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1994-01-17
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$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
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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.
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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.
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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.