Pregnancy Can Be A Pain in the Butt: Tips for Handling Those Hemorrhoids
Ahhhh. The glorious glow of motherhood—a radiance that promises new life on the horizon—and for about six months, the mother-to-be sails through a myriad of body changes, knowing that every bout of morning sickness takes her one step closer to holding her beautiful child in her waiting arms. Then, in the third trimester (usually,) hemorrhoids rear their ugly little heads and bite her in the…well, you know where. If you’re a new mom-to-be, pay attention. This information can save your butt.
Sorry, but hemorrhoids aren’t uncommon during pregnancy, usually cropping up in the third trimester. Hemorrhoids are varicose (swollen) veins of the rectum, and they can be somewhat painful. Believe it or not, we have hemorrhoids when we’re born. Everyone has them, but it’s not until hemorrhoids become enlarged or inflamed that we acknowledge their presence—and it’s not a pleasant encounter.
Hemorrhoids are caused by a number of things, but those causes that are directly related to pregnancy are habitually straining due to constipation, pressure on the lower abdomen caused by the uterus and standing or lifting too much (although prolonged sitting can also be a culprit.) And how do you know when you have them? Oh, you’ll know. But just in case, here are the most common symptoms:
- Small amount of bright-red blood in the stool or on toilet paper after wiping
- Incomplete bowel movements
- Rectal itching
- Soft lump felt at the anal opening
Right about now, you must be wondering what you can do to prevent hemorrhoids altogether. The number-one preventative is to avoid constipation and straining during bowel movements. Here are a few tips to help you keep constipation at bay:
- Eat a high-fiber diet (foods that are high in roughage, bran and fiber are essential in correcting and preventing constipation)
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Drink prune juice
- Do not delay going to the bathroom
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Walking
If you don’t take preventative measures (and even if you do,) there’s a possibility you’ll get hemorrhoids. Should you start noticing symptoms, here are a few ways to relieve your discomfort:
- Take a warm bath with baking soda in the water
- Place wet or dry baking soda on the area to reduce itching
- Avoid sitting for long periods
- Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding
- Use medicated pads or a topical analgesic, including a hemorrhoid ointment or cream (ALWAYS check with your physician before taking any medication for hemorrhoids to avoid negative drug interactions.)
The above information regarding hemorrhoids is very general. If you do experience hemorrhoids and feel you’re having more than normal symptoms, consult your physician. The good news is—hemorrhoids usually improve after your little bundle of joy is born! Be honest! Won’t that be worth a hemorrhoid or two?
This article was brought to you by Corner Stork Baby Gifts, specializing in baby shower favors and unique baby gifts including baby blankets, baby clothes, personalized keepsakes and much more to help celebrate your new arrival. Author: Susan Hawkins