Hemorrhoid after childbirth: causes and how to deal with it

Hemorrhoids can appear during pregnancy or after childbirth. This condition occurs due to swelling in the rectum, then it will enlarge when the delivery process takes place. How do you deal with postpartum hemorrhoids?

Causes of hemorrhoids after childbirth

Pregnancy makes women more likely to experience hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids.

Here are the various causes of hemorrhoids after giving birth:

Pressure on the uterus

Pressure on the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and anus) during pregnancy or after childbirth makes pregnant women more likely to develop hemorrhoids.

During pregnancy, the uterus continues to enlarge, putting pressure on the large vein on the right side of the body that receives blood from the leg.

This pressure can then slow the return of blood from the lower part of the body.

This condition increases the pressure on the blood vessels under the uterus and causes them to become large, causing hemorrhoids.

Increased progesterone hormone

In addition, the increase in the hormone progesterone during pregnancy also causes the walls of blood vessels to relax, making it easier to swell.

The hormone progesterone can also cause constipation by slowing down bowel movements.

Constipation during pregnancy or after childbirth can cause pressure on the blood vessels, which can cause or worsen hemorrhoids.

The possibility of experiencing hemorrhoids is also greater because of the way of pushing during childbirth that is too hard or not quite right.

How to deal with hemorrhoids after giving birth?

Quoting from the University of Rochester Medical Center, hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids after childbirth usually occur in women who give birth in a vaginal or normal way.

Symptoms are pain, itching in the rectum, bleeding during bowel movements, or swelling around the anus.

However, there is no need to worry because this hemorrhoid can heal if treated. You can treat hemorrhoids in the following ways:

Take a warm bath

To treat hemorrhoids after giving birth, you can take a warm bath and focus on the anal area.

Do this 2-4 times a day. This will help reduce the size of the hemorrhoid.

You can also apply an ice pack to the swollen area several times a day. Ice can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Sit using a soft pad

When you sit down, it's best to cover a pillow to reduce pressure on the rectum.

You can include this cushion in the delivery kit because it is useful for reducing pain due to hemorrhoids.

Quoting from the Mayo Clinic, avoid sitting in a chair directly, especially on a hard chair surface. Sitting in a rocking chair or easy chair may make you more comfortable.

You also need to avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time. It is better if you lie down a lot to avoid putting pressure on the rectum.

Pay attention to how to defecate after giving birth

After every bowel movement, it's best to clean the anal area gently. You can also clean it with warm water.

If cleaning the rectum with tissue, you should choose a tissue that is soft and does not contain fragrances so that it does not cause irritation to the skin.

Although hemorrhoids after giving birth make you feel sick when defecating, it is not advisable to use a way to hold back bowel movements.

If you delay bowel movements frequently, this can make the stool dry and difficult to pass.

Avoid bowel movements after giving birth that make you push too hard, such as squatting for too long.

You can work around this by defecating (BAB) when there is already a disturbing heartburn.

That way, you don't have to squat or sit too long on the toilet.

Choose hemorrhoid medication after giving birth

Talk to your doctor about what medications can be used to treat hemorrhoids after childbirth, such as topical ointments and suppositories.

Don't forget to ask how long the drug should be used. Usually the postpartum hemorrhoid medicine that is given should not be used for more than one week.

You can also use laxatives or laxatives to help soften the stool so that it is easier to pass.

Although there are many drugs to treat hemorrhoids on the market, you should first consult with your doctor in order to get a prescription that suits your condition.

Eat lots of fibrous foods

Constipation is a complaint of pregnant women and mothers who have recently given birth. To avoid this condition, eat fibrous foods every day.

Increase consumption of fiber (from vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts) and fluids (8-10 glasses per day).

This can help prevent constipation and make bowel movements smoother, so that it doesn't worsen the condition of the hemorrhoid.

Do Kegel exercises

Regular exercise can help improve digestion. The type of exercise that can be done is Kegel exercises to improve blood circulation in the rectal area.

Kegel exercises also strengthen the muscles around the anus so that they can help reduce hemorrhoids after childbirth.

If the hemorrhoid does not get better and makes your activities obstructed, immediately consult a doctor.

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