Hemorrhoids are small swollen vessels in your rectal area. It is very common during pregnancy especially in the third trimester and you can avoid it by adjusting daily life habits and pregnancy diets.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy
😟What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels🩸 in your lower rectum. They can develop inside the rectum or protrude out through the anus in various sizes.
It’s possible for you to experience hemorrhoids without any symptoms. However, some moms may feel itchy, sore and irritated when passing stool.😖 Rectal bleeding or blood🩸 can also be visible in stool during pregnancy.
😟Causes of hemorrhoids
As your uterus👶 is growing, it puts pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cana, consequently blocking the return of blood🩸 from the lower half of the body, increasing rectal pressure on the veins below your uterus and making them inflamed and swollen.
Constipation🚽 during pregnancy also contributes to hemorrhoids because straining when you have a hard bowel movement puts more pressures on the veins and encourages development of hemorrhoids.😟
A surge of progesterone hormones relaxes the walls of your veins and allows them to swell easily. Blood🩸 can pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a thrombosis, resulting in a thrombosed hemorrhoid which is seen as a large swollen lump.🙁
How to prevent hemorrhoids
😟Reduce constipation
Eating a high-fiber diet which is rich in whole grains, vegetables🥬 and fruits. Always stay hydrated by drinking water.🥛 If you’re constipated, ask your healthcare provider about fiber supplement or stool softener.
😟Don’t sit on the toilet for too long
The longer you sit on the toilet watching movies, the more pressure you put on your rectal area.🙅♀️ You don’t need to stay there longer than necessary.
😟Do Kegel exercises daily
Kegel exercises promote blood circulation in the rectal area and strengthen muscles in the anus. Hence, the chances of hemorrhoids are significantly reduced.😃
😟Stretch your body
If you’re a workaholic who is glued to the table and sitting at your desk all day💻, try to get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so. When you sleep😴, lie on your side so that blood can circulate and return from the lower half of your body.
Remedies for pregnancy hemorrhoids
😟Cold remedy
Applying cold packs may reduce swelling and discomfort.🧊 You can also use cold compresses having hazel soothing to ease the affected area.
😟Heat remedy
When you take a bath🛀, soak your lower half of the body in warm water for 10-15 minutes a few times each day. You can use cold treatment first, then warm, and repeat the procedure to achieve the best result and ease the pain.😃
😟Hygiene
Clean the affected area gently but thoroughly after each time you visit the bathroom🚽. Unscented toilet tissue is highly recommended as it is not irritated and safer for your skin. You can also buy wipes moistened with hazel soothing to treat hemorrhoids.🧻