TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES DURING PREGNANCY.
Hemorrhoids are quite common. Moreover, it is estimated that almost half of adults over the age of 50 and about half of all pregnant women will develop a problem with hemorrhoids.
When it comes to pregnant women hemorrhoids usually appear during the third trimester. The fetus is then larger and exerts pressure on the pelvic floor and many organs of the digestive system. As the fetus grows and there is increased blood flow to the area pressure from the weight of the fetus can cause them to swell and become inflamed.
One of the other main causes of hemorrhoids, both in pregnant women and in all groups, is constipation. Due to improper diet, due to the intake of food with little fiber, it will lead to constipation and hemorrhoids in many people but it is a little more complicated in pregnant women.
Treating hemorrhoids in pregnant women requires a careful approach, considering the safety of both the mother and the unborn child. Here are some treatment options that are generally considered safe during pregnancy:
- Dietary Changes: Encourage pregnant women to consume a high-fiber diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to soften stools and ease bowel movements. This can help alleviate constipation, a common trigger for hemorrhoids.
- Hydration: Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing constipation. Pregnant women should be advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep stools soft and facilitate bowel movements.
- Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter (OTC) hemorrhoid creams, ointments, or suppositories containing ingredients like witch hazel, hydrocortisone, or lidocaine can provide temporary relief from itching, pain, and swelling associated with hemorrhoids. However, it’s essential to use these products under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Warm Baths: Sitz baths, which involve soaking the affected area in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day, can help reduce discomfort and promote healing of hemorrhoids. Pregnant women should be advised to avoid using hot water, which can exacerbate swelling.
- Cold Compresses: Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected area for short periods can help reduce swelling and provide temporary relief from pain and itching.
- Kegel Exercises: Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, can improve circulation in the pelvic area and help reduce the risk of hemorrhoids. Pregnant women can perform Kegels regularly to strengthen the muscles supporting the rectum and anus.
- Medical Procedures: In severe cases or when conservative measures fail to provide relief, medical procedures such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or infrared coagulation may be considered under the supervision of a healthcare provider. However, these interventions are typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments are ineffective or contraindicated during pregnancy.
Do you currently have hemorrhoids or piles? Kindly share your experience in the comment box
