subject: Hemorrhoids Pregnant - Safe Hemorrhoid Treatment for Pregnant Women [print this page] Hemorrhoids Pregnant - Safe Hemorrhoid Treatment for Pregnant Women
An estimated 10 million Americans suffer from hemorrhoids every year and about 5 million of them seek medical help. This condition can affect both men and women alike but it is more difficult when hemorrhoids strike pregnant women.
Hemorrhoids are the painful swelling of rectal veins due to increased pressure in the rectal region. This is often caused by straining in bowel movement, chronic constipation and pregnancy in women. Hemorrhoids in pregnant women are especially harder because it's agonizing enough to be bothered by numerous pains associated with pregnancy without the added pain brought about by hemorrhoids. However, in as much as many pregnant women try to avoid hemorrhoids, they are more prone to the disease than anybody else.
Why are hemorrhoids common in pregnant women?
Pregnancy alone puts pressure over the veins in the lower body, specifically your pelvis and legs. And as your belly grows, the pressure in your rectum also increases. The most affected part is your vena cava which is the pathway of blood going to your limbs. The growing fetus inside needs more space thus pushing everything downwards causing a delay in the flow of blood supply, thus resulting the veins to swell. Pregnant women are also prone to constipation due to the fact that pregnancy causes over-production of progesterone a hormone that weakens the veins in the rectal wall thus slowing down the passing of stools.
What are some safe treatments for hemorrhoids in pregnant women?
The most important thing to keep in kind when treating hemorrhoids in pregnant women is the safety of the fetus. You wouldn't want it to contract any bad side effects from medicinal drugs. For this reason, it may be safe to take natural home remedies that do not contain any strong and harmful chemicals that might be detrimental to the development of the fetus inside the womb.
For external hemorrhoids in pregnant women, any topical treatment is a better and safe option. Topical treatment involves the use of creams, oils and ointments including suppositories and anorectal pads. This treatment can provide temporary relief and is safe to use. There are some good choices of over-the-counter topical treatments with natural ingredients such as witch hazel, cocoa butter, cod oil, and shark liver oil.
If you are looking for a soothing and more relaxed form of treatment for hemorrhoids in pregnant women, try the sitz bath therapy. This is done by simply filling a tub with warm water. Add a little salt if you'd like to make a saline solution and immerse yourself deep enough to soak your pelvis region. It helps alleviate the throbbing and itching of anal lumps.
Fiber diet is also a safe and healthy way to treat hemorrhoids in pregnant women. Eat sufficient amount of fibrous foods such as grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Drink also lots of fiber juices. Fiber helps to soften stools and promotes regular bowel movement.
It takes extra care and precaution when treating hemorrhoids in pregnant women because we also have to take into consideration the safety of the baby. Before you start on any treatment, ask the advice of your physician for additional medical opinion and guidelines.
