Haemorrhoids during pregnancy are more common than we might believe, and one of the most serious problems around this pathology is its taboo. Which in many cases results in not knowing how to identify them or, how can they be treated.
That is why through the Blog of Tenerife Health International Services (this) and the experience of Instituto Proctológico Dr Padrón, associated with this platform and located on the island of Tenerife, we want to help you through these recommendations.
Seven recommendations to prevent haemorrhoids during pregnancy
We hope these tips will help you and thus use them to prevent haemorrhoids during pregnancy (always check with your trusted doctor or GP):
- Underwear. The best material we can use is cotton as it is a good conductor of transpiration and has no irritating effects on the skin, as other materials.
- Physical exercise. It consists of keeping the body active (30 minutes of daily walking) as scientific evidence indicates that it is one of the best methods for the prevention of haemorrhoids.
- Anti-inflammatory ointments. They are strictly prohibited and may only be used under-prescription. It’s important to keep this in mind because of substances that these have, can affect your pregnancy.
- Food. In this sense it is advisable to make use of meals that contain good doses of fibre in them, that is, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and legumes. This will prevent possible constipations and therefore reduce the chances of haemorrhoids during pregnancy.
- Pelvic floor. Kegel exercises help prepare for pregnancy and prevent haemorrhoids because they are specific to the pelvic floor area. Its practice contributes to strengthening this area avoiding injuries or proctological problems.
- Wet wipes. To go to the bathroom, it is advisable to use this type of material to clean, as it is more hygienic than toilet paper and prevents chafing in the anal area due to dryness. Remember that these types of wipes are not biodegradable so after use they cannot be evacuated in the toilet.
- Spicy food. It is true that spicy food creates addiction and that is why we want to indicate that it is not advisable to continue with this type of meals if we want to prevent possible haemorrhoids. This can also be applied to flatulent and astringent dishes.
Why do haemorrhoids occur?
Haemorrhoids are dilations that occur in the mucous tissue of the anal canal and its outer margin. Popularly known as piles, this proctological pathology can be divided into different degrees depending on their size and the symptoms they cause. Thus, we can talk about mild haemorrhoids in cases of grade I and II haemorrhoids while those of grades III and IV are considered more severe.
In any case, to correctly diagnose haemorrhoids it is always advisable to go to a proctologist for her/his expertise in the pathologies of the anus and rectum she/he can indicate the most appropriate treatment in each case.
Why is it common for haemorrhoids to appear during pregnancy?
It is scientific evidence that there are people or groups of these, prone to haemorrhoids or congestion in the anal area. Within this group is the case of haemorrhoids during pregnancy, something that is due to:
- effort straining during childbirth and
- the body weight exerted on the pelvic floor musculature, especially:
- during the last months of gestation.
Is there a possibility of haemorrhoids after childbirth?
In this case the risk of developing haemorrhoids increases depending on the technique used as:
- suction cups or
- forceps
In addition, due to the pressure required in the pelvic area, there may be tears, so all births that are genital (pelvic) affect the anatomy of the area more and therefore increase the likelihood of having haemorrhoids.
