Do I need to see a doctor for my hemorrhoids?
It is wise to have any signs of rectal bleeding checked by your physician, to rule out more serious issues. In most instances of pregnancy related hemorrhoids, the situation will dramatically improve after delivery.
Topical treatments for hemorrhoids
There are many different types of oral supplements and topical ointments available to treat hemorrhoids. While oils and ointments are typically only a temporary relief for pregnancy related hemorrhoids, they can help when hemorrhoids are particularly painful or bothersome since they often contain ingredients that soothe and anaesthetize.
I’m concerned about safety issues
Most types of hemorrhoid preparations are safe for pregnant women to use, but it’s always best to check with a knowledgeable caregiver. In many prescription products, for example, the active ingredients are a type of steroid that helps reduce inflammation. Most have a local anesthetic as well, to help relieve the pain associated with hemorrhoids. These chemicals can be quite effective short-term, but they might be contra-indicated during pregnancy. Especially while pregnant, we want only body friendly things entering the bloodstream. If you are shopping for a commercial product to alleviate your symptoms, look for one of the newer offerings with all natural & organic ingredients.
Some traditional remedies
Natural Aloe Vera can provide soothing local relief for hemorrhoids. Simply take a small amount of Aloe Vera gel directly from the plant (or use commercially available 100% pure Aloe Vera gel) and apply it to the affected area. To use the plant, simply snap one of the thick leaves about one inch of the way down and use the sticky gel that’s inside. The gel can be left on the affected area for as long as needed, and should help reduce the hemorrhoid swelling, which will in turn relieve the pain and itching.
Native Americans have long used Witch hazel to treat swellings and inflammation. Try combining witch hazel with aloe, glycerine or petroleum jelly and apply gently on external hemorrhoids, and you will reduce itching and dry up most bleeding.
Sitz baths
There are several ways to treat hemorrhoids in the bath. Epsom salts in the water can help, but remember that for hemorrhoids that are bleeding or are already open wounds, Epsom salts could be very painful. Another traditional bath treatment is with vinegar. You can use one to two cups of vinegar in the bath water as an astringent to help reduce the swelling associated with hemorrhoids. This will help relieve pain and swelling as well.
Other folk treatments
There are other folk treatments that have traditionally been used to soothe hemorrhoids and relieve swelling, although they cannot be relied upon to have lasting effect . One of these is as follows: Chill a potato in the freezer for about 20 minutes and then use a food processor to puree it or grate the potato into pieces. Place the pureed potato on the affected area for fifteen minutes. The cool potato will soothe the area and help reduce swelling and the potato itself is anti-inflammatory and will help to reduce pain and itching . This is best done in an area where the woman can make herself comfortable in order to leave the potato in place for a period of time.
Hemorrhoid treatment in summary
Your body is going through many changes during this time period, and if you are suffering from hemorrhoids it’s important for you to find a safe treatment that will help relieve the pain and itching without causing any problematic side effects.
Chemical additives and steroid products can definitely provide effective short term relief, but these substances are also readily absorbed into your bloodstream, and could be harmful to your baby.
Certainly for a woman pregnant or nursing who might have a history of latex allergies, kidney or liver disease, or diabetes, it may not be safe to take some medications due to the possible side effects of their chemical ingredients. Even some organic ingredients such as horse chestnuts and diosmin/hesperidin may be contra-indicated during pregnancy.
Look for natural & organic solutions that are safe for you and safe for your growing baby. Either experiment with some of the simple topical solutions we have mentioned, or buy a natural health product made with organic and herbal ingredients specially formulated to shrink and heal the hemorrhoids. That’s Alleviate.