Why hemorrhoids during pregnancy

If your job involves sitting at a desk, get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so. Promote good habits Drink plenty of water and other fluids. If you aren't drinking enough, your body will reabsorb water through the colon, leaving dry stool that's hard to push out.

Lie on your side when sleeping, reading or watching TV to take the pressure off your rectal veins. Try not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight because the more you gain, the more pressure on the rectum. How can you treat symptoms during pregnancy? If you experience symptoms, try one of these remedies: Cold therapy can help reduce swelling and bring temporary relief.

Apply an ice pack with a covering to the affected area. Soak in warm water several times a day. If you don't have a bathtub, you can buy a sitz bath. After getting out of the tub, pat the area dry, and then point your hair dryer on low heat on the area. It can feel quite comforting. If sitting is uncomfortable, get a donut-shaped pillow to ease the pressure. Apply witch hazel pads to the area and change the pads frequently.

Witch hazel has a cooling effect and helps reduce swelling. Baking soda — used wet or dry — can be applied topically to help alleviate itching. Coconut oil can relieve pain and inflammation. So can pure aloe vera without added chemicals and fragrances or arnica. Stay clean and use soft, unscented toilet tissue or unscented wipes to avoid more irritation in the affected area.

When should you see your healthcare provider? This can help if other methods fail to ease your constipation. Using laxative pills for constipation is not recommended during pregnancy, as they can cause dehydration and might stimulate uterine contractions. Do Kegel exercises daily. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that help support your rectum and can improve circulation in the rectal area.

Identify the right muscles by stopping urination midstream. Once you know which muscles to use, tighten them and hold the contraction for five seconds. Then relax for five seconds. Work up to holding the contraction for 10 seconds. Try to do at least three sets of 10 reps a day. Hemorrhoids usually get better on their own after pregnancy, but there are a number of things you can do to ease any itching and pain in the meantime:.

Soak your rectal area in warm water several times a day. A sitz bath, or small basin that fits over the toilet seat, can help.

These devices can be purchased at most drug stores. You can also fill your regular bathtub with a few inches of warm water to create a similar effect. Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area several times a day. The cold can reduce swelling and help relieve pain. Keep the anus clean and dry.

Try using moist towelettes or baby wipes to gently clean the area after bowel movements. This can be more gentle than dry toilet paper. Be sure to pat — not wipe — the area dry after bathing or making a bowel movement.

Excess moisture can cause irritation. Apply baking soda wet or dry to the area to alleviate itching. Apply treatments containing witch hazel. Products like Tucks Medicated Cooling Pads can help keep the area clean and relieve pain and itching around the anus. Hemorrhoids develop frequently during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and during and shortly after childbirth. You may have hemorrhoids only during pregnancy, or you may have them at other times of your life as well.

The causes of your hemorrhoids may be unique to pregnancy. You can often treat or prevent hemorrhoids with home-based remedies and lifestyle adjustments. Generally, you will experience these symptoms with external hemorrhoids.

You may have no symptoms with internal hemorrhoids. You may also develop a blood clot in an external hemorrhoid. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. They are generally hard, inflamed, and more painful. If this occurs, you may experience bleeding and discomfort. Up to 50 percent of women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. You may be more susceptible to constipation in pregnancy than in other times of life.

One recent study found that among pregnant women, This constipation may be due to prolonged sitting, hormonal changes, or from taking iron or other supplements. Your hemorrhoids may disappear completely after pregnancy and delivery without any treatment as your hormone levels, blood volume, and intra-abdominal pressure decrease after delivery.

The most common times hemorrhoids develop during pregnancy is in your third trimester and during and immediately after childbirth. You may develop hemorrhoids from childbirth if you experience extended straining during the second stage of labor. You may also need to reach out to your doctor to diagnose and treat your hemorrhoids.