Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: know the symptoms and how to prevent

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are common and affect about 20% of women, due to the changes that occur in the body during this period. Symptoms range from burning to bleeding, causing pain and discomfort. We consulted the gynecologist and obstetrician Dr Débora Hidalgo (CRM 133.706) to answer questions and advise on how to prevent and treat the disease. Follow the article!

Why do hemorrhoids appear in pregnancy?

The obstetrician explains that the appearance of hemorrhoids in pregnancy “is something common due to some changes that occur in a woman’s body during this period. Hemorrhoid is the dilatation of veins of the hemorrhoidal plexus that are located in the region of the rectum (inferior portion) and/or anal region.”

“When the uterus grows, it compresses vessels that are responsible for transporting blood from the pelvic region and lower limbs back to the heart (venous return). This compression makes venous return difficult, which generates an overload in the veins of this plexus, causing their dilation”, explains Dr Débora.

“In addition, the movement of the intestine of pregnant women is slower, due to the action of the hormone progesterone. This causes the feces to become more dry and the woman has to strain to evacuate, increasing the overload even more. These two factors, impaired venous return and constipation, associated with the genetic predisposition of the woman in question, are the main factors for the appearance of hemorrhoids during pregnancy,” she adds.

About the symptoms, the obstetrician comments that “they can vary, but in general they present itching, burning and, when the dilation is greater, they can feel pain and a ‘ball’ in the anal region. During evacuation, they may experience local pain and the hemorrhoidal nipple may bleed.”

Dr Débora warns: “when presenting these complaints, the patient must inform her obstetrician so that she can be evaluated during the physical examination and, if necessary, be referred to a proctologist colleague, a doctor specializing in pathologies in this region.”

How to prevent hemorrhoids in pregnancy

According to the obstetrician, non-mutable factors, such as genetic predisposition and uterine enlargement during pregnancy, contribute to the appearance of hemorrhoids. “What we can try to do is reduce the chance of women having constipation and dry stools,” she explains. She checks out, below, care that can help prevent and alleviate symptoms:

• Drink plenty of water: water helps to lubricate the intestinal walls, favoring the movement of the fecal cake and facilitating the passage of feces until evacuation.
• Increase fiber intake: a fiber-rich diet is essential for pregnant women to produce healthy stools and have an easier time evacuating. Therefore, it is essential to eat fruits, vegetables and vegetables, in addition to whole grains.
• Avoid foods with pepper: pepper does not cause hemorrhoids, but it can increase the symptoms of those who already have the disease. The food irritates the intestinal and anal mucosa, causing swelling, pain and even bleeding, in the case of dilated or inflamed vessels in the region.
• Practice physical activity: the obstetrician comments that performing physical activity under medical supervision can improve peristaltic bowel movements.
• Avoid straining when defecating: this process can traumatize the veins in the anus, causing more pain and bleeding.

Following these guidelines, it is possible to reduce the chances of the pregnant woman having constipation, dry stools or worsening the condition, if she already has the disease at an early stage.

treatments

Treating hemorrhoids in pregnancy is simple, but it is always important to have medical follow-up to prescribe the most appropriate treatment according to each case.

“In the case of pregnant women, the recommended treatment is clinical, which is based on sitz baths, analgesic ointments and specific medications, in an attempt to improve the inflammation and circulation of dilated veins”, guides Dr Débora.

More questions answered about hemorrhoids in pregnancy

There are many doubts about the appearance of hemorrhoids, especially during pregnancy. Below, check out the main ones answered by the obstetrician:

Does hemorrhoids in pregnancy harm the baby? Dr Débora informs that “having hemorrhoids during pregnancy does not harm the baby, as they are the result of changes that only happen in the maternal body, associated with the genetic predisposition of the pregnant woman.”

Does hemorrhoids go away after delivery? “Most regress after childbirth, as the uterus returns to normal size, as well as hormone levels”, explains the obstetrician.

Are there home treatments for hemorrhoids in pregnancy? “Yes, sitz baths and diet optimization, which are part of non-drug clinical treatment”, he guides.

In what gestational period does it usually occur? “Especially in the last trimester, when uterine dimensions are larger and venous return is more impaired.”

Can you perform hemorrhoid surgery during pregnancy? “Surgery is an exception and can be performed electively after pregnancy, in case of persistence of hemorrhoids”, explains the obstetrician.

A fiber-rich diet, fluid intake and physical activity with medical supervision are key factors to improve intestinal transit and prevent hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Enjoy and learn about the causes of insomnia in pregnancy and check out tips to fight it.