Hemorrhoid Prevention: Prevention During Pregnancy

There are numerous causes of hemorrhoids. Pregnancy is a very common cause of hemorrhoids. There are ways to prevent hemorrhoids and easy ways to relieve them during pregnancy.

Pregnancy makes you more prone to hemorrhoids for a variety of reasons. Your growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, a large vein on the right side of the body that receives blood from the lower limbs. This can slow the return of blood from the lower half of your body, which increases the pressure on the veins below your uterus and causes them to become more dilated or swollen.

Constipation is another common problem during pregnancy that can also cause or aggravate hemorrhoids.

This is because the straining leads to hemorrhoids and you tend to strain when having a hard bowel movement.

Finally, an increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy causes the walls of your veins to relax, allowing them to swell more easily. Progesterone also contributes to constipation by slowing down your intestinal tract. These all lead to hemorrhoids.

To prevent hemorrhoids there are many easy methods you can use. First you should avoid constipation. To do this:

•    Eat a high fiber diet
•    Drink plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses a day)
•    Get plenty of exercise (as simple as a short, brisk walk)

Second, don’t wait till you have the urge to have a bowel movement. It is important to go to the bathroom on a regular basis. Try not to strain when having a bowel movement.   If you are having problems, you may consult your physician for a stool softener. Additionally, do not linger on the toilet. When you are pregnant, this position places extra pressure on the area and therefore does not help with the hemorrhoids.

Third, you may perform Kegel Exercises. These are exercises for the vaginal and rectal areas. They are beneficial for two reasons. First, they will increase circulation to your rectum which will in turn help to prevent hemorrhoids. Second, they will strengthen the vaginal and perianal muscles, which will facilitation healing after delivery of the baby. To perform Kegal exercises:

•    Tense the muscles in your vaginal and rectal area. (This is similar to the exercise you would use to stop the flow of urine).
•    Hold this position for 8 to 10 seconds, relax, and then repeat several times.
•    Do several sets of these throughout the day.
•    You can do Kegels just about anywhere (sitting at your desk, in your car, waiting at the doctor’s office) and no one will even notice.

Finally, try to avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If your job involves sitting, get up and move around for a few minutes at least every hour or two. If you are at home, try to lie on your left side when possible, when sleeping, watching television or reading. In doing this, you are removing the pressure of your rectal veins and helping increase blood flow to the lower half of your body.

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Hemorrhoid Prevention: Prevention During Pregnancy

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