In a woman’s life, the most dramatic development and change occur during pregnancy. There comes the physiological change, the sudden increase in pregnancy hormones (estrogen, progesterone) and the many unavoidable health problems that affect the mother-to-be.
One of the common conditions brought about by these health problems is hemorrhoids. This condition is a rectal disease caused by the inflammation of the veins in your anus and rectum. Pregnant women who suffer from this disease experience itching, pain and sometimes rectal bleeding during a difficult bowel movement.
These little grape-like lumps can either be inside the rectum or outside where they obtrude out of your anus. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy is not an uncommon situation. This condition is frequent during the third trimester of pregnancy. But not all pregnant women get hemorrhoids; they likely happen to those who had been pregnant before and those that are always having constipation.
Why are pregnant women prone to hemorrhoids? Is there a link between this disease and pregnancy? Among all the rapid changes in a woman’s body, the organ that experiences the greatest transformation is the uterus, or the womb. The womb is the nesting ground for the baby. It is where the baby spends his first nine months. The growth of the uterus is responsible for the pressure on some of the nerves around your pelvic area and lower body. This pressure can also affect the veins on your anus; it can make the veins swell up and cause pain.
Constipation is believed to be the major cause of hemorrhoids. When we have difficulty defecating, we sometimes force it out, making the veins in our rectal regions swell and itch. The hormone progesterone is also a factor in contributing to constipation; this hormone slows down intestinal movement and causes the walls of the veins to relax. This can make the veins swell easily thus proving the connection between hemorrhoids and pregnancy.
Here are some things you can do to ease the pain, inflammation and itching of hemorrhoids.
1. Hemorrhoid creams. There are available over-the-counter creams that you can use to ease the pain and itching associated with this disease. Consult your health care provider if you’re ever unsure which creams are safe or not for a pregnant women.
2. Sitz bath. Soak yourself from waist down in warm water for a couple of minute, three to five times a day. Sitz baths are available in most drug stores.
3. Apply ice packs. Use cold compresses or ice packs for 10 minutes, five times a day. Ice can help lessen the swelling and irritation.
4. Keep it clean. Your anal area should always remain clean. It is advisable to use pre moistened wipes than ordinary toilet paper. There are medicated wipes available especially for people with hemorrhoids.
Constipation contributes to the cause of hemorrhoids especially during pregnancy. Here are some things you can do to prevent constipation.
1. Have a high fiber diet or fiber supplements. Fruits, vegetables bran cereals are good sources of fiber.
2. Keep yourself hydrated and have sufficient amount of water intake everyday,
3. Exercise daily. Physical activity prevents constipation. Pregnant women can do aerobic exercises or short walks for 30 minutes.
4. Use stool softeners to ease the difficulty while defecating.
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