Hemorrhoids In Pregnancy: What’s The Connection?
Hemorrhoids are an uncomfortable and painful condition that often affects pregnant women. They occur due to a dilation of the veins in the rectal area.
Some women develop hemorrhoids only during pregnancy, but others develop them at other times in life. However, they are much more common during pregnancy. In fact, estimates indicate that up to 50% of pregnant women have hemorrhoids.
This condition develops from the second trimester of pregnancy. It tends to occur during and after birth and causes extreme discomfort, even if it is not life threatening. Hemorrhoids are definitely preventable and treatable.
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: what’s the connection?
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels located in the rectal area and look like flaps in the anus or lower rectum. They contain many veins and arteries. It varies in size and causes pain and itching that gets worse during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids tend to bleed and could be a source of anxiety in pregnant women.
These injuries cause pain and discomfort when sitting or walking. It can be difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position. Hemorrhoids can be of two types, which we will present below.
They can be internal or external. The first appear inside the anus, in the area where the rectum begins. They can come out of the anus if they are large and we refer to them as prolapsed hemorrhoids. Unless they prolapse, internal hemorrhoids are less painful than external hemorrhoids, but they tend to bleed more. External ones appear outside the anus and are more painful and uncomfortable.
The outer ones look like painful lumps around the anus and cause great discomfort when sitting down. They can also bleed or become even more painful if they are tense.
Several factors cause the appearance of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. First, the growing fetus causes the uterus to enlarge, which puts more pressure on the blood vessels in the anus and rectum.
In addition, increasing the level of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can play an important role. This relaxes the walls of the veins and therefore they are more prone to inflammation.
Estimates also indicate that up to 38% of pregnant women suffer from constipation due to the growth of the uterus, which puts pressure on the intestines and sometimes due to the consumption of iron supplements. At the same time, pregnancy hormones slow down intestinal transit.
The stool becomes harder and puts more pressure on the rectal veins. This leads to inflammation. Women who had this problem before pregnancy also develop it during pregnancy.
Treatment available
How to prevent hemorrhoids in pregnancy
Final recommendations
It is important to consult a doctor if the hemorrhoids have a bluish tinge or if the symptoms worsen to the point of aggravation of daily activities. Also consult your doctor if there is a lot of bleeding.
Talk to your doctor about home treatments before you start. It is essential to start treatment early, as hemorrhoids can cause many complications if they are allowed to progress. In addition, pregnant women should take preventive measures after childbirth.
