Hemorrhoid disease, popularly known as hemorrhoids, is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are actually a pathological condition that occurs as a result of the normally existing veins in the inner part of the anal area of every person enlarging and varicose for various reasons. Enlarged veins can cause pain and bleeding, and soft masses of various sizes protruding from the anus. Sometimes there may be bleeding following defecation without pain.
The likelihood of hemorrhoid disease during pregnancy is slightly higher than in normal people. During pregnancy, constipation may occur due to the oppressive effect of some hormones secreted and the growing uterus on the intestines. Constipation triggers hemorrhoids, and hemorrhoids trigger constipation, creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy, constipation must first be dealt with.
The primary goal in solving constipation should be to change nutrition and defecation habits. It is not the right approach to immediately take constipation medications, as most of these medications become habit-forming and cause the existing constipation condition to worsen when used for a long time. Therefore, the first step of treatment should be to increase daily fluid consumption (drinking at least 1.5-2 liters of water), eat fiber-rich food and increase the amount of daily activity (such as walking briskly for half an hour). Standing for long periods of time and sitting on hard ground for long periods of time should be avoided, and if possible, short breaks should be taken during the day in a lying position with a pillow under the feet. Suppositories and ointments applied to the anus are prescribed along with these support measures. If it does not pose a gynecological obstacle, hot water sitz baths and cold application are also recommended.
As the pregnancy progresses, the pressure of the uterus, which grows with the baby inside, on the veins around the anus constantly increases. For this reason, hemorrhoids can turn the expectant mother's life into a nightmare in the last weeks of pregnancy. Especially after the 30th week, expectant mothers frequently apply with the question "Do hemorrhoids prevent me from giving birth normally?" Hemorrhoids do not constitute an absolute contraindication for normal birth, that is, they do not prevent normal birth, but they may occur during birth. As a result of repeated straining, the existing disease may progress to a much more advanced stage and the mother's postpartum suffering may increase exponentially. In order to prevent this, the expectant mother, the gynecologist and the general surgeon should cooperate, and specialist physicians should provide the expectant mother with sufficient information about the problems that may be experienced after normal birth and guide the expectant mother in deciding on the appropriate form of birth for herself.
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