Postpartum Hemorrhoids Reasons, Conditions & Treatment

Causes Of Hemorrhoids During Postpartum & Cure

Hemorrhoids are a common phenomenon during and after pregnancy as the growing uterus applies pressure on the inferior vena cava. This is a large vein found in the right side of the body and that receives blood from the limbs in the lower parts of the body.

Because of the pressure it is subjected to, circulation is hampered particularly in the veins right below the uterus causing it to dilate and get swollen. Most women who suffer from postpartum hemorrhoids have had it during pregnancy as well or during earlier pregnancies.

Reasons for Postpartum Hemorrhoids

The increased production of progesterone by the body when pregnant can cause the veins in the lower parts of your body to relax allowing them to swell. Progesterone is also known to cause constipation and this can aggravate the hemorrhoids as difficult bowel movement will put a strain on it. It is quite possible that you may also have developed hemorrhoids postpartum due to the pushing during the second stage of labor.

Conditions During Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be the size of a raisin or as big as a grape and can be just itchy to quite painful. They may even cause rectal bleeding during difficult bowel movement. On the home front there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort. Take a couple of ice cubes in a soft absorbent piece of cloth and apply as an ice pack a few times a day on the rectal area. If your cold compress is saturated with witch hazel you may find it even more soothing, but not to worry even if you can't find it. You can alternate this with a warm soak preferably a sitz bath.

It is essential that you clean the rectal area thoroughly after every bowel movement. Water would be preferable, if not use soft moist tissues and take care to avoid the colorful scented ones to keep away as much irritation as possible.

Treatment for Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Speak to your health care provider if you feel it is too severe and s/he might prescribe a medicated suppository or a topical anesthetic, a fiber supplement and occasionally a stool softener. You must also take care to supplement your diet with a high fiber diet, fruits and green leafy vegetables. Drink 6-7 liters of water a day to minimize the constipation as well. Soak a few figs overnight and eat them in the morning. You can also drink the water it is soaked in. Drink a concoction made of a teaspoon of lemon juice, a tablespoon of the juice extracted from mint leaves and a teaspoon of honey thrice a day to ease you discomfort.