About all

External hemorrhoid during pregnancy. External Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

What causes external hemorrhoids during pregnancy. How can you prevent hemorrhoids while pregnant. What are effective treatments for pregnancy hemorrhoids. When should you see a doctor about hemorrhoids in pregnancy.

Understanding External Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy

External hemorrhoids are a common but uncomfortable condition that many pregnant women experience. These swollen veins around the anus can cause pain, itching, and bleeding, making daily activities challenging. But what exactly causes them to develop during pregnancy?

The Link Between Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids

Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, play a significant role in the development of hemorrhoids. These hormones cause the walls of veins to relax, making them more prone to swelling. Additionally, the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic area, impeding blood flow and contributing to the formation of hemorrhoids.

The Impact of Constipation

Constipation is another major factor in the development of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. As the digestive system slows down due to hormonal changes, stool becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The straining required to have a bowel movement can put excessive pressure on the rectal veins, causing them to become inflamed and bulge.

Preventing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

While hemorrhoids can be a common occurrence during pregnancy, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing them or minimize their severity.

Dietary Changes for Hemorrhoid Prevention

One of the most effective ways to prevent hemorrhoids is by maintaining a healthy diet. What foods should you focus on? A high-fiber diet is crucial. Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your meals. These foods help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements, reducing the need for straining.

  • Avocados
  • Beans
  • Leafy greens
  • Whole grains
  • Berries

In addition to a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated is essential. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to keep your digestive system functioning smoothly.

The Importance of Regular Exercise

Maintaining an active lifestyle during pregnancy can significantly reduce your risk of developing hemorrhoids. How does exercise help? Regular physical activity improves circulation throughout the body, including the rectal area. This enhanced blood flow can help prevent the formation of hemorrhoids.

Some safe and effective exercises for pregnant women include:

  1. Walking
  2. Swimming
  3. Prenatal yoga
  4. Stationary cycling
  5. Low-impact aerobics

Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine during pregnancy.

Effective Treatments for Pregnancy Hemorrhoids

If you do develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, there are several treatment options available to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.

Topical Treatments for Symptom Relief

Over-the-counter topical treatments can provide significant relief from hemorrhoid symptoms. Which products are safe to use during pregnancy? Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any medication, but generally, the following options are considered safe:

  • Witch hazel pads
  • Hemorrhoid creams (without hydrocortisone)
  • Ice packs
  • Sitz baths

Witch hazel, in particular, is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying witch hazel pads to the affected area can help reduce swelling and provide cooling relief.

Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoid Relief

In addition to over-the-counter treatments, several natural remedies can help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy. These include:

  • Coconut oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
  • Aloe vera: Helps soothe irritation and reduce inflammation
  • Baking soda: Can be applied topically to relieve itching
  • Warm baths: Soaking in warm water can help reduce swelling and promote healing

While these natural remedies can be effective, it’s important to discuss their use with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re safe for you and your baby.

Managing Hemorrhoids in Daily Life

Living with hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are strategies you can employ to make daily life more comfortable.

Proper Toilet Habits

Adopting proper toilet habits can significantly reduce the discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and prevent them from worsening. What are some key habits to develop?

  • Don’t delay bowel movements when you feel the urge
  • Avoid straining during bowel movements
  • Limit time spent on the toilet
  • Use soft, unscented toilet paper or wipes
  • Clean the anal area gently after each bowel movement

Comfortable Seating and Sleeping Positions

Finding comfortable positions for sitting and sleeping can help alleviate pressure on the rectal area and reduce hemorrhoid discomfort. Consider using a donut-shaped pillow when sitting for extended periods. When sleeping, try lying on your left side to improve circulation and reduce pressure on the rectal veins.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be managed at home, there are instances when medical attention is necessary. When should you consult your healthcare provider about hemorrhoids?

  • If you experience severe pain or discomfort
  • If you notice significant rectal bleeding
  • If home treatments and preventive measures don’t provide relief
  • If you develop a fever along with hemorrhoid symptoms

Your healthcare provider can assess the severity of your hemorrhoids and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include prescription medications or, in rare cases, minor procedures to shrink the hemorrhoids.

Post-Pregnancy Hemorrhoid Care

For many women, hemorrhoid symptoms resolve after delivery. However, some may continue to experience issues in the postpartum period. How can you care for hemorrhoids after giving birth?

Postpartum Hemorrhoid Management

Continue to follow the preventive measures and treatment strategies used during pregnancy. This includes maintaining a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and using topical treatments as needed. If hemorrhoids persist or worsen after delivery, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options.

Surgical Options for Persistent Hemorrhoids

In cases where hemorrhoids don’t resolve on their own or with conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be recommended. What are the surgical options for hemorrhoids? Common procedures include:

  • Rubber band ligation
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Infrared coagulation
  • Hemorrhoidectomy

These procedures are typically reserved for severe or persistent cases and are performed after the postpartum recovery period.

The Emotional Impact of Pregnancy Hemorrhoids

Dealing with hemorrhoids during pregnancy can take an emotional toll. The discomfort, embarrassment, and lifestyle adjustments required can be challenging. How can you cope with the emotional aspects of this condition?

Finding Support and Understanding

Remember that hemorrhoids are a common pregnancy issue, affecting many women. Sharing your experiences with other expectant mothers, perhaps in prenatal classes or support groups, can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice. Don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, who can offer reassurance and guidance.

Self-Care and Stress Management

Practicing self-care and stress management techniques can help you cope with the physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy hemorrhoids. Consider incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or prenatal yoga into your daily routine. These practices can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being during this challenging time.

Remember, while hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and frustrating, they are typically a temporary condition. With proper care and management, you can minimize their impact on your pregnancy experience and focus on the excitement of welcoming your new baby.

Dealing with hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids can also result from constipation since pregnancy hormones cause your bowels slow down. When stool is hard, the extra straining to eliminate it can put pressure on veins in your rectal area, causing them to become inflamed and bulge. “On top of that, higher progesterone levels cause the walls of the veins to relax and allow them to swell more easily,” says Dr. Harris.

If you had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you’re more likely to have them during pregnancy. They can also develop postpartum because of pushing during labor.

How can you prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Your body undergoes a lot of changes when you’re expecting, and swelling veins can be one of them. Talk to other expectant moms during prenatal classes, share experiences or ask your instructor about natural remedies.

These steps may help you avoid hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

Avoid constipation

  • Eat a high-fiber diet. Choose from fresh avocados, beans, and other fruits and vegetables.
  • Don’t delay going to the bathroom when you feel the urge. Make sure you don’t sit on the toilet longer than necessary because this puts pressure on your rectal area.
  • If you’re already constipated, ask your healthcare provider about a fiber supplement or stool softener.
  • Choose a food-based prenatal vitamin. Synthetic vitamins, especially iron, can cause constipation. Food-based prenatal vitamins are more absorbable.

Keep moving

  • Get regular (and safe) exercise right up to your due date — as long as your provider says it’s OK.
  • Do Kegel exercises. They increase circulation in the rectal area and strengthen the muscles around the anus.
  • Don’t sit or stand for long stretches of time. If your job involves sitting at a desk, get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so.

Promote good habits

  • Drink plenty of water and other fluids. If you aren’t drinking enough, your body will reabsorb water through the colon, leaving dry stool that’s hard to push out.
  • Lie on your side when sleeping, reading or watching TV to take the pressure off your rectal veins.
  • Try not to gain more than the recommended amount of weight because the more you gain, the more pressure on the rectum.

How can you treat symptoms during pregnancy?

If you experience symptoms, try one of these remedies:

  • Cold therapy can help reduce swelling and bring temporary relief. Apply an ice pack (with a covering) to the affected area.
  • Soak in warm water several times a day. If you don’t have a bathtub, you can buy a sitz bath. After getting out of the tub, pat the area dry.
  • If sitting is uncomfortable, get a donut-shaped pillow to ease the pressure.
  • Apply witch hazel pads to the area and change the pads frequently. Witch hazel has a cooling effect and helps reduce swelling.
  • Baking soda – used wet or dry – can be applied topically to help alleviate itching.
  • Coconut oil can relieve pain and inflammation. So can pure aloe vera without added chemicals and fragrances, or arnica.
  • Stay clean and use soft, unscented toilet tissue or unscented wipes to avoid more irritation in the affected area.
  • Acupuncture can also help.

When should you see your healthcare provider?

Consult your provider if preventive efforts and home treatments don’t help, or if you have severe pain or rectal bleeding. In some cases, you may need professional help shrink your hemorrhoids.

Also, always check with your provider before taking any medication for hemorrhoids while you’re pregnant. There are a lot of hemorrhoid relief products available. Keep in mind that most of these products should be used for no more than a week to avoid such side effects as skin irritation or thinning.

For many women, hemorrhoid symptoms resolve after delivery. If they persist, surgical treatment might be recommended.

Pregnancy Hemorrhoids: Causes, Risks, Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

No one likes to talk about them, but hemorrhoids are a fact of life for many people, especially during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are simply veins inside or outside of your anus that have become large and swollen.

Also called piles, they can look like varicose veins when outside your body. Hemorrhoids develop frequently during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and during and shortly after childbirth.

You may have hemorrhoids only during pregnancy, or you may have them at other times of your life as well.

The causes of your hemorrhoids may be unique to pregnancy. You can often treat or prevent hemorrhoids with home-based remedies and lifestyle adjustments.

There are two types of hemorrhoids: internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids. Each type of hemorrhoid can have different symptoms.

Internal hemorrhoids

Internal hemorrhoids form inside your body, within the rectum. Because they are concealed in the rectum, they can be harder to diagnose. Some internal hemorrhoids can prolapse, meaning they extend outside of the anal opening.

Although internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, they typically don’t cause pain. This is because they are located in an area that doesn’t have nerve endings. However, if an internal hemorrhoid prolapses, it can be extremely painful.

External hemorrhoids

External hemorrhoids form outside of your body. They’re located near the anus and covered by skin. This skin is extra-sensitive and can become inflamed.

An external hemorrhoid can hurt if it becomes swollen or develops a blood clot.

If a blood clot forms in a hemorrhoid, it can cause sudden, severe pain. The pain often gets worse within the first 48 hours, then improves over several days.

The symptoms of hemorrhoids can vary depending on the type of hemorrhoids you have.

Common hemorrhoid symptoms

  • bleeding (you may notice blood when you wipe after a bowel movement)
  • painful bowel movements
  • a raised area of skin near your anus
  • itching
  • burning
  • swelling

Generally, you will experience these symptoms with external hemorrhoids. You may have no symptoms with internal hemorrhoids.

You may also develop a blood clot in an external hemorrhoid. This is known as a thrombosed hemorrhoid. They are generally hard, inflamed, and more painful.

It’s possible to push out an internal hemorrhoid when having a bowel movement. If this occurs, you may experience bleeding and discomfort.

Up to 50 percent of pregnant women develop hemorrhoids.

Causes

  • increased blood volume, leading to larger veins
  • pressure on veins near your anus from the baby and your growing uterus
  • changing hormones
  • constipation

You may be more susceptible to constipation during pregnancy than at other times of life. One 2014 study found that among 280 pregnant women, 45.7 percent experienced constipation.

This constipation may be due to:

  • sitting for long periods of time
  • changing hormones
  • taking iron or other supplements

Your hemorrhoids may disappear completely after pregnancy and delivery without any treatment as your hormone levels, blood volume, and intra-abdominal pressure decrease after delivery.

The most common times hemorrhoids develop during pregnancy is in your third trimester and during and immediately after childbirth. You may develop hemorrhoids from childbirth if you experience extended straining during the second stage of labor.

You can try many home remedies and lifestyle modifications to reduce hemorrhoids.

It’s best not to ignore them, though. Untreated hemorrhoids may get worse with time and cause complications such as increased pain or, in rare cases, anemia from bleeding.

You may need to reach out to a healthcare professional to diagnose and treat your hemorrhoids. Since hemorrhoids are not the only cause of bleeding near your anus, it’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor if you notice new bleeding when you wipe or in your stool.

Home remedies for hemorrhoids

There are many steps you can take at home to relieve and prevent hemorrhoids. Here are some ideas.

  • Use wipes or pads that contain witch hazel.
  • Use gentle, flushable wipes when you have a bowel movement.
  • Use a sitz bath or soak in clean warm water for 10 minutes at a time a few times a day.
  • Take Epsom salt baths in warm water that’s not too hot.
  • Hold an ice pack on the area for a few minutes several times a day.
  • Move around frequently and try not to sit for too long to avoid extra pressure on your anus.
  • Drink lots of water and eat foods high in fiber to help keep stools soft.
  • Avoid straining while having a bowel movement or sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
  • Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen muscles.

You can shop for many of these items online:

  • hemorrhoid pads
  • flushable wipes
  • sitz bath
  • Epsom salt
  • ice bags

You may want to speak with a doctor before treating hemorrhoids at home. This will ensure you get a proper diagnosis and understand the treatment options available to you.

Medical treatment for hemorrhoids

During pregnancy, always talk with your doctor before taking any medication, including those you apply to your skin (topical). This will ensure treatments do not pose a risk to your baby.

Topical over-the-counter or prescription treatments may help hemorrhoids. These medications often include pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Creams or ointments that contain hydrocortisone-pramoxine can be especially effective for reducing pain, inflammation, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. But these ingredients may not be safe for pregnancy. Make sure to discuss them with a doctor.

The doctor may also be able to recommend a safe laxative or a suppository to relieve constipation.

Some prescription oral treatments, like ruto-sides and hidrosmine, are available for treating hemorrhoids, but they may not be safe during pregnancy or if you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Other medical treatment options for hemorrhoids includes:

  • Rubber band ligation. During banding, a small rubber band is placed around the base of a hemorrhoid. The band stops the flow of blood into the hemorrhoid and eventually the hemorrhoid will fall off. This usually takes 10 to 12 days. Scar tissue is formed during this process that helps prevent the hemorrhoid from recurring in that same location.
  • Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected directly into the hemorrhoid. This causes it to shrink and to form scar tissue. It’s possible for a hemorrhoid to return after this treatment.
  • Hemorrhoidectomy. A hemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids. It’s associated with several risks, including general anesthesia, risk of damage to the muscles of the anus, more pain, and a longer recovery time. As a result, this treatment is only recommended for severe hemorrhoids or when there are complications, such as multiple hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids that have prolapsed.
  • Stapledhemorrhoidopexy. The hemorrhoidal tissue is placed back inside the anus and held in place using surgical staples.

Your doctor may suggest packing the site of the hemorrhoid with absorbent bandages to avoid excessive bleeding.

You can try to reduce hemorrhoids or prevent them from developing in several ways.

Prevention tips

  • Eat a diet full of fiber-rich foods, like vegetables and fruits.
  • Drink plenty of water to help keep your stools soft and your bowel movements regular.
  • Avoid straining when using the toilet.
  • Avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
  • Pass a bowel movement as soon as you feel it coming — not holding it in or delaying.
  • Move around as much as you can by exercising and avoid long periods of sitting.
  • Talk with your doctor about adding a supplement to your diet that helps avoid constipation.

If you’re pregnant and think you have hemorrhoids, be sure to talk with your doctor about the symptoms you’re having.

Contact a doctor if you have:

  • hemorrhoid symptoms that fail to improve after receiving treatment
  • recurring hemorrhoids
  • fever or chills
  • pus oozing from your hemorrhoid
  • severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop
  • severe pain

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common. Seek medical treatment if you discover a hemorrhoid since they can get worse.

There are many home treatments you can try, but you may need medical treatment as well. Talk with your doctor about any treatment, including over-the-counter creams, to be sure it won’t affect your pregnancy.

After childbirth, your hemorrhoids may clear up on their own without any treatment.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy – how to treat

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why pregnant women get hemorrhoids
3. What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids
4. How to treat hemorrhoids in pregnant women

Women have additional risk factors for developing hemorrhoids. These include pregnancy and childbirth. The body of the expectant mother is prone to various diseases associated with pathological varicose veins. Up to 40% of all pregnant women experience hemorrhoids. Most cases occur in the second and third trimesters.

You can associate the disease with the changes that occur with a woman’s body during this delicate period. Many pregnant women stop worrying about hemorrhoids immediately after delivery, but for a large number of women the problem remains during breastfeeding, but goes away on its own after a few months. If, upon detection of symptoms of hemorrhoids, you turn to a qualified coloproctologist in a timely manner, then the doctor will help relieve unpleasant symptoms with the help of conservative methods of treatment. If you follow the recommendations of a specialist, there are great chances to quickly stabilize the condition and avoid dangerous consequences.

Why pregnant women get hemorrhoids

During the period of bearing a child, the hormonal background, as well as various body structures, undergo changes. A high level of the hormone progesterone is necessary to maintain pregnancy, but it also affects the state of the vascular wall, and specifically, it makes it not so elastic. Hemorrhoids of pregnant women often develop against this background. In addition, it is worth considering the fact that in the body of a pregnant woman the volume of circulating blood increases significantly. In addition, in the process of fetal growth, intra-abdominal pressure inexorably increases, due to which all organs and vessels experience increased stress. Due to health or doctor’s advice, many patients are advised to limit their physical activity in order to maintain pregnancy. The lack of movement is one of the key factors in the formation of congestion in the small pelvis. This subsequently leads to a deterioration in the outflow of blood from the hemorrhoidal plexuses. As a result, hemorrhoids, external and internal, increase in size. Also, a huge number of pregnant women complain of constipation. Dense stools and the need to push when going to the toilet also take their toll on rectal health.

Childbirth itself is a rather difficult process for the body. As a result of straining, an increase in size and prolapse of hemorrhoids can occur even in those women who did not notice the symptoms of hemorrhoids before. Despite the fact that hemorrhoids can reduce the quality of life, he still does not threaten her. However, the disease still requires treatment and attention from the patient. Constant pain, problems with bowel movements, bleeding – this can weaken the body and undermine the emotional state. During pregnancy, any stress can be considered as unwanted.

What are the symptoms of hemorrhoids

It is difficult not to notice the exacerbation of hemorrhoids, because it is accompanied by acute pain. Discomfort can manifest itself in different ways: someone talks about cutting pain, others notice a burning sensation or dull pain in the anus. Many patients report a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels and a feeling as if there is a foreign object in the rectum. The pain becomes more intense during a long stay in a sitting position or walking, and also increases when going to the toilet. In case of injury to hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding is possible. If the external nodes located around the anus are enlarged, they can become inflamed. Significant discomfort brings the spread of inflammation to neighboring tissues.

How to treat hemorrhoids in pregnant women

One of the key conditions for the successful treatment of hemorrhoids is the normalization of nutrition. Eating a healthy diet will ensure proper digestion, help prevent constipation and soothe irritation from the intestines. The menu should consist of porridge, boiled and stewed vegetables, non-fat meat and fish, light soups. All products that can provoke a rush of blood to the pelvic organs must be excluded from the diet. This applies to any spicy, smoked or salty food. Since only conservative treatment of hemorrhoids is available for pregnant women, it is important to take care of proper hygiene of the non-perianal area. Regular hygiene procedures will reduce the risk of complications of hemorrhoids. If the patient has severely inflamed external hemorrhoids, then it is better to abandon ordinary toilet paper, replace it with a hygienic shower or soft wipes. The temperature of the water for washing should be quite cool, warm water will lead to an unwanted rush of blood to the problem area. Any long stay in one position without movement can do harm. Therefore, pregnant women need to monitor the amount of physical activity. The choice of drugs for the treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women is the task of a specialist. Even local drugs can be absorbed into the blood, so the doctor must carefully approach his appointments. When choosing a drug treatment regimen, the coloproctologist takes into account the duration of pregnancy, the nature of hemorrhoids and its stage. To alleviate the condition of pregnant women, to reduce hemorrhoids in size, local remedies are usually used in the format of suppositories and ointments.

Q&A

No, it can’t. Hemorrhoids are a consequence of the expansion and deformation of the vascular walls, and not a neoplasm.

The danger of late treatment is that rectal cancer may be behind the discomfort and discharge!

Therefore, it is recommended to consult a proctologist as soon as possible, even with minor symptoms.

Manifested by hemorrhoidal formation protruding from the anus, pain during defecation or physical activity, bleeding of varying intensity, often itching in the perianal region.

The problem is compounded by the fact that other serious pathologies, such as rectal cancer, have similar symptoms.

Therefore, it is strictly not recommended to self-medicate and, if symptoms are detected, consult a doctor immediately.

Drinking water alone will not eliminate the risk of developing hemorrhoids.

The fact is that in the large intestine, the microflora contributes to putrefaction and the formation of feces. They move due to peristalsis – undulating contractions of the smooth muscles of the intestine.

During the operation of the gastrointestinal tract, the walls of the colon constantly absorb incoming water. In the absence of a proper level of peristalsis, drinking even a large amount of water will not help, since the feces will linger in some areas for a long time and harden.

The most common complications are bleeding and thrombosis of the hemorrhoid. A strong pain syndrome indicates a possible pinching of the node.

In addition, patients often complain of itching, a feeling of pressure in the rectal area, an anal fissure and fistula may appear.

No! The medical center provides the necessary underwear that will help you feel comfortable during the procedure with a doctor. All consumables are included in the cost of the service.

Our specialists


Make an appointment

+7 (8422) 44-69-69

Services

Treatment of hemorrhoids

Latex ligation in the treatment of hemorrhoids

Anoscopy

Diet for hemorrhoids

All articles

Prostate adenoma: symptoms and treatment

Treatment of pyelonephritis in men

make an appointment

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: causes, symptoms, treatment

Despite the fact that hemorrhoids are more common in men than in women, there is a category of patients susceptible to this disease due to a special situation – pregnancy. Hemorrhoids in pregnant women occur mainly in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, as well as in the postpartum period. This vascular disease is associated with inflammation of internal or external hemorrhoids due to impaired venous outflow.

Causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy

The development of hemorrhoids in expectant and young mothers is promoted by many factors that are associated with the physiological changes that occur in a woman’s body during the period of bearing a child and after childbirth. These factors include:

  • Hormonal changes – increased estrogen levels weaken the muscle tone of the vascular wall
  • Enlargement of the uterus – leads to an increase in venous pressure
  • hereditary predisposition
  • Age of the future mother – in pregnant women aged 20-30 years, hemorrhoids are detected in 20% of cases, after 30 years – in 50% of cases.
  • Frequent constipation
  • Decreased or inactive physical activity
  • Birth process – during childbirth, the vessels in the pelvic area are squeezed, which can lead to prolapse or rupture of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids in pregnancy

Experts report that some pregnant women may have asymptomatic hemorrhoids. In the rest, the disease usually manifests itself in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The main symptoms are:

  • minor bleeding
  • burning and anal itching
  • discomfort and foreign body sensation
  • pain during bowel movements
  • in difficult cases – prolapse of internal hemorrhoids, the appearance of anal fissures, more profuse bleeding.

What is the danger of hemorrhoids in pregnant women

If you let the course of hemorrhoids in a pregnant woman take their own course, this can lead to serious consequences for the health of the fetus and expectant mother. Therefore, it is necessary to treat hemorrhoids at all stages.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids can cause venous rupture, anemia, and other complications that affect fetal development.

Constant constipation, straining with hemorrhoids lead to chronic spasm of the anal sphincter muscles and contributes to the formation of anal fissures.

Against the background of impaired blood circulation, hemorrhoidal thrombosis occurs, which, if left untreated, can lead to necrosis of the hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women need to be constantly monitored by a gynecologist and proctologist in order to detect signs of hemorrhoids in time and start treatment in the early stages.

Features of the treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women

The treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women requires a special approach. During pregnancy, there are many contraindications for the use of many medicines. Not all medicines, suppositories and ointments that are commonly used in the treatment of hemorrhoids are allowed for pregnant women. Such standard methods of stopping bleeding and treating hemorrhoids as sclerotherapy and laser coagulation are prohibited.

At the consultation of a proctologist, women who are carrying a child will be given an individual treatment in accordance with the current condition of the patient and taking into account the entire clinical picture.

In mild forms of hemorrhoids, pregnant women are prescribed special suppositories and ointments approved for use during pregnancy. Also, for the treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women, the doctor prescribes maintaining a special diet (consumption of foods with a high fiber content), increasing physical activity (swimming, walking), maintaining “wet” hygiene (using wet toilet paper and a hygienic shower).

Every woman carrying a child should be aware of the possible consequences of self-treatment or lack of treatment of a particular problem. If any alarming symptoms occur, as well as as a preventive measure, it is necessary to make an appointment with a specialist proctologist.

At the Naedine Clinic, you will be assisted by qualified gynecologists and proctologists who will conduct an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective and safe treatment.