Pregnant with Hemorrhoids: What to Do
Hemorrhoids are common among men and women, and they can appear at any time. For moms-to-be, hemorrhoids develop during the third trimester, around the 28th week. They itch and bleed and can cause a great deal of stress, but the good news is hemorrhoids aren’t harmful, and the symptoms can often be relieved at home.
What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that surround the anus and rectum. They can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a nickel. During pregnancy, as the uterus and unborn baby grow, pressure in the pelvic region increases, which causes the veins near the anus and rectum to swell, resulting in hemorrhoids.
Additionally, many pregnant women experience constipation, which can contribute to hemorrhoids. This is because pregnancy hormonal changes can slow down the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Common Symptoms of Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
- Painful bowel movements
- Bloody stool
- Itching and burning in the anus and rectum
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
The key to preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy is avoiding constipation. Here are helpful tips to do that:
- Eat a high-fiber diet
- Don’t delay using the toilet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid sugary drinks
- Exercise regularly
- Take a stool softener
How to Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, at-home hemorrhoid treatments offer the safest relief for new moms. Here are at-home remedies that can help ease the pain and discomfort:
- Apply ice packs to the affected area
- Soak in warm water
- Sit on a donut-shaped pillow
- Use moist towelettes to keep the affected area clean and dry
- Apply witch hazel on the affected area
How to Safely Eliminate Hemorrhoids
Often hemorrhoids subside on their own after pregnancy. However, they may persist for some women. Fortunately, Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville, TN offers Infrared Coagulation (IFC), a safe and effective treatment for eliminating hemorrhoids.
IFC is a gentle, non-invasive procedure involving a laser that uses short bursts of light to zap away the hemorrhoid. This procedure is pain-free, quick, and the best part is, it is covered by most insurance plans!
Hemorrhoids shouldn’t have to be a problem after giving birth. Find relief today with Premier Surgical Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Knoxville, TN. We are the only dedicated hemorrhoid clinic in the region specializing in IFC.
To request an appointment, call our Confidential Hemorrhoid Hotline at (865) 588-9952 or visit https://www.premiersurgical.com/hemorrhoid-treatment-appointment-request/