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.
Piles, medically termed hemorrhoids, are swollen blood vessels located inside or around the rectum. 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 of dealing with piles during pregnancy. Dr Amita Jain, a renowned laparoscopic piles specialist in Delhi and Gurgaon tells us more in this article.
What are the Causes of Piles During Pregnancy?
- Hormonal Changes: Increased production of progesterone during pregnancy relaxes blood vessel walls, leading to enlarged blood vessels, which may contribute to piles.
- Increased Pressure: The growing baby in the uterus puts pressure on the veins around the rectum causing them to stretch and swell. This pressure hampers normal blood flow, leading to pooling and swollen veins.
- Constipation: Hormonal changes during pregnancy slow digestion, leading to constipation. Straining during bowel movements adds pressure to the veins in the rectum increasing the risk of piles.
Hemorrhoids often occur in the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as during or right after childbirth. They can also result from the intense straining during the second stage of labor.
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 affected part, 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).
Home Treatment/Remedies
During pregnancy, many expectant mothers may experience hemorrhoids, which can be managed effectively at home with several simple steps:
- Ease pressure: Avoid standing or sitting for long periods to reduce pressure on veins. Use a pillow when sitting or opt for a rocking chair or recliner for more comfort.
- Hygiene: Clean the area gently with baby wipes instead of rough toilet paper to avoid irritation.
- Cold compresses: Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to the affected area for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Sitz baths: Sit in warm water mixed with baking soda, Epsom salt, or apple cider vinegar for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This relieves pain, itching, and inflammation.
- Topical relief: Use anti-itch ointments, like hydrocortisone cream, to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Kegel exercises: Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles by regularly performing Kegel exercises, which can help ease hemorrhoids.
- Change sleep position: Sleep on your left side with legs tucked to improve blood flow, reduce pressure on veins, and provide better nutrient delivery to your baby.
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 rectum.
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.
Tips for Preventing 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