For some, pregnancy hemorrhoids can be a cause of concern and more discomfort than normal.
But, do not worry. NA Hemorrhoids Clinic – a Metro Vancouver Hemorrhoids Clinic, which has been in business for over 15 years offering hemorrhoids treatment in Vancouver, can help relieve the discomfort and distress the hemorrhoids during pregnancy can bring and make your period of confinement less stressful and more comfortable!
This Hemorrhoids clinic in BC uses widely acclaimed traditional Chinese medicine methods, including a herbal ointment called “Ba Zhi San,” combined with modern naturopathic methods to effectively treat hemorrhoids.
So, read on and learn more about some great tips from NA Hemorrhoids about having piles during pregnancy: it may be more difficult, but we can make it manageable!
Is pregnancy a cause of hemorrhoids?
No, pregnancy is not a direct cause of hemorrhoids, but if you had piles before pregnancy, you’re more likely to have them during pregnancy.
However, although pregnancy does not directly cause hemorrhoids, the extra strain on the body from around the 28th week onwards causes the veins in and around the anus to swell and often become painful.
Furthermore, during pregnancy, hormones can cause your bowels to slow down, constipation may result, and this may accentuate the problem of hemorrhoids. When a stool is hard, the extra straining to expel the waste can put pressure on the veins in your rectal area, causing them to become inflamed and bulge.
Hemorrhoids can also develop postpartum, owing to the effects of pushing during labour.
How can I prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
There are a variety of ways to avoid, or at least mitigate, the discomfort and/or pain of hemorrhoids which occur during pregnancy. Of course, for any pregnant woman, a good diet and some exercise are essential, and this can be carried through pregnancy to help avoid painful piles.
A summary of some of the key things to do or not do to help with hemorrhoids during pregnancy include:
- Eat enough fibre by ingesting eating enough fruit such as avocados or vegetables, beans, grains or even nuts; always ensure a higher intake of high-fibre foods such as vegetables and whole grains;
- Do what it takes to avoid constipation, so, if the above mentioned intake of fibre doesn’t work, either ask a health care provider about a fibre supplement or start taking a well-known stool softener;
- Carefully choose a food-based prenatal vitamin as they are more absorbable; on the other hand, synthetic vitamins, especially those with an iron content, can cause constipation;
- Do not give up on doing exercise, and try not to be sedentary for too long. Take daily exercise and, ideally, go for long, slow walks; if this is not possible, at least keep moving around frequently and avoid long periods of sitting as this will put pressure on the rectal area;
- Similarly, don’t sit on the toilet longer than necessary because this also puts pressure on your bottom—however, it is important to go to the bathroom when you feel the urge;
- Drink lots of fluid, especially water, to help liquidate constipation and normalize bowel movements;
- Sleep on your side to ease the pressure on the veins around the anus, and try not to gain too much weight in order to prevent too much strain on the lower back and the areas of the hemorrhoids.
Mitigating the discomfort of hemorrhoids during pregnancy
Body cleanliness and a high standard of hygiene both go a long way to helping mitigate the uncomfortable effects of hemorrhoids when pregnant.
Some specific things to pay attention to or act upon are as follows:
- Sit and soak in warm water in a bathtub several times a day. If you don’t have a bathtub, buy and enjoy a sitz bath, a warm, shallow bath which cleanses the perineum and the space between the rectum and the vulva. Make sure that after getting out of the tub, the affected areas are carefully patted dry;
- Apply a covered ice pack to the affected area as such cold therapy can help reduce swelling and bring temporary relief;
- Buy a donut-shaped pillow for sitting on in order to ease the pressure on the rectal area;
- Apply witch hazel pads (which have a cooling effect and reduce swelling) to the affected areas, changing pads frequently;
- Do regular exercises on a daily basis, including Kegel exercises. These help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which help support your rectum and can improve circulation in the overall bottom area. For anyone doing Kegel exercises, it’s important to make sure you’re isolating and contracting the correct muscles;
- Keep the anal clean and dry by using soft, unscented toilet tissue or unscented wipes to avoid any irritation in the affected area;
- Some women find that acupuncture can also help.
Other great ideas and tips for pregnant women with hemorrhoids
- You may desire a change of cuisine when you are pregnant and, by all means, eat what you want, but try not to eat spicy food. This is in order to prevent the chances of having diarrhea which can irritate your hemorrhoids and cause them to flare up;
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, ideally made from a lightweight material such as cotton for better comfort;
- Enjoy a sitz bath, a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, the space between the rectum and the vulva.
After Pregnancy, What to do About Hemorrhoids
For many women, the discomfort of hemorrhoids during pregnancy generally resolves after delivery of the baby as there’s a huge strain lifted off the body systems.
The veins in the anus will start to swell less as the pressure off the rectal area is reduced, and symptoms will gradually dissipate. However, it is important to maintain good habits such as eating plenty of fibre, drinking plenty of water, continuing to undertake regular exercise and taking good care of anal hygiene.
NA Hemorrhoids Clinic Can Help You Deal With Your Hemorrhoids
Don’t worry; if you are pregnant, NA Hemorrhoids Clinic, which has been in business for over 15 years, offering hemorrhoid treatment in Metro Vancouver BC, can help relieve the discomfort and distress that pregnancy hemorrhoids or piles can bring. We have helped many Vancouver patients alleviate the painful symptoms of hemorrhoids. Book a consultation to see how we can help.
If you want to learn more about the treatments we offer, contact us by email or feel free to give us a call.
We look forward to hearing from you.
