You were probably prepared to have hemorrhoids during pregnancy, but you didn't know they could develop even after giving birth. Hemorrhoids - the veins inside the anal canal that enlarge in particular conditions - are caused by an increase in pressure in the terminal part of the rectum. They can leak after pregnancy due to exertion during labor. Fortunately, pain can be managed in a number of ways until the problem is resolved.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Relieve the Pain
Step 1. Take a warm bath
If you fill the tub, add a cup of Epsom salts. If you prefer to get wet in a few centimeters of water, 2-3 tablespoons are enough. Make sure the water is not too hot, otherwise it could aggravate the situation. Soak for 10-15 minutes, more than once a day.
- You can also use a bowl to put on the toilet so that only the back is submerged.
- Think of this as a time to relax while someone else is taking care of the baby. Alternatively, take the opportunity to breastfeed your baby.
Step 2. Apply a warm compress
Take a clean cotton cloth and dip it in warm (not hot) water. If you want, you can pour in a few tablespoons of Epsom salts before wetting the cloth. Apply the compress directly to the hemorrhoids for about 10-15 minutes, 3 times a day.
- You can also try an ice pack to relieve swelling, but only use it for 5-10 minutes and make sure you don't apply it directly to the skin or you risk causing tissue damage.
- Try alternating between hot and cold packs.
Step 3. Use a gel or ointment to relieve pain and itching
Apply an aloe vera gel or ointment containing phenylephrine. Phenylephrine has a decongestant action capable of deflating hemorrhoids. Aloe vera gel has been shown to prevent infections and promote healing of small wounds. You can also buy hemorrhoid ointment at the drugstore.
Avoid using steroid creams because they can create tissue damage in the delicate areas surrounding the hemorrhoid
Step 4. Use an astringent substance
Take a cotton ball and dip it in witch hazel, then apply it to the hemorrhoid for a few minutes. Repeat as many times as you like, especially after a painful bowel movement, or at least 4-5 times a day.
Witch hazel has an astringent action that can reduce swelling
Step 5. Gently clean yourself
Avoid using toilet paper to clean yourself after you go to the bathroom. Instead, do the bidet yourself or, failing that, fill a bottle with a soft plastic spout with hot water and wet the area. Gently dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using soaked baby wipes, as they can further irritate the area.
You can buy the bottle with spout at a pharmacy or at a health care center or, if necessary, use the one provided in the hospital
Part 2 of 3: Preventing Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Increase your fiber intake
In the case of hemorrhoids, it is important to prevent strain and pressure. The fibers help retain water in the stool, swelling it, so as to facilitate transit (and make it less painful). So, aim for 21-25 grams of fiber per day. The best sources are:
- Whole grains: brown rice, barley, corn, rye, bulgur, buckwheat and oatmeal.
- Fruit (especially with peel): apples, raspberries and pears.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens, including chard, kale and Indian mustard, spinach, lettuce, beets.
- Beans and legumes (can promote the formation of intestinal gas).
Step 2. Drink lots of water
It is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of 240ml per day. Keeping yourself hydrated not only helps your body function regularly, but you can also improve the condition of your hemorrhoids. In particular, water allows the stool to soften, facilitating its transit.
You can also drink fruit juice or broth if you get tired of plain water
Step 3. Consider laxatives
When you suffer from hemorrhoids, there are different types of laxatives that can promote intestinal transit. Bulk laxatives typically contain fiber which helps increase fecal mass or volume. Alternatively, you can use an emollient laxative that softens the stool and makes it easier to pass. Lubricating laxatives are able, in fact, to lubricate the walls of the intestine and rectum, favoring the passage of feces. Regardless of which product you choose, only use it 1-2 times a week.
- If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking a laxative. Some substances can pass to the baby and cause him diarrhea.
- Try a natural emollient laxative, such as senna or psyllium. Senna is a mildly acting stimulating laxative used for centuries to combat constipation; you can take it in tablet form (follow the instructions) or herbal tea before going to bed. Alternatively, you can try psyllium fiber, a natural source of fiber that gives stool volume.
- Milk of magnesia and mineral oil are also natural substances that soften the stool.
Step 4. Avoid stimulant laxatives
They stimulate intestinal transit, but can be more addictive than other laxatives. If you decide to use them, try to take them no more than 1-2 times as they are very strong and can cause dehydration.
Instead of stimulant laxatives, try increasing your fiber intake to improve the consistency of your stool
Step 5. Exercise
Move to preserve bowel activity. Physical movement has a huge effect on gut health. You can work out however you like, by doing aerobics, muscle strengthening, cardio exercises or just going for a walk. As the body moves, the internal organs also move and are massaged.
Get in the habit of working out 20-30 minutes a day
Step 6. Go to body at regular times
Organize yourself in order to regularize bowel movements without being interrupted. However, if you feel the need to go to the bathroom, don't wait - go immediately, but don't sit for too long, otherwise the risk of developing hemorrhoids increases.
Avoid straining, as effort is one of the main causes of this condition. Use gravity, but let the gut do its job. If nothing happens, wait about half an hour and try again
Part 3 of 3: Recognizing Hemorrhoids
Step 1. Prepare for hemorrhoids after pregnancy
The body has undergone numerous transformations during and after pregnancy. Physical, mental, and emotional changes can cause stress. The body must recover from the overload caused by the growth of the fetus, while the digestive system must recover following the physical changes of pregnancy. These factors can increase the risk of constipation which would make hemorrhoids worse.
Generally the development of hemorrhoids following pregnancy and childbirth is caused by exertion during labor
Step 2. Learn to recognize when the hemorrhoid prolapses outward
You may notice traces of blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after defecation. It is the most common symptom. The hemorrhoid can also cause itching and pain. As you cleanse yourself, you may feel it to the touch. It is similar to a sore bump around the anal opening. Conversely, if it's internal, you can't feel it when you touch yourself, but it can come out of the anal canal.
- If it is larger than a dime, see your doctor as it may indicate a more serious condition.
- Doctors can diagnose internal or external hemorrhoids through a digital rectal examination. If they are not the cause of rectal bleeding, your doctor may prescribe a more specific examination, such as a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, because one of the symptoms of colon cancer is rectorrhagia.
Step 3. Identify external hemorrhoids
Position yourself with your back facing a full-body mirror or bathroom mirror. Lean slightly as you turn your head towards the mirror. Look closely at the anus to see if there are any bumps or swollen masses. It can be hemorrhoids.
- Alternatively, you can sit with your legs spread and use a lighted mirror to look for them.
- Hemorrhoidal bumps are the same color as the skin or may be slightly redder.
Step 4. Know when to see your doctor
Usually with self-medication the problem of hemorrhoids is resolved within 1-2 weeks. If not, call your doctor or gynecologist. For external hemorrhoids - or more often internal ones - medical intervention may be required. The most common treatments are:
- Elastic ligation: A rubber band is attached to the base of the hemorrhoidal nodule to reduce blood flow.
- Sclerosing injection: has the immediate effect of numbing the nerve endings and after approximately one month the reduction in volume of the hemorrhoid.
- Cauterization: the result is the resorption of the hemorrhoids.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: surgical removal of the hemorrhoid.
Advice
- By strengthening the pelvic muscles, Kegel exercises reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and prevent tissue prolapse.
- If you need temporary pain relief you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen while breastfeeding, but avoid aspirin.
- Relieve pressure on hemorrhoids by sitting on a pillow or foam donut.
