Prevent Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum. Women often experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy because of hormonal changes that slow down digestion, causing constipation and the additional pressure put on the veins of the lower body by the growing uterus and increase in body weight. You can help prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy by adjusting your diet and routine to reduce constipation and pressure on the rectal veins.[1]

Steps

Preventing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

  1. Prevent constipation. Relieving constipation can help to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy and otherwise. When you are constipated, you have difficulty passing bowel movements, which in turn increases pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area and causes hemorrhoids.[2]
    • Constipation can result due to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy.[3]
    • Reduce or prevent constipation by increasing your dietary fiber intake. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
    • Prune juice or dried prunes are also high in fiber and may support healthy bowel function.[4]
    • Start your mornings with an oatmeal sprinkled with flaxseeds. Oatmeal is high in fiber and the added fiber and fatty acids in flaxseeds can help trigger a bowel movement.
    • Drink dandelion or mallow tea. Steep the tea bags in boiling water for about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare the tea. Drink dandelion or mallow daily to ease constipation.
    • Ask your doctor if you should take psyllium. Psyllium helps bulk up and soften your stools and it also promotes healthy bowel movements.[5]
    • Never take over-the-counter laxatives when you are pregnant without asking your doctor.
  2. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily. Besides helping to relieve constipation, proper hydration is essential for a healthy pregnancy.[1] Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water every day.
    • You should be drinking 1 to 2 ounces of water per kg of body weight. For example, if you weigh 154 pounds or 70 kilograms, then you would need to drink 70 to140 ounces of water per day.
    • If you are drinking enough water, then your urine will be clear. If you are not drinking enough, then it will be a dark yellow color.
    • Consuming the correct amount of water during pregnancy helps prevent constipation and promotes softer stools, thus decreasing the risk of hemorrhoids.
  3. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Both put pressure on your lower body and slow blood flow to the rectal veins, which increases your risk of hemorrhoids.[6]
    • Take frequent breaks and walk around, especially if your work involves sitting at a desk.
    • Stretch and take time to sit from time to time if you are on your feet most of the time.
  4. Relax during bowel movements. Pushing too hard during a bowel movement puts more pressure on the rectal veins, which can cause or worsen hemorrhoids.[7]
    • Put your feet up on a stool during bowel movements. This can help relieve the pressure on the rectal area and allow you to pass the stool more easily.
    • Use the bathroom immediately if you feel the urge to go, this can reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Passing stool can become more difficult if you wait.[1]
  5. Exercise for 30 minutes a day. This helps keep your bowel movements regular and relieves the pressure on the veins in your rectum. Getting up and moving is essential if you tend to sit for extended periods of time.[5]
    • Try exercises, such as walking, swimming, low-impact aerobics, dancing, yoga, and stretching. These help improve your cardiovascular and muscular health besides promoting healthy bowel movements.[8]
    • Always ask your doctor before starting a new exercise program. It is essential you only do exercises that are safe for you and your baby.
  6. Perform Kegel exercises every day. Kegels strengthen the pelvic floor and increase circulation to the rectum and perineum, which may help reduce your risk for hemorrhoids.[3]
    • Before attempting to do Kegels, empty your bladder. Then, lie down on the bed. Optionally, you can do Kegels while sitting or standing.
    • Squeeze and contract your pelvic muscles without pulling in your stomach, squeezing your legs together, tightening your butt, or holding your breath. [9]
    • Hold each contraction for a few seconds before releasing.
    • You can hold your hand on your stomach to ensure it stays relaxed.

Treating Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

  1. Soak your bottom in warm water. Taking a warm bath can help relieve pain and discomfort that hemorrhoids cause, as well as promote bowel movements.[10]
    • Completely submerge your bottom by sitting in the bath two to three times a day for 10 to 15 minutes.
    • You can also try a baking soda bath. This can soothe the irritated skin, relieve itching and reduce burning. Fill the bathtub with warm water and add four or five tablespoons of baking soda. Soak for at least 10 to 20 minutes two times a day or when you feel pain.[11]
    • You may also consider applying a baking soda paste over the affected area to relieve pain.
  2. Apply an ice pack over the area. Icing the affected area will decrease swelling and discomfort that hemorrhoids cause.[12]
    • Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a towel and apply it for 10 minutes over the affected area three to four times a day.
  3. Clean and moisturize the affected area daily. It is important to keep the area clean to reduce risk of irritation and infection. Use unscented white toilet paper or wet wipes after every bowel movement or take a quick shower.[3]
    • Pat dry the area well and apply moisturizer to keep the skin healthy. For example, try aloe vera lotion or coconut oil to moisturize the skin.[13]
    • Ask your doctor if you should use medicated moisturizers or topical antibiotic ointments.
  4. Try topical witch hazel. Witch hazel contains tannins and is considered an ancient treatment for hemorrhoids. Applying witch hazel over the affected area may help relieve irritation, burning, and swelling and prevent infection.[14]
    • Soak a pad or cotton ball with witch hazel and apply it to the area after bowel movements or up to six times a day.
    • Although topical witch hazel is considered safe for adults, check with your doctor before using it when you are pregnant.
    • Also, witch hazel is available in topical and oral form but you should not use the oral form when you are pregnant.
  5. Take over-the-counter medications. Certain topical creams (Preparation H), medicated wipes, and sprays are available to treat and relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids. Before using any of these, check with your doctor.[12]
    • Topical creams, such as Preparation H, should only be used for external use and should never be inserted directly into the rectum.[15]
    • Ask your healthcare provider or the pharmacist for a recommendation on which products to use and the frequency of use during pregnancy.
  6. Take stool softeners. If you suffer from constipation or hardened stool, taking stool softeners make it easier to pass stool and help relieve hemorrhoids.[16]
    • Stool softeners are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but you should still consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications.
    • Stool softeners are available in both oral and suppository forms.
    • Always use the product according to your doctor’s instructions and do not use them extended periods of time. You should treat and prevent long-term constipation with lifestyle changes instead of medications.
  7. Ask your doctor about other treatment options. If you are dealing with hemorrhoids during pregnancy and nothing seems to be helping, then talk to your doctor about your options. There are prescription treatments available that can help.

Tips

  • Use a paste of baking soda and water to reduce itching on the affected area if you suffer from hemorrhoids. Applying witch hazel or wipes designed to treat hemorrhoids can also relieve the pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids.
  • Increase your fiber intake to reduce hemorrhoids.
  • Stay hydrated during pregnancy and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
  • Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and do light exercises (such as walking) for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • Always keep the infected area clean.

Warnings

  • Call your doctor immediately if you experience rectal bleeding or severe pain.

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/hemorrhoids.aspx
  2. ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/0_hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy_244.bc#articlesection3
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/constipation/basics/causes/con-20032773
  4. ↑ http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549293/constipation-natural-remedies
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549293/constipation-natural-remedies
  6. ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/0_hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy_244.bc
  7. ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/six-easy-ways-prevent-hemorrhoids/
  8. ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/0_the-best-kinds-of-exercise-for-pregnancy_7880.bc?showAll=true
  9. ↑ http://www.babycenter.com/kegel-exercises
  10. ↑ http://naturalsociety.com/home-remedies-for-hemorrhoids-6-natural-treatments/
  11. ↑ http://www.med-health.net/Baking-Soda-Bath.html
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 http://www.pregmed.org/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy.htm
  13. ↑ http://naturalsociety.com/home-remedies-for-hemorrhoids-6-natural-treatments/
  14. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/witch_hazel-page2/vitamins-supplements.htm
  15. ↑ http://www.drugs.com/cdi/preparation-h-cream.html
  16. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/pregnancy-constipation/faq-20058550
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