A bleeding hemorrhoid while pregnant?
Mama of One, baby #2 on the way asked:
So a week ago I posted i was having issues with hemorrhoids durning my 2nd pregnancy. Well it seems like they’ve died down because I can tell they are still there but they aren’t bugging me now. The only problem i’m having now is everytime I have a bowel movement (i know too much for the morning huh?), i’m getting some lite bleeding. It’s just like when you wipe too hard and you can get some blood and it’s leaving my **** with a raw feeling. So what gives, is it likely an internal hemorrhoids that might be bleeding because I can’t pin point where the bleeding is coming from. My husband just said I popped open a hemorrhoid. Is there something I can do to try and stop the bleeding, like try tucks pads or something? I got see my doctor tuesday for my normal 4 week check up but its embarrassing to ask about hemorrhoids so I figured I would try here first for some advise.
Thanks
5 Responses to “A bleeding hemorrhoid while pregnant?”
Hemorrhoids or Piles as they are often called in the UK, are swellings on the inside of the anal canal, the short, muscular tube that connects the rectum with the anus. They are round swellings that can reach the size of a grape. They are not varicose veins. Here are few of the questions frequently asked about hemorrhoids - responses are by other readers. None of the answers are intended to constitute medical advice, so please consult your medical practitioner before trying anything out.
Ask your doctor! Think about whats going to happen during delivery! Hes’ going to seem them then anyways. You don’t want him or her to know you were lying. They are there to help and they can give much better advice…than what you will get on here!!!!
I had them when I was pregnant, they were not too bad, I read the back of a “hemorrhoid” box and it said to ask your doctor if you’re pregnant or b-feeding…but I never got around to asking her b/c I had the baby at 38 weeks…it’s completely normal though, i know it hurts and everything, but you’ll be okay, just ask your doctor at your next visit.
Oh, dear, I’ve had hemorrhoids since I was 21 from my Irritable Bowel Syndrome. At first I also found it embarrassing until I found out just how common they are. I don’t even worry about them any more and they rarely flare up on me.
No, you can’t stop the bleeding. They’re just aggitated and it’s not as much blood as it seems to be. You can use your fingers to tuck them up inside every time you take a bath or potty, and that’s supposed to cut off the circulation and help them go away. Ask your doctor about using witch hazel while pregnant. I think witch hazel (Tucks pads) is safe, but I’m not sure. If your doc says no, then get some baby wipes for your purse and gently dab/wipe with those instead of rough toilet paper.
A warm bath helps hemorrhoids, but you have to be careful, because you’re not supposed to take hot baths while pregnant. You could try holding a hot damp wash cloth against your hemorrhoids for some relief instead.
The bleeding is perfectly normal. It’s perfectly normal to have that raw **** feeling. Hemorrhoids are very common during pregnancy. You can try the tucks and try to be gentle and make sure you’re getting enough fiber so you don’t get constipated as much, but beyond that, you just have to get used to it.
Don’t be embarrassed in front of your doctor. She/He has seen much worse.
How can I avoid getting hemorrhoids?
Though you’re more susceptible to hemorrhoids when pregnant, they’re not inevitable! Here are some ways to ward them off — or get rid of them if you do get them:
• Avoid constipation: Eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water (eight to ten glasses a day), and get regular exercise, even if you only have time for a short, brisk walk. If you’re constipated, ask your practitioner about using a fiber supplement or stool softener.
• Don’t wait when you have the urge to have a bowel movement, try not to strain when you’re moving your bowels, and don’t linger on the toilet, because it puts pressure on the area.
• Do Kegel exercises daily. Kegels increase circulation in the rectal area and strengthen the muscles around the anus, decreasing the chance of hemorrhoids. They also strengthen and tone the muscles around the ****** and urethra, which can help your body recover after you give birth.
• Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches of time. If your job involves sitting, get up and move around for a few minutes every hour or so. At home, lie on your left side when sleeping, reading, or watching TV to take the pressure off your rectal veins and help increase blood return from the lower half of your body.
When should I call my practitioner?
If your own preventive and relief efforts don’t help — or if you notice bleeding — consult your doctor or midwife. (Any rectal bleeding should be checked by your practitioner.)
For most women, hemorrhoids will get better after delivery with the help of the measures discussed above. In some cases, you may need to see a specialist for treatment to help shrink your hemorrhoids. Rarely, minor surgery is required to correct the problem.
My only advice will be not to take alopathic drugs.