Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Pregnancy
on January 16, 2014
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You’ve heard about swollen feet, morning sickness and aching backs. But there is another unpleasant (and embarrassing) complaint that frequently strikes pregnant women: Hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are painful, swollen veins located around the anus or in the lower rectum. Pregnant women are more susceptible to these uncomfortable little bulges, partly because the growing stress on a pregnant woman’s pelvic region forces veins in the rectal area to swell and dilate, leading to pain and discomfort.

“Anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of pregnant women suffer from hemorrhoids,” says Dr. Paul Doghramji, MD, a board certified family physician at Collegeville Family Practice in Collegeville, PA. “But that doesn’t make them any less frustrating.“

Thankfully, there’s no need to suffer in silence. With these simple strategies, you can alleviate and even prevent the onset of pesky, painful hemorrhoids.

Found in: Pregnancy