Hemorrhoids are very common in pregnant women in the last 3 months

The article is professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

Hemorrhoids in pregnant women is a common condition, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Having hemorrhoids during pregnancy makes many pregnant women feel uncomfortable, prone to stress, psychologically and physically.

Hemorrhoids are a common condition in pregnancy, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy, when the uterus expands and puts pressure on the veins. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and rectum.
Having hemorrhoids during pregnancy can cause itching, pain, or bleeding during or after a bowel movement, causing a lot of discomfort for pregnant women. However, having hemorrhoids during pregnancy does not affect the health of the fetus as many pregnant women worry. During labor, there is a chance of pushing and making hemorrhoids worse, but this usually goes away after delivery.
Some women get hemorrhoids during their first pregnancy. If you've had hemorrhoids before, you're more likely to get them again or get worse during pregnancy.

Pregnant women are very prone to hemorrhoids for the following reasons:
As the fetus grows, the mother's uterus will get larger and put pressure on the pelvis, especially the veins near the anus and rectum, causing These veins swell and cause pain. During pregnancy, increased levels of the hormone progesterone also contribute to hemorrhoids, by dilating the walls of blood vessels and making them more susceptible to swelling. The increased blood volume during pregnancy causes varicose veins is also one of the contributing causes of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. In addition, the following factors also affect the anus to increase the risk of hemorrhoids in pregnant women:
Constipation, frequent straining when having a bowel movement Excessive weight gain during pregnancy Sitting for too long or standing for too long during pregnancy a long time

Usually hemorrhoids go away on their own after giving birth. However, having hemorrhoids during pregnancy often causes itching and pain, making pregnant women feel very uncomfortable, even if not cared for properly, can cause pregnant women to prolapse hemorrhoids. To prevent this complication can apply the following ways:
Soak the rectal area in warm water, can soak several times a day Cold compressing the hemorrhoid area will help reduce swelling and pain, can apply more times a day Always keep the anal area clean and dry. Use a soft cloth dipped in warm water to gently wipe the anal area after a bowel movement or after bathing and keep the area dry. Excess moisture can cause irritation in this area An anal lubricant can be used to make bowel movements easier Use a wet or dry baking soda topical to help relieve itching

To prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it is important to avoid constipation first. Some ways to prevent constipation can be mentioned as follows:
Use regularly and provide plenty of fiber for the body with fruits such as pears (you can eat the skin), avocados and berries ; vegetables such as broccoli, cruciferous vegetables; whole grains such as oats, brown rice, popcorn; legumes such as lentils and chickpeas; nuts like almonds, walnuts,...

Provide plenty of water for the body. Pregnant women should drink enough 3 liters of water per day Limit fasting when needed because it can cause constipation, which is the cause of hemorrhoids in pregnant women Avoid sitting or standing for too long during pregnancy. long. If your office work requires you to sit in front of the computer often, try to stop after 30 minutes, gently move your body by walking (for a few minutes) to reduce pressure on the anal area When lying down You should lie on your side to relieve pressure on the rectal veins If you are constipated frequently and it doesn't improve, talk to your doctor about laxatives you can take In addition to: To avoid constipation, pregnant women should also do and avoid the following to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
Avoid lifting or lifting heavy objects because it will increase pressure on the abdomen and pelvis If itching, should be avoided scratching the skin because it can affect the vein wall Avoid eating spicy foods, as this can make itching worse and constipation Avoid eating foods high in salt, salty foods, because it will cause water retention, increasing the volume of blood flow. Avoid gaining too much weight, putting pressure on the rectum, increasing the risk of hemorrhoids in pregnant women. Do gentle and regular exercise like walking, Kegel exercises every day to increase blood circulation and improve digestion. Having hemorrhoids during pregnancy causes burning pain in the anal area, making pregnant women very uncomfortable. To improve symptoms, besides the above ways, pregnant women can use drugs, but should consult a doctor for advice, should not buy drugs on their own.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a highly effective hemorrhoid examination and treatment address trusted by many people. Here, customers are examined and diagnosed hemorrhoids by the most modern and advanced methods. The treatment of hemorrhoids is applied the most advanced techniques today, helping to minimize pain and discomfort for patients.