Piles During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And Prevention

Piles during pregnancy is an unforeseen problem you may experience, but it is fairly common among women. Pregnancy-related physical changes mainly cause it. Piles, also known as hemorrhoids, causes pain and difficulty while sitting down due to swollen blood vessels around the anus and rectum. Thus, it can add to the discomforts of pregnancy and cause you to feel irritated.

Although it is an uncomfortable condition, the pain and bleeding can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and topical treatments.

Read on to learn more about piles in pregnant women, including its causes, symptoms, and management.

What Is Piles During Pregnancy?

Piles or hemorrhoids grow in the rectum of at least one in four pregnant women. They are swollen varicose veins around the rectum or anus. They mostly appear during the second or third trimester and cause pain, itching, and a pokey sensation when you sit (1) (2).

What Causes Piles During Pregnancy?

There are several reasons piles tend to grow in the rectum during pregnancy. Below are the factors that cause the growth of piles or hemorrhoids (1) (3):

• Enlarged uterus
  

Your growing uterus tends to cause a lot of strain and pressure on your rectum. The force often triggers the rectal wall to itch and swell. This, in turn, causes the varicose veins to turn into piles in the area.

• Increased blood flow

Increased blood flow to the pelvic region as your baby keeps growing inside your uterus adds to the pressure caused.

• Constipation:

This is one of the main culprits. You tend to constipate a lot during the pregnancy. This causes the stools to harden inside and irritate the rectal muscles while passing bowel. This, in turn, leads to the development of hemorrhoids.

Symptoms Of Piles in Pregnancy

The common symptoms indicating piles are (2)

• Rectal bleeding
  

You will see blood flowing out during bowel movements. This is a strong sign that piles have begun to obstruct the body’s routine.

• Itching, pain, and discomfort

You will sense a poking sensation in your rectum when you sit. This is caused by the hemorrhoids in the rectum.

Measures To Tackle Piles During Early Pregnancy

Thankfully, you can reduce the pain, discomfort, and the bleeding caused due to piles with the help of medications. Your doctor will prescribe you the relevant topical ointment that can also be applied in the area. Here are some other important measures that you can take to avoid the discomfort caused due to piles (1) (4).

1. Fiber diet

Hemorrhoids are mostly caused due to constipation. Hence, add a lot of fiber in your diet. Include foods that are rich in fiber to ease out the bowel movement. This makes way for lesser chances of piles to develop or reduce the pain effect in the case of the existing hemorrhoids.

2. Kegel exercises

The famous Kegel exercises are not just for stress incontinence and smooth delivery. These exercises also prove effective in reducing the formation of hemorrhoids by increasing the blood circulation in the pelvic area (3).

3. Sleep pattern

If you already have piles, try not to sleep on your back. Sleep on the side so that there is less pressure on the rectal area (this is the prescribed sleep position during pregnancy). Ideally, lie down on your left several times a day (5).

4. Take short breaks

It is advisable that you do not stay in the same sitting or standing position for long periods of time. Switch positions frequently. If you are a working pregnant mom, you are likely to be stuck to your workstation all through. Taking a walk and drinking plenty of fluids also ease the condition (5).

5. Ease bowel pressure

If you are heavily constipated, do not push too hard while passing bowels. Take a break and try again. Pushing too hard will put pressure on your rectal veins, and this can only complicate the condition more.

6. Hygiene

Hygiene is very important. Try to keep the infected area clean. Keep applying the prescribed ointment to the area to relieve the pain (5).

7. Warm baths

Nothing can be as soothing as a long, warm bath. Try and indulge in a good bath when you have time. This helps you feel better and elevates your senses. Make sure the water is just warm and not hot (6).

8. Topical treatments

In case of severe hemorrhoids, it is advisable to resort to witch hazels and ice packs to soothe the area. Consult your doctor before doing so, if the infected area feels too painful to bear (2) (3).

9. Pillow comfort

If sitting on a hard surface looks like hell, start using those doughnut-shaped pillows or cushions before sitting. The soft surface can make you feel better while dealing with piles (5).

10. Mineral oil

Going by the time-tested recipe, taking a spoonful of mineral oil can help reduce the pressure. However, anything and everything should be taken only after proper consultation with your doctor (7).

References

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