Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy- Causes and Treatment Alternative - By: Barisa Wyse

Changes in the anal-rectal region alone may lead to the development of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, both internal and external hemorrhoids. Then follow this up by the chance of hemorrhoids developing simply due to the stress on the body associated with giving birth and we can easily see why the changes of women developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy are so great.

3 Key Causes of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

1. The specific causes of females developing hemorrhoids during pregnancy generally begin due to pressure created by the uterus as it expands which leads to more pressure on the pelvic area and on the vena cava, a major vein in the body. Any interruption of blood flow due to the pressure on the vena cava results in poor circulation to the lower limbs. Veins residing in the lower limbs in turn are exposed to an increase in pressure as well and this causes them to swell or become dilated which ends up being one of the main causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

2. Another common cause of hemorrhoids during pregnancy is linked to poor bowel movement or constipation. Many pregnant women do suffer from constipation problems. In actual fact, this problem alone may lead to hemorrhoid problems in both men and women who are not pregnant.

3. Finally, the elevated levels of hormones such as progesterone present in a female's body also may be a cause of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. One side effect of progesterone is that it causes the veins to be relaxed and once relaxed, the veins will become swollen much easier.

Treatments for Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Most women who suffer with hemorrhoids during pregnancy will find it very easy to locate resources both online and in any bookstore containing home remedies for hemorrhoids as this seems to be a very popular topic. Often the hemorrhoids will disappear by themselves over a short period of time so there is no need to spend too much time worrying about how to get rid of hemorrhoids.

Still there are a number of things which can be done to help alleviate the short-term pain and suffering the often accompanies an attack of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Some of the more common treatments include:

-applying cold gel pads or ice to the hemorrhoids to reduce the inflammation and swelling.

-using a "Sitz bath" to soak the affected area of the body, and Epsom salts may be added to the water to make it more relaxing.

-ensuring the affect region is kept as clean as possible following every bowel movement by carefully washing the area or through the use of moist towelettes that will prevent irritation caused by most toilet paper (important not to use perfumed or alcohol based wipes to avoid additional pain caused by these ingredients coming in contact with your hemorrhoids).

-the use of commercially sold products to aid in hemorrhoid relief, however it is important to check with your doctor first before starting to use any of these types of products, as not all are safe for treating hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

It should be reiterated that most cases of hemorrhoids during pregnancy shouldn't last for more than a week, so if you have severe hemorrhoids lasting longer then it is essential that you see a doctor who may prescribe medication or a surgical procedure to solve this painful problem of having hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

About the Author

Are you suffering from hemorrhoids? Are you looking for information on the symptoms of hemorrhoids? Besides being a really "pain in the butt" (no pun intended) having hemorrhoids is not something that most of us really want to have a discussion about. We all want to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids, but where to look? Click the links above to find out more!

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