In Los Angeles, hemorrhoids are a common problem among pregnant women. Unfortunately, treatment options for pregnant women aren’t the same as they are for the rest of the population. Hemorrhoids can develop at any stage of pregnancy, though they are most common during the third trimester, and can often even develop during the course of labor.
Many women find relief from hemorrhoids after giving birth. At this point traditional treatment options become available to you again, and the reduction of pressure on your bowel reduces your risk for developing more of the swollen, twisted veins.
However, many women develop hemorrhoids early on during pregnancy. This is especially a risk for women who have had hemorrhoids prior to becoming pregnant. When this happens you could find yourself facing a long nine months of anal itching and rectal pain.
Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy
In Los Angeles, PPH or the procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids is one of the most effective form of treatments for hemorrhoids. However, PPH isn’t generally a treatment option during the course of pregnancy. Instead, women are encouraged to wait until after labor to have their hemorrhoids officially removed. As you are waiting for your medical treatment or hemorrhoid removal surgery there are a number of natural remedies that are perfectly okay to try while pregnant.
While these natural remedies aren’t as effective as treatment options like PPH, they can help by reducing the amount of discomfort you are experiencing. Before trying any of the below remedies, talk to your doctor to make sure they are okay for you. This is especially important during pregnancy.
Here are a few of the leading forms of natural remedies for hemorrhoids:
- Sitz bath: Fill a tub with a few inches of warm water and sit in the bath for several minutes several times a day—ideally directly following a bowel movement. This will clean the anal area and can sooth itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids.
- Witch hazel: This supplement has long been touted as a natural hemorrhoid reducer. Drop a bit of witch hazel extract on a cotton pad and apply it to the anal area. If you wish, you can apply witch hazel to medical gauze and keep it on the area, changing the gauze frequently throughout the day.
- Stand up: This is often hard, especially during the later stages of pregnancy. If you are encouraged to remain seated or on bed rest, consult with your doctor about your concern for hemorrhoids. Sitting for a prolonged period of time adds pressure to the anal area. If you can’t stand up, try lying on your side.
For many women, hemorrhoids go away on their own following pregnancy, but this isn’t true in all cases. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation with hemorrhoids to learn more about your treatment options.
