Is there anything I can do to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Constipation, the most common cause of hemorrhoids and anal fissures during pregnancy, can result from the pregnancy hormone progesterone’s slowing of the digestive system. Staying regular helps.
To avoid and relieve constipation and stop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, try the following suggestions:
Eat at least 25 grams of fiber every day. Try to incorporate high-fiber foods to your meals, such as whole grain cereals and breads, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, and nuts and seeds. You could also add a couple tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran (available at health food stores) to your breakfast cereal.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Strive to drink enough water that your urine stays clear to light yellow. Dark urine can be a sign of dehydration.
Exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, and yoga can all ease constipation.
Listen to your body. Dont wait to go to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and try to avoid straining.
Ask your healthcare provider about taking an over-the-counter fiber supplement (sometimes called a bulk-forming laxative, such as Metamucil and Citrucel), which absorbs water and makes stool softer and easier to pass. Theyre considered the gentlest and safest type of laxatives. Your provider may also recommend an osmotic laxative like Miralax or its generic equivalent. This medication pulls water into your colon, making your stool pass more quickly. Lastly a stool softener (Colace, Surfak), which adds moisture to stool, may be recommended. Doctors usually recommend avoiding stimulant laxatives, which may not be safe during pregnancy.
Talk to your practitioner about whether you should temporarily switch to a prenatal vitamin with less iron (which can be constipating).
When to call your doctor about hemorrhoids or anal fissures during pregnancy
It’s a good idea to always inform your healthcare provider if you notice blood on toilet paper or in your underwear. Your doctor can assist in locating a pregnancy-safe treatment and help rule out any other potential causes.
One reason is that it might be difficult for you to tell whether blood is coming from your rectum or your vagina; your doctor can identify the source through a physical exam. Rarely, blood in the stool while pregnant may be related to another problem, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which needs to be treated to help lower the risk of complications. Rarely, it may be a symptom of colon, rectum, or anus cancer or of pre-cancer.
Symptoms Associated With Bloody Stool During Pregnancy
Other signs and symptoms of bloody stools during pregnancy include:
Anemia symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, and even fainting
Related:
How to manage Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy? – Dr. Rashmi Chaudhary
