Hemorrhoid and Pregnancy

Because of the pressure exerted by the growing fetus on the hemorrhoidal veins, pregnant women are highly susceptible to developing hemorrhoids. Increased levels of the female sex hormones can also weaken vein walls to make them more prone to hemorrhoids. Furthermore, constipation due to poor diet and insufficient exercise can also aggravate hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

For some women, hemorrhoids can also develop during labor due to intense pushing. For others, complications after delivery can also lead to hemorrhoids. For example, vaginal and perianal tenderness may cause some women to postpone bowel movements, which leads to constipation and hemorrhoids.

Preventing or Minimizing Hemorrhoid During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women can avoid hemorrhoids by eating high-fiber diets, exercising daily, and not postponing bowel movements when "nature calls". Some find that eating smaller meals more frequently, rather than three large meals, helps prevent digestion and elimination problems.

In addition to eating foods rich in fibers, such as raw vegetable, bran, and fruits, pregnant women should also drink plenty of water to keep the stool soft. If necessary, instead of chemical and prescribed laxatives, prune juice, prunes, figs, and other dried fruits can be used as natural laxatives.

To minimize the pain of hemorrhoids, petroleum jelly can be used to lubricate the anal canal before bowel movement. Warm sitz bath or cold compress can also be used to provide temporary relief - however, sitz bath is not recommended during the final months of pregnancy as water may seep into the vagina. Instead, a hot towel can be used to reduce the swelling of the hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid After Pregnancy

Usually, hemorrhoids that occur during pregnancy disappear by themselves several weeks after childbirth. However, if you still have hemorrhoid after pregnancy and you are breast feeding, be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any medications, to avoid unwittingly passing the treatment to your baby through the breast milk.