Hormonal changes and uterine development during pregnancy can affect pressure in the veins, including those around the pelvis and in the mother's digestive tract. This makes pregnant women more susceptible to hemorrhoids, medically known as piles. Symptoms include anal discomfort, even pain. Another common symptom of hemorrhoids is bleeding during bowel movements.
Home Care
Of course, pregnant women can experience pain and discomfort if they have hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should focus their attention entirely on their pregnancy, not their condition. Try these treatments to relieve hemorrhoid pain during pregnancy:
- Soak in warm water. The benefits of warm water in a bath include helping to relax muscles and improve blood circulation, making the affected area feel more comfortable. Prepare a tub and fill it with lukewarm water. You can do this several times a day.
- Get enough rest. Don't push yourself to do overly strenuous activities. You need to rest. This not only restores energy but also helps relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Moreover, during pregnancy, you'll feel more tired than before.
- Avoid sitting for too longIf you feel like you've been sitting too long, change your position. Lying down, standing, and walking are all alternatives to sitting. Prolonged sitting can put excess pressure on the veins around the anus, worsening hemorrhoids.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle. For example, eating fiber-rich foods to keep stools soft, along with drinking enough water, can help your digestive tract function and facilitate bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation and preventing hemorrhoids from worsening during pregnancy. If necessary, supplement with fiber supplements. Also, balance this with physical activity, according to your ability.
- Use the medicine according to the doctor's instructions. If hemorrhoid symptoms become bothersome, consult a doctor immediately. If necessary, seek medication to relieve hemorrhoid pain. Pregnant women can request hemorrhoid medications in the form of creams, topical ointments, or other types. Some of these medications only relieve pain and reduce swelling, but they are not curative. Avoid over-the-counter medications, as they must be chosen according to the type and dosage that are safe for pregnant women.
Can Continue After Childbirth
Hemorrhoids usually occur and feel quite severe during the third trimester of pregnancy. At this time, the uterus becomes heavier, putting greater pressure on the blood vessels. As a result, the veins around or inside the rectum become swollen.
Similarly, during childbirth, the intense pressure exerted during labor can cause hemorrhoids. Therefore, hemorrhoids during pregnancy can persist into the postpartum period.
Although hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a common and frequent problem, this doesn't mean all pregnant women experience them. Mothers who have had hemorrhoids before becoming pregnant are at greater risk of developing them during pregnancy.
Don't let hemorrhoids persist, especially during pregnancy. Consult a doctor immediately for appropriate treatment and to prevent them from recurring.
