Hemorrhoid Treatment - Pregnancy

By: Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, Ph.D, ND, DACBN
updated on 06/07/2006 at 11:38AM

The pregnant body goes through many beautiful changes. As the baby grows, the mother's belly swells to accommodate her new child. Unfortunately, many other part of the mother's body swell as well, putting a strain on all of her systems. Internally, the mother's body experiences an increase in hormones and blood volume to care for her growing baby. The increased level of hormone especially, tends to slow down some of the mother's internal systems, namely, her digestive system. And this terrific combination of extra weight, slower bowels, and difficulty sitting or standing, provides the perfect environment for hemorrhoids to develop. Indeed, between twenty and fifty percent of all pregnant women will develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. And while they may be painful, they are a common condition that can be cared for easily.

The usual symptoms of hemorrhoids include pain, discomfort, itching, and bleeding from the rectal area. Bleeding during pregnancy is always a frightening symptom, especially when it occurs in an area so close to the birth canal. But rectal bleeding is not usually a sign that something is wrong in the pregnancy. In rare cases, it may be caused by a polyp or cancerous growth in the colon. Rectal bleeding may also stem from anal fissures or cracks that are caused by constipation. More often, rectal bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids during pregnancy that are either inside the anal area (internal hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anal area (external hemorrhoids).

Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins of the rectum. Just as your legs are more susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy, so to is the anal area. Hemorrhoids typically occur when a strain is placed on the anal area. Constipation, lack of exercise, and prolonged sitting or standing are all common causes of hemorrhoids, and all common complaints during pregnancy.

Preventing Hemorrhoids

Avoid Constipation: The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to avoid the straining during bowel movements caused by constipation. And contrary to popular belief, constipation is not a necessary component of pregnancy. Increasing water and fiber consumption will help keep the stools soft and keep the digestive system moving. Daily exercise will also stimulate the digestive muscles to prevent constipation.
Avoid Rectal Pressure: all of the veins of a woman's body are under stress during pregnancy. And the rectal veins are no exception. Try to sleep on your side and not your back. Don't strain during bowel movements or linger on the toilet (Although sometimes it feels nice just to sit down, exposing the rectal veins to this kind of pressure can cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.) If constipation is a problem, try sitting on the toilet with your feet on a step stool to make evacuation easier. Also, avoid long hours of sitting and standing that may put pressure on the rectal veins.
Practice Kegel exercises regularly. Kegel exercises improve circulation to the rectal area and can prevent or alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids. To do Kegels, firmly tense the muscles around the vagina and the anus (as if you were trying to suppress the urge to urinate.) Hold the tense muscles for as long as you can, working up to a limit of eight to ten seconds for each repetition. Slowly release the muscles and relax. Try to do at least twenty-five repetitions of this exercise at various times throughout the day.

Hemorrhoids Treatment

Take a warm sitz bath: The warmth and moisture associated with a sitz bath can alleviate the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. The key is to submerse the rectal area in hot water, either in a regular bath tub or in a specially purchased "sitz bath" that can be affixed to the toilet. Make the water hotter than your usual bath water and be sure to sit in enough to cover the affected area. Sit in the bath for twenty to thirty minutes, two to three times a day.
Witch hazel soaks or ice packs may soothe inflamed hemorrhoids
Avoid topical medications, mineral oil, laxatives, or stool softeners unless they are recommended by your OBGYN.
Keep the rectal area clean: Anal hygiene is particularly important when hemorrhoids are present, as debris can irritate the sensitive tissues. Wash the anal area with a warm, wet washcloth or baby wipe, always remembering to wipe from front to back. Avoid rough toilet paper or paper that has dyes or perfumes.
Get off your feet: Lie down on you side several times a day. Try to watch TV, read, and rest with your family in this position to alleviate pressure on the rectal area that can aggravate hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids And Child Birth

With attentive care during child birth, you may avoid chronic hemorrhoids. However if hemorrhoids are still present when you go into labor, it is likely that the pushing and strain of labor will make them worse. As if you won't have enough to worry about after your baby is born! But if these preventive measures are continued, it's likely that hemorrhoids will disappear postpartum.

Special Treatments

For troublesome hemorrhoids that won't go away, your doctor may recommend one of the following conventional treatments:

Rubber band ligation: A rubber band placed around the base of the hemorrhoid will cut off circulation and cause the hemorrhoid to wither away.
Scerotherapy: A chemical solution is injected around the base of the hemorrhoid to shrink the swollen blood vessel.
Laser coagulation or Infrared photocoagulation: These procedures use either electrical or laser heat or an infrared light to burn and destroy hemorroidal tissue.
Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgical procedure completely removes severe hemorrhoids.