Pregnancy & Baby 

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Help for haemorrhoids

Travel and stress associated with change in diet and fluid intake, and of course just the changes of pregnancy can produce an increased risk of haemorrhoids.

It is very important to keep the stools very soft and answer the call for a bowel movement right away. The longer the waste products remain in the large intestine, the more water it absorbs, and stools become dry and difficult to pass.

Drink lots of water. Keep a large water bottle nearby at all times. Make sure you drink half a gallon of fluids, preferably water, every day. Eat bran - the less processed the better - at least twice a day. Avoid refined carbohydrates, such as flour and sugar, and avoid processed cheese, which can make you constipated.

Depending upon their size and degree of engorgement, try lubricating a finger and pushing the haemorrhoid back in after every trip to the bathroom. If it remains outside, it can become strangulated and hurt more. Tighten your perineal muscles after you do this, stand up and hold them in. Try to avoid straining when you have a bowel movement.

Start regularly walking a mile or two every day. Keep your feet lifted up, rest on your side whenever possible, and try not to sit still, especially for long periods.

Warm water soaks and cold compresses are very comforting. You could also try ice cold witch hazel cream. Products such as Anusol are okay to use in pregnancy.

Lastly, make sure your doctor knows about this. Haemorrhoids can be ligated if they are very severe, even during pregnancy, using a local anesthetic. I hope these suggestions help and that they go away or get better soon. They won’t necessarily continue to get worse during pregnancy, so don't despair. During the birth, ask your midwife to support the rectal area to avoid undue pressure.

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