Hemorrhoidal disease is common in pregnant women. It would even affect 20% of women during the postpartum period. Several factors favor their appearance during pregnancy and after childbirth. Here's how to treat them and relieve the discomfort.
In the family of small pregnancy disorders, I ask for hemorrhoids! Many pregnant women and those who have just given birth have experienced hemorrhoidal attacks. And for good reason, pregnancy and the physiological changes that accompany it promote their occurrence, just like labor during childbirth.
How to recognize a hemorrhoid attack?
We all have hemorrhoids. These are small, highly vascularized pads located in the anal canal. Hemorrhoidal disease occurs when these little pads are inflamed due to poor blood circulation. Symptoms are:
- pain in the anus when sitting and defecation.
- hard growths around the red or bluish anus.
- an internal burning sensation.
- slight bleeding (noticeable on toilet paper).
These symptoms are characteristic of a blood clot, this is called hemorrhoidal thrombosis. We talk about internal hemorrhoid thrombosis when the inflamed hemorrhoid is inside the anal canal (internal hemorrhoids) and external hemorrhoidal thrombosis (external hemorrhoids) when it is outside the anal canal. It can happen that internal hemorrhoids come out through the anus, it is a hemorrhoidal prolapse.
What triggers hemorrhoidal attacks during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is accompanied by physiological changes that increase the risk of hemorrhoidal disease:
- vascular overpressure, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. The large uterus compresses the veins in the abdomen.
- hormonal changes. “The hemorrhoidal tissue is rich in hormone receptors and there is a loosening of the supporting tissues under the effect of the hormones”, Indicates the French National Society of Colo-proctology (SNFCP).
- the constipation. This transit disorder affects a third of pregnant women. During pregnancy, progesterone slows down the activity of the intestine and the growing uterus hinders transit.
The postpartum period is also conducive to the appearance of external hemorrhoids. Again, they are linked to constipation, but not only. Late childbirth (beyond 39.7 weeks of amenorrhea), a large baby and a first phase of labor that is too long are also risk factors for external hemorrhoidal thrombosis.
How to treat hemorrhoidal disease?
The swelling usually subsides in a few days, the pain also goes away on its own in 2 to 4 days. Sometimes an unsightly outgrowth, a mariscus, persists at the entrance to the anus. It is painless and harmless.
In case of anal pain during pregnancy and after childbirth, it is advisable to consult a health professional (general practitioner, gynecologist, midwife or specialist). Examination of the area makes it possible to rule out any cause other than hemorrhoids (anal fissure, abscess of the anal margin, etc.).
The treatment of hemorrhoidal attacks consists first of all in reducing the transit disorders (constipation and diarrhea) which are at the origin of the problem or which can aggravate them. This includes food. In fact, the consumption of foods rich in fiber improves intestinal transit. Taking laxatives can also relieve constipation. Diarrhea can be an aggravating factor for the hemorrhoidal crisis (due to the acidity of the stools), drugs that slow down transit can be prescribed.
Hemorrhoidal thrombosis is most often treated locally with suppositories or ointments. “These topicals combine different molecules, often anti-inflammatory drugs or even corticosteroids, a local anesthetic, vitamin P and flavonoids”, Details the SNFCP. They can be used without problems during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
To relieve pain, pain relievers are recommended. Paracetamol is for first-line use during pregnancy and post-partum. If your pain is not enough, ask your doctor for advice. Only he will decide if you can take other medications. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not take it without medical advice.
Venotonic drugs (which stimulate venous return) are recommended to reduce thrombosis. They are not contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Surgical treatment and instrumental treatment (infrared, chemical sclerosis, elastic ligatures) are rarely favored in the event of a hemorrhoidal attack during pregnancy.
Natural solutions against hemorrhoids
The choice of drug treatments is limited in pregnant women, it may be interesting to turn to natural remedies.
Here are some tips to prevent, relieve pain and speed up the healing of the hemorrhoid crisis:
- elevate his legs to stimulate venous return, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy.
- spray cold water on the legs at the end of the shower.
- wear compression stockings.
- drink red vine herbal teas (it improves blood circulation in the veins).
- turn to homeopathy : Aesculus hippocastanum in 5 CH.
- apply a poultice of green clay to the skin. Green clay is antibacterial and accelerates healing.
- make a sitz bath (immerse the buttocks in cold water for 5 to 10 minutes).
- apply a compress of aloe vera gel and witch hazel extract to soothe pain and decongest the area.
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