Piles During Pregnancy: Can You Avoid It?

Pregnancy already brings a lot of discomfort so you can just imagine how difficult it would be to develop piles during pregnancy. Piles or hemorrhoids can add pain and discomfort to a pregnant woman who may already be experiencing some discomfort like nausea and dizziness.

But can you avoid piles during pregnancy?

Sad to say but everyone, especially pregnant women can develop piles. In fact pregnancy is a risk factor for developing piles or hemorrhoids due to the following:

• Pregnancy hormones can stretch the walls of the anus vein.
• The flow of blood is slowed down due to the pressure of the growing uterus.
• Veins swell and hurt when blood flow is sluggish.
• When pregnant women suffer from constipation and thus strain to open their bowels.

It is a sad reality but some research indicates that hemorrhoids are a common problem among about 50% of pregnant women. While most women experience piles for the first time during pregnancy it is not a guarantee that you will be able to get rid of piles if you’ve developed it before pregnancy. And even if you don’t get piles while pregnant there is a tendency that the pushing and bearing down during labor will lead to the problem remaining even after you give birth.

Unless you have a very good blood flow and do not suffer from constipation chances are you will develop piles during your pregnancy. And even if you are blessed with those two factors prior to pregnancy there is also a chance that your veins will get dilated with all the blood circulating through your body during pregnancy thus resulting in hemorrhoids.

As your uterus grows it will increase pressure to the veins below the uterus level which can cause swelling and then result in the dreaded piles. While pregnancy can make you susceptible to this problem you can however do something to lessen the risk. Take note of the following:

Pay attention to your body

You may be doing something important that demands your attention but when nature calls, make sure you heed that call. So if you feel the urge to move your bowel then make it a priority. Holding on too long may result in difficult bowel movement later on.

Avoid Constipation

You may not be in full control of what happens way below but you have control as to what enters your stomach. Most people can avoid problems with things like constipation by sticking to a high-fiber diet. Do yourself and your rectum a favor by taking in lots of water as well. If you can avoid constipation, this is one of the best relief for hemorrhoids you can find.

Move it!

If you’re too busy to go to the gym, then take the time to use the stairs or to walk during your break time or when going home from work. Brisk walking is one of the best forms of exercise which will not cost you at all.

Piles during pregnancy is always a possibility but that does not mean you can’t beat it! So take care of your body and be aware of what your body tells you even before getting pregnant.