Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Tips to Help you Deal with Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
There are very few people who have never felt the pain of a swollen hemorrhoids, but most people are embarrassed when they are having difficulties, so this occurrence is one of the least talked about medical conditions.
Hemorrhoids are actually swollen veins located in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are a frequent complaint because the pressure on the pelvic area causes the anal veins to swell.
About 30% of women who have recently birthed a child have these swollen veins. The swelling in these veins can cause you to have burning and itching sensations.
The majority of women who experience this are embarrassed and seldom mention the condition to their doctors. Hiding the problem will not make it go away; in fact, when a woman hides the condition, it can cause them to suffer more severe problems.
When you put the embarrassment of the condition on the back burner, you will find that there are many remedies, even some natural remedies, that can help relieve the pain and make life much more pleasant for you.
The following in-depth analysis of this condition should make you better understand what hemorrhoids are, how to identify them, and ways to treat them, so you can get to the business of enjoying this magical time in your life.
There are two Types of Hemorrhoids
Internal hemorrhoids occur when the vein that swells is located inside the anal canal. Most women have no clue that they have internally swollen veins until they notice small amounts of blood after they have bowel movements.
External hemorrhoids happen when the vein that swells is close to the anal opening. They create visible swollen bulges around the anus, and these are the most painful type.
The Four Stages of Hemorrhoids
Stage 1: asymptomatic internal hemorrhoids that are identified through the presence of blood after bowel movements.
Stage 2: bowel movements often are accompanied by pain and itching. The hemorrhoids begin to prolapse. When you are pushing to evacuate your bowels, the swollen vein is pushed to the outside of the anal opening; then a short time after your bowel movement, they will go back to the inside of the anal canal.
Stage 3: is when the evidence of prolapse is unquestionable. During this stage, the swollen vein will not voluntarily retract back inside the anal opening, but can usually be pushed back into the opening.
Stage 4: is when the swollen veins do not retract back inside the anal opening and cannot be manually made to go back inside the opening. During this stage, the pain is more intense. This stage often requires surgical intervention.
Prevention Methods and at Home Cures
In order to avoid this condition, you will need to take some preventive measures so the hemorrhoids are less likely to occur during pregnancy or immediately following the delivery.
One way to prevent this problem is by maintaining healthy, regular bowel movements. Constipation is one of the leading causes of this problem. Eating the proper amounts of fiber filled foods, and fruits and vegetables, will help you to circumvent the condition.
Constipation is not the only cause of this condition, especially during pregnancy. Knowing the other causes can help you to recognize your risk level and make the appropriate changes.
Do not strain to have a bowel movement. Drink plenty of water because dehydration leads to constipation.
Natural creams may be applied when you have itching or burning sensations, but never use any cream or salve during pregnancy without first asking your doctor’s advice.
Things that Cause Pregnant Women to have more Instances of Hemorrhoids
The changes in hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, cause blood vessels and capillaries to swell and change.
The increased size of the uterus can make it difficult for the swollen veins to retract back into the anal canal.
As the uterus expands, the other internal organs are repositioned and this can create a constipation problem by compressing the small intestine. The straining to evacuate the bowels when you are constipated causes the veins to swell, and the longer you go without being able to evacuate your bowels, the bigger the problem becomes.
Hemorrhoids or Anal Fissures?
Another problem that occurs during pregnancy is anal fissures. The symptoms of anal fissures are often very similar to the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Itching, bleeding after bowel movements, and malodorous discharges are the most common symptoms.
The difference is that anal fissures are tears in the tissue of the anus or anal canal.
If you experience pain, itching, burning, or the presence of blood during or after bowel movements, you need to inform your doctor, so they can visually inspect your anus and identify whether you have hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can make you uncomfortable, embarrassed, and irritable. Be sure to talk to your doctor at the first sign that you might be developing these swollen veins, so you can get relief as quickly as possible.