HEMMORRHOIDS DURING PREGNANCY
Condition
Hemorrhoids, sometimes called piles, are swollen and inflamed veins around the anus or lower rectum that may protrude. Swelling in the anal area may be the only symptom, but there also may be:
- itching or a burning sensation
- pressure in the rectal/anal area
- pain with or without a bowel movement
- bleeding, especially after a bowel movement.
Causes
Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women, especially during the third trimester, because the growing baby and enlarging uterus put pressure on the pelvic veins, which include the rectal and anal veins. Hemorrhoids usually subside after the baby is born.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR HEMMORRHOIDS DURING PREGNANCY
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- There is severe or continuous pain in the anal area, which could mean that there is a blood clot in the vein.
- You have heavy or continuous bleeding that can't be controlled by applying pressure to the hemorrhoid with a cotton ball or cold compress. The blood loss could result in anemia.
Call Your Doctor During Regulary Office Hours If
- You have uncontrollable itching or burning and need advice on treatment.
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR HEMMORRHOIDS DURING PREGNANCY
- Avoid straining with a bowel movement.
- Do not delay having a bowel movement.
- Take a stool softener to help avoid constipation.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
- Sit on a pillow; do not use a "doughnut" ring.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Include a lot of fiber, such as whole gain breads, in your diet.
- Get some exercise; it helps reduce constipation. Walking is a good form of physical activity that nearly everyone can do.
- Take warm sitz baths or use a warm water compress for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a day to ease discomfort. For a sitz bath, you sit in a few inches of plain, warm water in the bathtub or in a special shallow basin that fits on the toilet bowl.
- Apply cold packs directly to the hemorrhoid for 10 minutes, three to four times a day to help decrease swelling.
- Dab the hemorrhoid with witch hazel on a cotton ball to control the itching and burning.
- For bleeding hemorrhoids, hold a cotton ball or cold compress to the area.
- Apply over-the-counter creams, ointments or suppositories containing hydrocortisone to control the itching and burning.
- Use toilet paper with a cleansing lotion such as Balneol or medicated wipes such as Tucks after a bowel movement.
- Wear cotton underwear and loose clothing.
- Try sleeping on your side to reduce pressure on hemorrhoids.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if you need something for pain. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may be harmful to the baby if taken during the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid taking aspirin because it can contribute to bleeding and also because it can cause stomach upset.
Surgical treatment, if necessary, is usually done after the baby is born.
For More Information Click on the Links Below
- National Institutes of Health Hemorrhoids During Your Pregnancy
References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, ACOG, Education Pamphlet AP120; Problems with the Digestive System; 2006.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG, Patient Education Booklet AB005; You and Your Baby Prenatal; 1999.
- Greenfield's Surgery: Scientific Principles and Practice; 4th Edition 2006, Page 1144.
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new healthcare information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional