods are varied but a few of the more popular ones include using creams, lotions, gels, surgery and perhaps the most effect method, natural remedies.
The method you choose to use to cure hemorrhoids will most likely depend on the severity of your hemorrhoids. In cases of extremely severe hemorrhoids, sometimes surgery is the only option. Most other cases can be effectively and quickly treated using natural treatment methods.
For more information about how to effectively treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy, including information on hemorrhoids surgery, natural hemorrhoid treatments, and effectiveness of creams and suppositories, see the resource section below.