WHY DO PREGNANT WOMEN HAVE PILES (HEMORRHOIDS)
Hemorrhoids or piles are sometimes noticed in pregnant women during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins surrounding your anus that can make having a bowel movement extremely unpleasant when you’re pregnant.
Symptoms of piles can include:
- itching, aching, soreness or swelling around your anus
- pain when passing a stool (faeces, poo) and a mucus discharge afterwards
- a lump hanging outside the anus
- bleeding after passing a stool – the blood is usually bright red
Pregnant women are more prone to developing hemorrhoids, also known as piles, due to several factors:
- Increased Pressure: During pregnancy, the growing uterus exerts pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava (a large vein on the right side of the body), leading to congestion in the veins of the rectum and anus. This increased pressure can result in the development or worsening of hemorrhoids.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly increased levels of progesterone, can contribute to the relaxation of blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to swelling and inflammation. This hormonal effect can exacerbate the development of hemorrhoids.
- Constipation: Many pregnant women experience constipation due to hormonal changes, prenatal vitamins, pressure from the growing uterus on the intestines, and iron supplements. Constipation can lead to straining during bowel movements, which increases the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
- Increased Blood Volume: Pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume to support the growing fetus and placenta. This increased blood volume can result in engorgement of the blood vessels in the rectal area, making hemorrhoids more likely to occur.
- Weight Gain: Pregnant women often experience weight gain, which can further contribute to the pressure on the pelvic area and exacerbate hemorrhoid development.
- Hormonal Effects on Connective Tissue: Pregnancy hormones can also affect the connective tissue in the body, including those supporting the veins in the rectal area. This can make the veins more prone to swelling and stretching, leading to hemorrhoids.
In all, the combination of increased pressure on the pelvic area, hormonal changes, constipation, and increased blood volume during pregnancy makes pregnant women more susceptible to developing hemorrhoids.
Are you currently pregnant and having discomfort due to piles (hemorrhoids)? If yes kindly share your feelings using the comment box.