How to relieve hemorrhoids in pregnancy?

It is already common to suffer from constipation during pregnancy, but this condition can also be accompanied by swollen hemorrhoids and anal bleeding. But why does this discomfort happen and how can we treat it? To understand it better we must know about the types of hemorrhoids, the symptoms and the natural treatments to relieve them.

Hemorrhoids are pads of intestinal tissue that have many vein endings and arteries. They are also known as piles. Why are they inflamed during pregnancy?

Piles in pregnancy are caused by the growth of the baby that comes to compress the rectal area, causing a dilation in the veins, since the blood in this part is prevented from circulating and returning to the heart. 

From the inflammation is when discomfort occurs when sitting or going to the bathroom. This condition can worsen if you have suffered from constipation during the first trimesters of pregnancy. 

types of hemorrhoid

External hemorrhoids are those that appear outside the anus, causing discomfort when sitting, changing position, moving around and even cleaning the rectum after having a bowel movement. These external piles can be complicated by becoming thrombosed hemorrhoids, when a blood clot forms in the tissue that came out of the anus, causing more pain and discomfort. 

If this is your case, it is normal to worry about knowing how long it takes for a thrombosed hemorrhoid to disappear? But, there is no reason to panic, as the body’s natural defenses dissolve the clot in about two weeks. Now, if there is persistent bleeding and a lot of pain, it is necessary to go to the doctor to seek effective treatment.

On the other hand, there are internal hemorrhoids that dilate inside the anus, at the beginning of the rectum. The complication in this case is when a prolapse occurs, due to the size of the hemorrhoids . Also, anal bleeding can occur during bowel movements, and although they are not as painful as external ones, they are still uncomfortable and a latent concern for the future mother.

Signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids

In the case of external hemorrhoids, the most common symptoms are pain, itching and burning in the rectal area, as well as discomfort when walking, sitting or performing any daily activity. 

A bump similar in size to that of a grape can also be felt to the touch. On the other hand, bleeding hemorrhoids can cause a lot of fear for the mother, since the intense red bleeding occurs during the evacuation. Fortunately, such bleeding does not pose any danger to the baby.

It is important that when any of these symptoms appear, the gynecologist is consulted so that he or she can indicate the necessary measures and the appropriate treatment, depending on the type of hemorrhoid that the woman presents. 

Remedies for piles

The pregnant woman can relieve hemorrhoids with some measures and care. Below we list some of them. 

• Avoid toilet paper: It is better to clean the anus with hypoallergenic and odorless wet wipes, since paper, being dry, causes friction and easily irritates the affected area. Also, you can wash with water and neutral soap after each evacuation.

• Sitz baths for hemorrhoids: The sitz bath should be done with lukewarm or lukewarm water, it cannot be very cold or hot because it worsens the symptoms. If you want to relieve itching, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water. After several minutes rinse with warm water and dry the area very gently.

• Avoid sitting for a long time: Do not sit for a long time if you want to reduce the pressure on the piles, so try to be more physically active. On the other hand, avoid staying in the bathroom for a long time, using your mobile or reading during the evacuation. 

How to get rid of external hemorrhoids quickly?

Although it is true that there are different over-the-counter medications to treat hemorrhoids (generally, you get them at the pharmacy between the ovulation test and the pregnancy tests), in the case of pregnant women it is better to avoid self-medication or taking drugs that can affect the baby. Consequently, you can apply some home remedies for piles that have been used for generations to reduce the inflammation of the affected area.

One of them is the natural Aloe vera gel , which is applied directly to the anus to relieve pain. But, first you must extract the pulp from its leaves, wash your hands well and place the gel for a few minutes.

And if you are looking for suppositories for hemorrhoids, you will be surprised to know that in your kitchen you have a natural and very effective one. We are talking about garlic, recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties that serve to cleanse the digestive system and relieve hemorrhoids. With the help of an intimate lubricant or a little coconut oil, you can insert a whole clove of garlic into the rectum, just like a suppository. Let it act all night and the next morning it will be expelled by the natural movement of the intestine. Repeat this treatment three times a week until the inflammation subsides. 

On the other hand, many people find it effective to use cold compresses to quickly reduce inflammation of external piles. To do this, it is advisable to use a new and sterilized cotton cloth. Moisten it with cold filtered water and put it in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, place it on the inflamed area for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your resistance. Also, it is advisable to use another cloth to wrap the compress and avoid direct contact with the delicate skin of the rectum, since you could suffer cold burns. 

All these remedies for hemorrhoids have proven to be effective in many cases, but for pregnant women it is always better to have medical guidance or a doula who indicates the best natural treatments to relieve discomfort.

How to cure hemorrhoids?

It is necessary to point out that some foods favor the appearance of hemorrhoids, therefore it is extremely important to take care of the diet during and after pregnancy, to prevent these intestinal pads from dilating again.

Consequently, it is recommended to maintain a diet rich in fiber, legumes, vegetables, cereals, fruits, beans or chickpeas. Reduce the consumption of refined flours, foods with pepper, condiments and fried foods.

Likewise, it is advisable to maintain good hydration, consuming at least 2 liters of water a day. 

All these measures will help you better cope with this condition that, although it is still treated as a taboo, is more common than you imagine, since more than 40% of pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy.