While motherhood can bring immeasurable joy and fulfillment, it also introduces women to a spectrum of challenges that are seldom discussed openly. Among these challenges, one of the less glamorous but surprisingly common issues is piles, medically known as hemorrhoids.
What are Piles?
Piles, medically termed hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels located inside or around the rectum and surrounding areas. They often cause itching and discomfort. Pregnancy can elevate the risk of developing hemorrhoids due to increased pressure from the growing baby on the intestines, leading to higher instances of constipation, a contributing factor to their formation.
However, there are ways to prevent and treat piles during pregnancy. Dr Amita Jain who is one of the top laparoscopic surgeons and piles specialists in Delhi NCR explains how to prevent and treat piles during pregnancy.
What are the Types of Piles?
Hemorrhoids come in two types: internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum and may protrude (prolapse) outside the rectum opening. They typically cause bleeding without much pain, as the rectal area lacks nerve endings.
External hemorrhoids form outside the surrounding areas, covered by sensitive skin that can become inflamed. They often cause pain, itching, swelling, and sometimes bleeding, especially if a blood clot forms (thrombosed hemorrhoid).
What are the Home Remedies for Piles during Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, many expectant mothers may experience hemorrhoids, which can be managed effectively at home with several simple steps:
- Hygiene: Use gentle baby wipes to cleanse after using the bathroom, instead of rough toilet paper, to avoid irritation.
- Cold Compresses: Apply cloth-covered ice packs to the affected area for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Timely Bowel Movements: Respond promptly to the urge to have a bowel movement to prevent straining, which can worsen hemorrhoids.
- Topical Relief: Apply anti-itch ointments, like hydrocortisone cream, to alleviate itching and inflammation.
- Witch Hazel Pads: Use witch hazel-soaked pads, such as Tuck’s pads, to soothe and reduce irritation.
- Taking sitz baths—sitting in warm, salty water for 10-15 minutes, three times a day—are effective in relieving hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy, according to studies.
However, it’s always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any home treatments to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your condition.
Treatment By the Doctor
- If at-home treatments don’t work and constipation is an issue, your doctor might recommend laxatives or stool softeners.
- Topical Treatments: Creams with hydrocortisone-pramoxine can relieve pain, swelling, and itching, but check with your doctor about their safety during pregnancy.
- Surgical Procedures:
- Rubber Band Ligation: A small rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off blood flow and encourage it to shrink and fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of a chemical solution into the hemorrhoid to shrink it and form scar tissue.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: Surgical removal of hemorrhoids, typically for severe cases or when other treatments haven’t worked.
- Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy: Hemorrhoidal tissue is repositioned and stapled back in place inside the surrounding areas.
- Your doctor may pack the site with bandages to prevent bleeding and monitor for side effects like fluid loss, requiring increased water intake to prevent dehydration.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy?
While it is true that you can’t change the effects of pregnancy on your body, you can manage hemorrhoids with some simple steps:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your stool soft and bowel movements regular.
- Avoid straining when using the bathroom.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase fiber intake, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Stay physically active with activities like walking to improve bowel function.
- Discuss with your doctor about adding a supplement to prevent constipation.
There is no need to worry about piles during pregnancy with proactive measures. By maintaining good hygiene, managing symptoms with at-home remedies like sitz baths and cold compresses, and seeking medical advice for severe cases, expectant mothers can effectively prevent and treat hemorrhoids, ensuring a more comfortable pregnancy journey.
Dr Amita Jain is a surgeon with highest degree of professional competence, precision and surgical craftsmanship. Performed all complicated general surgery procedures with in depth knowledge of invasive and few minimal invasive and onco surgical techniques. Underwent special training in trauma, executed various trauma-related complex life-saving neurosurgical procedures, reconstructed injured mangled limbs and performed vascular and reconstructive procedures with critical care.
Dr Amita Jain holds 28 plus years of rich experience in Trauma and General Laparoscopic Surgeries (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor Surgery of at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital Delhi Cantt. In 1994 she was commissioned as Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior Consultant, (Speciality: General and Laparoscopic Surgeon) at Artemis Lite Hospital, New Delhi