Hemorrhoids before, during and after pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are an annoying, itchy, and painful part of many women’s pregnancies.  Hemorrhoids are caused by swelling of the veins in the rectal wall, which can bulge out, itch, and bleed. Pressure from increased blood flow, enlarging uterus and general rearrangement of internal organs can contribute to developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy. They can get exacerbated or caused by constipation and the extra straining it takes to eliminate stool. The pressure caused by labor and the strain of pushing during labor can cause hemorrhoids to develop postpartum. Thankfully most women who develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy find that they go away shortly after delivery.

While this is can be one of the more unpleasant things to deal with during a pregnancy, there are many things a woman can do to prevent hemorrhoids from developing and lessen the uncomfortable symptoms if they do.  Keep up with fluid and fiber intake to avoid constipation. The best way to avoid the pressure involved with forming hemorrhoids is making it so you won’t have to strain in the bathroom.  Kegels are a great way to prevent hemorrhoids by increasing blood flow to the area, these also have an increased benefit of strengthening your pelvic floor. A stronger pelvic floor will help support your bladder, uterus, bowels and help reduce the risk of an episiotomy during delivery.

Sleeping on your side instead of your back will reduce pressure on your pelvic area, specifically laying down on your left side will relieve pressure on your rectal veins. Warm baths not only help reduce pressure off your back and pelvic area, but can sooth the pain and itching. Ask your doctor or midwife before using any medication or cream for relief during pregnancy, but there are a couple of topical considered safe for use by pregnant women. Protectants that contain Zinc oxide such as Desitin, Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and lanolin all have an added benefit of avoiding an awkward situation in the checkout line. Not only will you be helping relieve yourself, you’ll be stocking up on diaper rash cream for when the baby arrives. There are numerous laxatives and fiber supplements that are considered safe for pregnancy, as well as cushions designed specifically to take pressure off your pelvic area and spine. While you should still get up, move around and stretch at least once an hour if you are in a job that requires a lot of sitting, a cushion can make a huge difference for a relatively small price. One thing to avoid completely is grandma’s home remedy, using mineral oil as an oral laxative. While it will definitely help clear you out, mineral oil interferes with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, A,D,E, and K. Mineral oil can also cause diarrhea, which increases the amount of pressure you use when trying to eliminate stool, which can cause or exacerbate hemorrhoids.

Always check with your Doctor or midwife before starting any treatment for hemorrhoids.