Hemorrhoids develop when the veins lining the anal canal get inflamed and swollen from excess pressure and strain. Hemorrhoids are a common development both during and after pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids can be internal (inside the anal canal) or external (lumps that appear outside and around the rectum). Mostly painless, they can however be uncomfortable causing irritation and itchiness in the rectum area. Bleeding during passing stool can also occur.

Cause

Hemorrhoids can occur during pregnancy and post-delivery. If one has had hemorrhoids before, there is increased chance of it recurring during pregnancy. Genetics also plays a factor for hemorrhoids being formed.

During pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, the growing foetus increases pressure on the uterus and subsequently on the veins in the lower body. Pregnancy hormones can cause the uterine walls to relax, which can make them swell more easily. Due to the growing uterus, constipation is a common side-effect. This in turn puts additional strain on the anal canal.

Post-delivery, the body can take upto six weeks to reverse the hormonal and biological changes during pregnancy. Factors like big babies, a long delivery labour and severe constipation play to the internal body imbalance and hemorrhoids can develop.

Prevention

Hemorrhoids can be avoided even during pregnancy by adopting simple lifestyle and diet habits:

• Adequate amount of fluids (water, juices, milk shakes) should be taken in a day to keep the body hydrated and prevent formation of dry stool. Caffeine and alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they have the opposite effect.
• High-fiber content diet should be followed including fruits, vegetable and whole grain.
• Proper personal hygiene in keeping the area clean goes in a long way also.
• Don’t restrain bowel movement. When the sensation arises one should not control it as this puts pressure in the uterine and anal canals.
• Exercise and physical activity should be maintained. Excess body weight and obesity beyond the growing baby will add further pressure to the uterus.
• Standing or sitting in one position should be avoided. While lying down, it should be on the left side to relieve pressure.
• Avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects as this action strains the lower body

Treatment

Most hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy dissolve post-delivery and surgical intervention is not required. Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy is mostly directed at relief from the symptoms.

• Ice-packs around the rectum to soothe swelling
• Warm water soaks and baths to relieve itchiness
• Using moist wipes instead of dry toilet paper to clean after passing stool.
• Medical options are to be taken with strict consultation with your healthcare provider
  • Stool softners to make the stool soft and thus less painful when it passes through the anus
  • Over-the-counter creams and ointments to reduce itchiness and inflammation
  • Painkiller

Conclusion

Hemorrhoids are not life-threatening. Pregnancy is a beautiful period in a woman’s life. Simple lifestyle habits can be adopted to make the most of this wonderful phase.