Hemorrhoid is swelling in the rectum area of the pregnant woman who often experience itching and pain due to increase in progesterone in the ovaries. The uterus puts more pressure on the pelvic veins resulting in their weakening, and causing inflammation.
Some anorectal problems like melanoma or fistulae are mistaken for hemorrhoids.
The hemorrhoid could be internal or external. The internal ones, sometimes, are not painful but cause itching and irritation. Rubbing them or irritating them could cause bleeding. At times, although the patient suffers from piles and has inflammation, he may not notice the symptoms as they may not be visible. If the pregnant woman finds blood on her feces or on the toilet seat or the toilet paper, she is bound to understand that she suffers from hemorrhoids.
An internal hemorrhoid may sometimes bulge through the anus outside the body, becoming painful and irritable. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid or the internal hemorrhoid.
External hemorrhoids or thromboses hemorrhoid may look like a blister or a hard lump of flesh resulting due to a blood clot, around the anus. The mucus may lead to itching which may further lead to irritation.
Defecation during diarrhea when a woman has water retention or constipation where the bowel movement is difficult causes irritation during movements and can aggravate hemorrhodal symptoms. If a woman is overweight or stands for long hours, it can result in putting pressure on the rectal wall leading to piles. In certain cases the problem gets severe, beyond repair.
The diet of an expectant mother should be well-balanced and rich in Vitamin E containing lot of fiber. Excess of table salt should be avoided and 6-8 glasses of water should be consumed daily. Lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits and cereals would help in maintaining a good health ensuring easy movement of the bowels. Prune juice should be consumed regularly. Sufficient sleep and regular exercise and walks should be taken care of. It is advisable to wear loose-fitting comfortable cotton clothes. The anus should be regularly cleaned with soap and water. Soaking the anus in warm water gives relief.
A cool compress with an ice pack also helps in reducing inflammation which causes piles. Pre soaked tissue cleansers are available for women and they can use it instead of toilet tissues. Kegal exercises help in strengthening the rectum muscles thus reducing inflammation and redness. Squat toilets are recommended to such women as they are most comfortable for them.
Piles are not dangerous and a pregnant woman can get relief with home remedies. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a couple of weeks. However, if the problem persists one must follow medical guidance. Anoscopy by the doctor helps in determining the severity of the hemorrhoids. Along with examination for hemorrhoids, a medical practitioner also checks for an enlarged prostrate or rectal tumor, if any. The external piles are sometimes tied with elastic bands to cut off its blood supply and the cast off skin falls off during bowel movements.
