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Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: Home Care Things You Can Do by: Sue Bristol, R.N. The treatment of hemorrhoids is one thing...the treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy is another. If you develop hemorrhoids during your pregnancy, or if the ones you already have get worse, the measures you take will be mostly comfort measures. Unless there are complications, such as a rupture (thrombosis) of a hemorrhoid or excessive bleeding, it is very unlikely that you would have aggressive treatment during this time. The bottom-line cause of hemorrhoids is increased pressure in the pelvis. The growing baby has something to do with that of course but we'll see how to avoid the other contributing factors so that you can focus on warm and fuzzy things and not on burning, itching, bleeding hemorrhoids. Just remember though to check with your doctor first to make sure that your symptoms are in fact a result of hemorrhoids and not something else that requires immediate treatment. So, having said that, let's take a look at home care: Avoid constipation at all costs! The passage of hard, dry stool increases pelvic pressure and cuts and tears sensitive rectal and anal vessels causing pain, bleeding, and burning. You ca avoid constipation if you increase your intake of dietary fiber (whole grain breads, cereals and pasta, raw and dried fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds). At the same time, decrease your intake of foods that are low or devoid of fiber such as white breads, red meat, soft drinks). Avoid excessive weight gain. Stay away from foods that are nutrient-empty calories (candy, sweet pastries, sugar-laden soft drinks). Avoid all foods that aggravate your symptoms. You will know these foods by keeping a food diary. Make four columns on a sheet of paper. Put the date in the first column; the food you have eaten or drunk on that day in the next, symptoms you experience in the next, and the date of the symptoms in the fourth column. Remember that some symptoms will not appear until a day or so after the offending food, so watch for patterns. For example, you may notice that consistently two days after you've eaten popcorn your hemorrhoids are bleeding. Remember, watch for patterns in foods/drinks/symptoms. Are you having problems with oatmeal, toast, juice, white bread, chili burger, mustard, diet coke, potato chips etc.? Keep track. Burning and bleeding: Practice good bowel hygiene by changing the way you move your bowels. For one thing, do not strain or push the stool out. Let it come slowly and naturally. Neither rush nor dawdle on the toilet. Keep the rectal area clean. Pat yourself clean gently. Do not rub and do not use scented or perfumed wipes or soaps in your anal region. These are irritating. Wear loose-fitting underwear that is either all white cotton or at least has a white cotton crotch. Dyes in colored underwear can be irritating and tight underwear can cause accumulation of bacteria-breeding moisture. Avoid the use of the "doughnut" shaped pillows. They may feel good because you're not sitting directly on the hemorrhoids. However, they also cause a build-up of pressure surrounding the rectal area and this is not good. Take OTC (over-the-counter) pain relievers (Tylenol, Aleve, Motrin) and use OTC ointments and creams to relieve symptoms. Soak in a tub of warm water in the bathtub several times during the day for 15-20 minutes at a time. This is called a Sitz bath. (There are also commercially available pans that sit on the toilet rim and can be filled with warm water. You can get them at the drug store.) Alternate warm compresses and ice packs to the hemorrhoidal region for 10-15 minutes several times per day. If you are able to lie on your stomach occasionally, you will allow the inflammation to subside. Try to get off your feet at least several times throughout the day. If you already are sitting for long times during your day, get up to move around or stretch or at least sit in a different chair when you can. Soak cotton pads with Witch Hazel (OTC at the drug store) and apply directly to the hemorrhoids to reduce swelling. Do whatever you can to prevent the "piles" from getting out of control so they will not stress you unnecessarily during labor and delivery. Happy pregnancy!
Do you want to learn more about getting rid of your hemorrhoids? If so, download my brand new free e-book "Getting Rid of Hemorrhoids" here (things you can do to eliminate Doctor/Hospital visits)
HemorrhoidCure101.com
Sue Bristol, R.N.
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