Pregnancy Hemorrhoids Are Embarrassing And Painful

Pregnancy Hemorrhoids Are Embarrassing And Painful
By Hannah Bajor

Here are tips to relieve your hemorrhoids in pregnancy otherwise your pregnancy could become a living nightmare. As a certified nurse midwife I have treated many cases of pregnancy hemorrhoids. It was not until I experienced small pregnancy hemorrhoids myself that I understood how painful these little monsters are.

Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The veins within the anal canal become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to accumulate. This causes the walls of the vein to expand creating the visible ball on the outside of the anus called hemorrhoids.

What causes hemorrhoids in pregnancy?

Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby's nutritional and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant woman's blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and pregnancy hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels. Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the growing baby is another reason for pregnancy hemorrhoids.

There are two types of hemorrhoids; internal and external. You cannot see or feel internal hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoids's delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually do not cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids are painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoids and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids is comparable to being stabbed in the rectum by a knife.

What can you do to treat pregnancy hemorrhoids?

The good news is that pregnancy hemorrhoids usually improve after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat them. One or more of the following tips may help relieve your symptoms:

Take a warm bath with baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to relieve itching.

Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.

Use Tucks Medicated Pads.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.

Drink plenty of fluids, at least 12 glasses of water every day.

Drink prune juice.

Do not delay going to the bathroom.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you are suffering very badly from pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your obstetrical provider for hemorrhoidal medication.

If you are very uncomfortable sitting due to rectal pain, a ring with a hole in the center is helpful.

Midwife Hannah Bajor C.N.M., M.S.N. from Lumalove teaches women all over the world who want to have a healthier pregnancy experience how they can connect and communicate on a more meaningful level with their unborn child. In doing so couples globally are starting to lays the foundational blueprints for a happier, healthier pregnancy outcome and gives their unborn child the opportunity of unlimited potential.

Take advantage of her FREE offer and experience her ability to help you connect deeper with your growing baby. To get your FREE pregnancy guided visualization mp3 then click on [http://www.LumalovePregnancyWeekByWeek.com]

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