femme souffrant d'hémorroïdes avant son accouchement

Hemorrhoids Before Childbirth: what to do

April 28, 2024

Prepartum hemorrhoids are a common and sometimes painful problem, can significantly affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them.

Fortunately, there are natural and simple ways to soothe these disorders and the use of cold is one of the most effective remedies. In this article, we will explore how cold can be beneficial in relieving hemorrhoids and getting you back to living a comfortable life.

What is a Hemorrhoid ?

Before discussing the benefits of cold, it is essential to understand what hemorrhoids are. Hemorrhoids are veins located in the anal region . When they become inflamed , they can cause pain , itching, bleeding and general discomfort . Hemorrhoids are often classified into two types: internal (inside the rectum) and external (located under the skin around the anus). Common risk factors include constipation, pregnancy, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Why do I have Hemorrhoids?

The occurrence of hemorrhoids in pregnant women is a common problem of pregnancy , often attributed to hormonal changes and increased pressure on the pelvic veins.

During pregnancy, many expectant mothers may experience painful episodes of hemorrhoidal crisis , characterized by itching, bleeding, and intense discomfort. This condition, known as hemorrhoidal disease , is often exacerbated by frequent constipation, another common symptom in pregnant women. Fortunately, there are solutions to alleviate the symptoms, such as the use of specific anti-inflammatories recommended by health professionals and also natural remedies to relieve them.

Problems with hemorrhoids

These painful episodes of hemorrhoidal crisis can have a significant impact on the quality of life of pregnant women.

Besides physical discomfort, hemorrhoids can also lead to complications such as rectal bleeding, which can be of particular concern during pregnancy.

Additionally, hemorrhoids can cause emotional discomfort, creating stress and anxiety in pregnant women already experiencing many hormonal and emotional changes. Pregnant women may feel embarrassed or hesitant to seek help due to the sensitive nature of the problem.

However, it is crucial to understand that hemorrhoids are a common medical condition, and medical professionals are there to offer support and solutions. In addition to medical treatments, pregnant women are recommended to maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle exercise regularly, which can help prevent hemorrhoidal problems.

Natural remedies for hemorrhoids

Here are some natural remedies that are compatible with fighting hemorrhoids and which are compatible with pregnancy.

One of the most commonly recommended approaches is to increase fiber intake in the diet. Fiber helps soften stools, reducing pressure on the anal veins, and promotes easier-to-pass stools. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, should therefore appear regularly in the diet.
Additionally, staying hydrated is essential to preventing constipation, a worsening factor for hemorrhoids. Drinking enough water throughout the day is a beneficial practice for maintaining soft, easy-to-expel stools.
Some pregnant women also find temporary relief through perineal cold pockets to practice the sitz bath or the derivative bath in a so-called “more modern” way. However, if you have a bidet available, you are free to practice the old-fashioned way by immersing your seat in cool water for around twenty minutes.

Indeed, applying cold to the area affected by hemorrhoids can be an effective way to relieve pain and inflammation. Here's how the cold can help:

Reduction of inflammation:

Applying cold restricts blood flow to the affected area, leading to a decrease in inflammation and providing noticeable relief from discomfort.

Pain relief:

The cold acts as a natural pain reliever by numbing the affected area, thereby reducing the sensation of pain in an effective and natural way.

Reduction of bleeding:

By constricting blood vessels, the application of cold can help reduce bleeding associated with hemorrhoids, providing valuable relief and promoting faster recovery of the affected area.