Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: causes and remedies for blood loss and pain
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are a very common problem, which involves more or less severe pain and blood loss. If 90% of people happen to suffer from hemorrhoids at least once in their life, for pregnant women and after childbirth the percentage rises up to 30%! Let's find out together the causes of haemorrhoidal disease in pregnancy, symptoms, remedies and treatment. But first, here's a video on things not to do during pregnancy:
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: what are the causes?
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy and post-partum can be particularly annoying (and painful). Hemorrhoids are a disorder caused by "inflammation and dilation of the hemorrhoidal veins in the anal canal that leads to the formation of bumps in the terminal part of the rectum.
Hemorrhoids are kind of cushions full of veins which, thanks to the inflow and outflow of blood, help regulate the opening of the anal canal itself. When, however, an "inflammation occurs, these pads can cause discomfort, pain, bleeding, swelling: we will then speak of haemorrhoidal disease, even if - in common parlance - they are simply defined" haemorrhoids ".
During pregnancy, hemorrhoids frequently tend to become inflamed, and this for different reasons. First of all it should be considered the increase in the volume of the uterus which leads to greater pressure on the anal veins, favoring constipation and swelling of the hemorrhoids themselves.
Among the main causes we find the same hormonal changes: the increase in estrogen and progesterone leads to a dilation of the hemorrhoids themselves. The pressure on the veins is also given by the same increase in blood volume and by the pressure of the abdominal wall. , especially in the last trimester of pregnancy.
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Hemorrhoidal disease from the 24th week of pregnancy until postpartum
In the first period of pregnancy, the main cause of the onset of hemorrhoids are hormonal changes. Hemorrhoidal disease can occur from the first pregnancy, but - starting from subsequent pregnancies - the possibility of suffering from it increases by 20-30%. Women who suffered from haemorrhoids and constipation even before pregnancy are more likely to suffer from it again, but the increase in progesterone could bring these problems even to those who have never suffered from it.
Starting from the 24th week, however, responsible for hemorrhoids are no longer the only hormonal changes, but the increase in pressure on the veins due to the increase in the weight of the pregnant woman and the reduction in physical activity.
Unfortunately, hemorrhoids do not leave the woman even after childbirth. In fact, after natural childbirth, those who have suffered from hemorrhoids during pregnancy could aggravate the disease: after childbirth (especially if it is particularly difficult) the risk of hemorrhoidal thrombosis and anal fissures increases, but a lot also depends on the size of the baby.In fact, during childbirth, a considerable effort is required which can lead to the release of hemorrhoids from the anus, favoring the onset of inflammation.
From pain to blood loss: here are all the symptoms!
Hemorrhoids present with a number of characteristic symptoms. First of all it will be good to distinguish between two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids are found in the terminal part of the anal canal and often do not cause pain, but simply lead to blood loss, usually during defecation.
External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, involve much more pain and tend to appear after a lot of effort, especially if you suffer from constipation. If the problem worsens, it can also lead to prolapse, that is, their escape from the anal canal, with consequent loss of blood due to the erosion of the mucosal surface, with chronic inflammation of the anal area.
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy have the same symptoms as hemorrhoids not in pregnancy: pain, bleeding, burning, itching, swelling, cushions coming out of the anal sphincter. In case of neglect and lack of treatment, hemorrhoids can lead to complications such as anal fissures and anemia. In general, however, even if quite annoying and often painful, haemorrhoidal disease does not involve serious health risks.
Natural remedies
Natural remedies are best for preventing and fighting hemorrhoids in pregnancy. More than actual treatments, in reality, these are important changes to your lifestyle, which can only do good for the child you carry inside you!
First of all, it is important to have regular physical activity. The movement promotes intestinal motility, limiting the problems related to constipation and relieving the pressure on the veins: physical activity is important even if you suffer from swollen legs or varicose veins. You are certainly not required to make who knows what effort during pregnancy: a simple half hour walk a day will suffice!
The second of the most effective tips is undoubtedly to take care of your diet, trying to introduce as much fiber as possible into your diet during pregnancy. Fiber, in fact, helps to fight constipation and to avoid the kind of efforts in the bathroom that cause inflammation of hemorrhoids ... So add lots of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, legumes to your diet, and you will already see the situation improve! Also remember to hydrate yourself as much as possible by drinking a lot and often. Even herbal teas can help you get the right amount of fluids and regulate your bowels!
Another of the most suitable natural remedies for the treatment of hemorrhoids are anal washes: you just need warm water with acid soap to accelerate the healing of the inflammation. Remember to take care of your anal hygiene by always doing the bidet after the evacuation and drying yourself without rubbing. Cold water washes, contrary to popular belief, are contraindicated.
