As a certified nurse midwife I have treated many cases of . It was not until I personally experienced a small pregnancy hemorrhoid during my own pregnancy that I understood how painful these little monsters can be.



What are pregnancy hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids are swollen varicose veins on or around the anus. The veins within the anal canal become swollen because of weakened vein walls allowing blood to pool. This causes the walls of the vein to expand creating the visible ball on the outside of the anus called a hemorrhoid.

What causes hemorrhoids in pregnancy:

Pregnancy requires a woman to increase her total blood volume by 40% to accommodate her growing baby nutrition and circulatory needs. This increase in blood volume requires that the pregnant womans blood vessels relax and expand to hold the extra blood. This is one of the major reasons why pregnant women are prone to blood clots, varicose veins and pregnancy hemorrhoids.

Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to extra fluid absorption and relaxation of the bowels.

Constipation combined with the increased pressure on the rectum and perineum due to the growing baby is another reason for the development of pregnancy hemorrhoids.

Types of hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

Internal hemorrhoids during pregnancy: You can not see or feel these hemorrhoids, but straining or irritation from a passing stool can injure a hemorrhoids delicate surface and cause it to bleed. You may notice small amounts of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl water. Because internal anal membranes lack pain-sensitive nerve fibers, these hemorrhoids usually do not cause discomfort. Occasionally, straining can push an internal hemorrhoid through the anal opening. If a hemorrhoid remains displaced (prolapsed), it can cause pain and irritation.

External hemorrhoids during pregnancy: These hemorrhoids tend to be painful. Sometimes blood may pool in an external hemorrhoid and form a clot (thrombus) causing severe pain, swelling and inflammation. When irritated, external hemorrhoids can itch or bleed. The pain of hemorrhoids may be comparable to being stabbed in the rectum by a knife.

What can you do to treat pregnancy hemorrhoids:

The good news is that usually improve after the baby is born. In the meantime, there are a number of things you can do to treat your pregnancy hemorrhoids. Any one or more of the following may help relieve your pregnancy hemorrhoids:

Take a warm bath with baking soda or place baking soda (wet or dry) on the area to reduce itching.

Use witch hazel to reduce swelling or bleeding.

Use Tucks Medicated Pads.

Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Drink prune juice.

Do not delay going to the bathroom.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

If you are suffering very badly from pregnancy hemorrhoids please consult with your obstetric provider for hemorrhoid medication.

If you are very uncomfortable sitting due to rectal pain, a ring with a hole in the center may be very helpful.

Mangosteen and minerals, 2 ounces twice a day has helped many pregnant women relieve inflammation and pain from hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Mangosteen is a fruit that has been used for hundreds of years as an all natural, pregnancy safe anti-inflammatory and a pain blocker. Mangosteen has so many healing properties that it also supports you body with the demands of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can be an extraordinary experience for a woman. It is far more than growing a baby and dealing with issues like hemorrhoids. Pregnancy has a huge emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic side to it. The more you understand these aspects, the easier and less symptomatic your pregnancy will be. Learning how to connect with the emotions of your unborn child will allow you to enhance your pregnancy experience and surrender to its normal physiological process and cope better with pregnancy hemorrhoids.