Haemorrhoids are an ailment that very often affects pregnant women. Problems with defecation, problems with sitting down - these are some of the unpleasant complaints that accompany haemorrhoids.
Table of contents:
- What are haemorrhoids?
- Causes of haemorrhoids
- How to prevent haemorrhoids during pregnancy?
- Treatment of haemorrhoids during pregnancy
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are also known as bleeding nodules. It should be noted that bleeding nodules are naturally occurring structures within the anus, and their function is to seal the anal canal and work with the sphincters. When a condition develops, haemorrhoids grow and thus begin to interfere with natural defecation, causing pain and discomfort. Haemorrhoids can be divided into external and internal depending on whether they occur inside or outside the rectum. External haemorrhoids 'protrude' outside the anus - the patient can easily self-diagnose them. In the case of internal haemorrhoids, the symptom suggestive of their disease is blood appearing during emptying. In addition, we also distinguish so-called prolapsed haemorrhoids - this means that the haemorrhoids stretch, bulge and may fall outside the anus.
Causes of haemorrhoids
A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet are often blamed for the occurrence of anal varices. In the case of pregnant women, the cause of haemorrhoids is the pressure of the foetus on the venous system. This has the effect of obstructing blood flow and causing problems in the bowel. It should be noted that the appearance of haemorrhoids can also be influenced by childbirth. Another reason for the formation of haemorrhoids during pregnancy is constipation or an increase in the concentration of progesterone in the blood. This hormone, in addition to its contribution to the normal maintenance of pregnancy, increases the susceptibility of the veins to stretching.
Haemorrhoids in pregnancy, photo: panthermedia
How to prevent haemorrhoids during pregnancy?
- Hydrate your body - increase the amount of water you consume during the day.
- Add products rich in fibre to your meals (vegetables, fruit, dark bread) - fibre supports the work of the intestines.
- Walk, unless your doctor has forbidden it.
- If you have a problem with constipation - contact your doctor or pharmacist. It is possible that the administration of glycerine suppositories will solve your problem.
Treatment of haemorrhoids during pregnancy
The choice of treatment for haemorrhoids in pregnancy is always left to the doctor's discretion, determined by the patient's condition and the severity of the complaints. Please note that most OTC (over-the-counter) preparations that are available for the treatment of haemorrhoids cannot be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, hence it is essential to consult your doctor. It is important to remember that after giving birth, the majority of women find that the problem of haemorrhoids disappears.Pregnant women are advised to follow conservative treatment - a diet rich in fibre, oak bark decoction soaks and avoiding sitting. If the problem of haemorrhoids does not disappear after the postpartum period, it is essential to consult a proctologist.
If you are pregnant and haemorrhoids have appeared...
- Do not use any medicines/ suppositories on your own without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
- Use soaks in a decoction of oak bark.
- Try not to remain seated for too long.
- Take care of intimate area hygiene.
