Pregnant with Hemorrhoids

When you become pregnant there are a thousand things that may cross your mind. Everything from potential names and baby clothes to cravings and a growing waistline can occupy your mind, but there are many factors of being pregnant that you may overlook. One of these factors is the increased risk of hemorrhoids—and unfortunately, as with any other condition, treatment options during pregnancy are limited.

For many pregnant women in Los Angeles, hemorrhoids are a problem. These swollen and twisted veins can cause bleeding, excessive itching and pain during bowel movements—all of which add to the physical discomfort already associated with pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a risk factor for hemorrhoids due to excess pressure on the anus and rectum from the growing uterus. For many women, hemorrhoids disappear following the birth of the child, but this isn’t always the case. Following your child’s birth it is possible to obtain treatment for hemorrhoids, but that doesn’t help to alleviate the months of discomfort leading up to your big day. While lifestyle remedies are not nearly as successful at relieving hemorrhoids as medical treatment, they can reduce some of the pain associated with hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Here are a few ways to prevent and reduce pain from hemorrhoids in Los Angeles:

• Alternate sitting and standing: Sitting for long periods of time can cause hemorrhoids to develop. This is because sitting adds extra pressure to the veins in the anus and rectum. You will need to sit and rest during pregnancy, but try to stand and walk every so often to reduce this pressure and enhance blood circulation.
• Ice it: Icing can reduce pain and itching, helping to reduce much of the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids. Try applying a cold compress to the anal region several times a day for hemorrhoid relief.
• Take a sitz bath: A sitz bath is a shallow, warm bath with soap and water. This isn’t a traditional bath, so the tub should only be filled several inches to completely submerge the anus. Try taking a brief sitz bath following bowel movements to clean the anal area.
• Herbal relief: Witch hazel is especially known for its ability to reduce the pain and irritation of hemorrhoids. Try applying witch hazel extract to a cotton pad and soak the anal area with the astringent.

If you are pregnant, then you should not attempt any of these home remedies without first speaking with your physician. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, so talk with your doctor to learn ways you can prevent hemorrhoids before they become a problem for you.