All you need to Know about the Treatments for Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are yet another problem affecting women during their pregnancy. But alike very other complication occurring during pregnancy, hemorrhoids, better known as piles, also tends to subside post delivery.  There are some treatments for hemorrhoids in pregnancy that helps in lessening the affects of the symptoms.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are caused due to swelling or inflammation of the vagina or rectal parts. Hemorrhoids are nothing but a typical varicose vein type. Women tend to develop hemorrhoids during their pregnancy because of different contributing factors.

The Cause of Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy

Women during their pregnancy are more susceptible to hemorrhoids or varicose veins. This is a general condition and the factors that lead to the symptoms are often the hormonal changes occurring in the body during pregnancy.

The fast increasing levels of hormones, particularly progesterone softens the walls of your veins, thus casing the same to collapse. This leads to improper functioning of the same. Hemorrhoids are caused very often during pregnancy because the uterus tends to apply more pressure on these veins that support the pelvis, such as inferior vena cava. This leads to excessive staining during the bowel movements. Also because constipation is very common during pregnancy, hemorrhoids tend to create problems at an alarming rate.

Treatment of Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be treated with some simple strategies. Although you cannot take medicines or use many topical agents, there are some other helpful remedies that can help you in coping up with this painful condition.

Follow some of these simple ways to relieve all the pain and associated discomfort caused by hemorrhoids in pregnancy:

• To begin with, concentrate in your diet. See what you are eating. Your diet should comprise of all the essentials and lots of fluids, a fiber rich diet is what is recommended for hemorrhoids. This will keep you regular and would also reduce constipation during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are said to be at its worst when you are constipating. Staying regular during pregnancy is very important. Avoid tea and coffee; instead have prune juice every morning to promote your bowel movements.
• Hemorrhoid pads are also helpful for women during their pregnancy. These pads contain effective natural ingredients like witch hazel that is safe during pregnancy.
• Do not be harsh when wiping during pregnancy. This can cause irritation and would also encourage bleeding. Use feminine wipes rather than toilet papers. It helps.
• Practice Kegel exercise. During pregnancy cannot do all the necessary exercises, but Kegel exercise can be done. Try to tense your rectal muscles, holding the position for 10 seconds and then relax. You can do this repeatedly in several sets. Kegel exercises help in increasing the circulation to the rectum and this helps in preventing hemorrhoids. On the other hand, it also strengthens the perianal muscles and vaginal muscles, thus facilitating your delivery.
• Other than these methods, sitz baths, ice packs and petroleum jelly are the good old hemorrhoids treatments that can be applied during pregnancy as well.  Whenever you feel that you are in extreme pain, sit on a cushion; it gives immediate relief.

If nothing helps, you’ll have to accept your hemorrhoids and wait till the time of your delivery. After delivery, hemorrhoids usually go away.

Sources:

http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/symptoms/a/aahemorrhoid.htm
http://www.babyzone.com/pregnancy/health_wellness/symptoms/article/managing-hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy
http://www.yogawiz.com/blog/home-remedies/treating-hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy-piles-problems.html
http://www.womenshealthcaretopics.com/preg_hemorrhoids.htm