Hemorrhoids are dilatations of the veins around the anus and are classified as external hemorrhoids or internal hemorrhoids.
Is it normal to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids are an unpleasant but common part of pregnancy. The good news is that they are usually easy to manage with home treatments and often go away after birth. Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common, especially in the third trimester and up to a month after the baby is born. About 85% of pregnant women experience hemorrhoids in the last trimester of pregnancy.
What are the possible symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
· Pain during stool.
· Itching around the anus.
· Intense pain that may be caused by a prolapsed hemorrhoid.
· Bleeding during stool, usually caused by an internal hemorrhoid.
What causes hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
When it comes to hemorrhoids in pregnancy, they appear especially when the growing fetus exerts pressure on the pelvic area and the lower part of the digestive tract (intestine). The pressure can be so great that the blood vessels in the anus are affected so much that they dilate, thus causing hemorrhoidal disease. Among the main causes of hemorrhoids in pregnancy are:
· The weight of the fetus puts pressure on the veins in the anus, which is completely normal and unavoidable during pregnancy.
· Increase in blood volume. The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy to support the fetus. This means that the blood vessels are much more stressed and the extra effort that puts pressure on them can lead to the appearance of hemorrhoids.
· Constipation. It is a very common cause of hemorrhoids. Hormonal changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy slow down the digestion process. In this case we are talking about regular bowel movements. The extra weight in the gut can put pressure on the veins in the anus, making it harder for them to move blood.
How are hemorrhoids diagnosed during pregnancy?
If there are symptoms and the problem is quite obvious, it is recommended to schedule a check-up. There are specific checks and procedures that apply when symptoms of hemorrhoids appear, and only a specialist doctor can make a proper diagnosis, especially in such a delicate situation as pregnancy. Certainly such control is not at all pleasant, but it is necessary for your health.
What can you expect if you are pregnant and have hemorrhoids?
You will probably experience some discomfort until the more severe symptoms may appear. Even at this stage it is necessary to schedule a check-up, because we are talking about a condition that can worsen and become extremely troublesome. Sometimes pushing during labor makes hemorrhoids worse immediately after birth, but within a few weeks things will return to normal.
Are there reasons to worry about hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
There is no need to worry about hemorrhoids, especially if you took the necessary measures in time and went to a specialist doctor both for routine checkups and the first time you had simtpome. Hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable, but they are harmless and usually disappear eventually after giving birth.
