Hemorrhoids And Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids sometimes appear in pregnant women because of the hormonal changes that take place in the body. The College of Family Physicians in Canada points out that 85% of all pregnant women usually get hemorrhoids in the third trimester.
Hemorrhoids. The term conjures up pain and ridicule. Regardless, hemorrhoids are still a serious problem for many people, despite the availability of over-the-counter treatments. For pregnant women, hemorrhoids can be a much more annoying problem that can bring much discomfort and may even require more intensive treatment.
For the most part, pregnant women can be treated with fairly basic options. Some of those treatments may not even require expensive medications. A colorectal surgeon (also known as a proctologist) at Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates will be able to answer any questions about hemorrhoids and pregnancy and help you on your path to relief.
What Causes Hemorrhoids in Pregnant Women?
Hemorrhoids sometimes appear in pregnant women because of the hormonal changes that take place in the body. The College of Family Physicians in Canada points out that 85% of all pregnant women usually get hemorrhoids in the third trimester. The hemorrhoids may be small and asymptomatic, or they may be large and painful.
Pain or bleeding, especially during a bowel movement, may be the first sign of hemorrhoids, and this may be alarming, but a visit to the proctologist may provide relief.
Can Basic Hemorrhoid Care Work for Pregnant Women?
When your doctor confirms hemorrhoids, your most likely form of treatment is placing you on an high-fiber diet with stool softeners and more liquids. While that sounds overly basic, it works for a majority of people. Staying in bed for a while with your legs elevated may help to reduce the hemorrhoidal swelling. Also, lying on your left side will help. This moves your baby’s head off of the major blood vessel that returns blood to your heart. This allows the hemorrhoids to decompress.
Topical, over the counter treatments are sometimes applied. These include anything with Vaseline to soothe the area. Cleaning the anal area with baby wipes is also comforting. Bathing in warm water to help relieve the anorectal pain is a common form of treatment.
When hemorrhoids do not respond to topical measures, sclerotherapy may be used. Sclerotherapy involves the painless injection of medication next to the hemorrhoidal veins. This helps shrink the hemorrhoid. This is a similar procedure to the one used on spider veins in the legs of many women. However, the solution of medication is different.
Rubber bands can be used by your colon and rectal surgeon. The rubber bands are placed in the office setting and the treatment is generally painless. The bands are placed around each hemorrhoid, thus causing the hemorrhoid to fall off.
Operations are rarely needed and are a last resort. A hemorrhoidectomy is rarely needed.
Many medications are available if needed. Various topical prescription drugs are available, including Anucort and Proctosol. For something more natural, grape seed extract is sometimes used.
Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates
At Los Angeles Colon and Rectal Surgical Associates, in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and Culver City, the board certified surgeons often see painful hemorrhoidal conditions in pregnant women.. They strive to use the least invasive methods in order to promote the health of both you and your baby.
Contact Los Angeles Colon & Rectal Surgical Associates to discuss your treatment options. There is no need live with the pain of hemorrhoids. (310)273-2310.
