LEARN ABOUT PREGNANCY HEMORRHOIDS FROM THE ANAL HEALTH EXPERTS AT BESPOKE SURGICAL
Pregnancy, in general, brings a multitude of bodily and worldly changes that can be difficult for many.
Pregnancy hemorrhoids are quite common and thankfully most get better on their own. After delivery, once all the build-up pressure is gone, many hemorrhoids recede over the coming weeks or months. Speaking of delivery, some women choose a cesarean section as their preferred method to avoid the damage their pelvic floor can endure in the vaginal and anal regions.
We will go over all the anal issues as they pertain to pregnancy hemorrhoids below, but most women come to Bespoke after delivery with residual stretched skin, as well as hemorrhoids, which cause widespread irritation, pain, possible bleeding, and, more so the feelings of insecurity.
What Are Pregnancy Hemorrhoids?
Pregnancy hemorrhoids are veins that have become large and swollen located inside and outside the anus. Sometimes the skin also stretches, leading to annoying and unsightly skin tags. Hemorrhoids can occur as a result of pregnancy specifically and may appear prepartum and postpartum. Hemorrhoids and pregnancy often go hand-in-hand, so it’s important to know the causes and symptoms should they occur.
Hemorrhoids, Fissures, And Varicose Veins
Hemorrhoids, fissures, and varicose veins are similar conditions that may occur during pregnancy but have key differences. Varicose veins are large, swollen veins that can appear anywhere on the body, though mostly on the lower extremities. Meanwhile, hemorrhoids are also enlarged veins, but they specifically arise on the anus and rectum. Fissures, on the other hand, are small tears in the external skin that lines the anus.
Fissures arise mostly due to constipation, which is extremely common during the later stages of pregnancy due to the fetus literally squashing your bowels. Many anal fissures can be chronic, so if you’re struggling with this condition, please reach out to our team to learn about treatment options. They can be quite debilitating, but with a simple procedure, they can be resolved once and for all.
What Causes Hemorrhoids Durning Pregnancy?
There are a lot of factors that can cause hemorrhoids during pregnancy. The most common culprits are:
- Constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Increased blood flow, which leads to enlarged veins
- Added pressure on the veins near your anus
- Sitting for prolonged periods of time
What Causes Postpartum Hemorrhoids?
The causes of postpartum hemorrhoids are similar to those that occur during pregnancy. However, childbirth can increase the likelihood of this condition. The primary reasons that people experience anal issues after pregnancy are:
- Straining due to constipation after delivery
- Straining during vaginal delivery
- Changing hormones
What Are The Symptoms Of Pregnancy Hemorrhoids?
Like all hemorrhoids, the main symptoms are bleeding, pain, and itching around the anus. These symptoms can cause general soreness and trouble when passing a bowel movement. Other symptoms of pregnancy hemorrhoids are:
- Blood in stool or on tissue when wiping
- A raised area of skin near the anus
- Burning and swelling at the sight of the hemorrhoid
While there is no set duration for pregnancy hemorrhoids, the condition and its symptoms typically clear up on their own within a few weeks, but can sometimes take longer.
