$Unique_ID{BRK02060} $Pretitle{} $Title{Dealing with Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy} $Subject{pregnancy hemorrhoids hemorrhoid uterus pressure vein pelvis varicose veins anal fissure anus fissures Sitz bath stool softener stool softeners anesthetic creams cream ointments ointment analgesics analgesic blood clot blood clots first trimester} $Volume{} $Log{ Anatomy of the Rectum*0004201.scf External and Internal Hemorrhoids*0004202.scf Causes of Hemorrhoids I*0004203.scf Causes of Hemorrhoids II*0004204.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Dealing with Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: This is my first pregnancy, and although I was told about all sorts of discomfort that is supposed to go along with this condition, I have had none of them. However the one thing that no one mentioned is the pain that has come along with hemorrhoids, that have developed since my third month. My mother says not to worry, they are common enough, but if I tell my doctor, won't he want to do something for them? I don't want to take any risks with the pregnancy and am willing to bear the pain. What can be done to help me? It would be nice to get some relief. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWERS: Mother is right, as mothers always are. Hemorrhoids do frequently accompany a pregnancy. They are probably caused by the congestion in the veins of the lower body produced by the enlarging uterus and increased pressure on the veins that run through the pelvis. This same mechanism is the cause of varicose veins in the legs which can occur at the same time. In effect, hemorrhoids are varicose veins that occur in the rectal and anal areas. But Mom misses the mark if she says do nothing about them. Hemorrhoids come in two varieties, external and internal. A simple physical examination can help determine which type you have, or perhaps discover that you have some other cause for your pain, an anal fissure (tear in the skin around the anus) for example. Once the diagnosis has been made the right treatment can be prescribed. For the most part treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures in pregnant women get conservative handling. Sitz baths that cleanse and soothe may be the only measure you need to obtain the relief you seek. Stool softeners may be prescribed to avoid any additional irritation to the area that hard stools can produce. Some cases are helped by anesthetic creams and ointments, and analgesics can be used (with your doctor's permission) if the pain becomes severe. If an external hemorrhoid contains a clot, a painful situation, a simple office procedure is all that is needed to bring about considerable relief. Under local anesthesia the skin over the clot is cut, releasing the clot and relieving the pain. The good news is that almost all of these pregnancy related complaints can go away by themselves, and generally disappear completely after the baby is delivered. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.