(Hemorrhoids) Piles During Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment Options for Piles During Pregnancy

There are several treatment options for women who develop piles during pregnancy. The general methods used for treatment are explained below. It should be noted that all of these methods may not be viable for a pregnant woman- 

• Lifestyle modifications, including eating habits and exercising, to alleviate the symptoms. 
• Topical treatments that are applied directly to the anal region for relief. 
• Sitz baths involve using warm water to soothe the pain and inflammation in the veins. 
• Hemorrhoid cushions or donut pillow reduces comfort while sitting. 
• Medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain and make bowel movements easier. 
• Non-surgical procedures, such as rubber band ligation or piles laser treatment for women. 
• Surgery, such as hemorrhoidectomy or stapler hemorrhoidopexy. 

The most suitable treatment method is recommended by the doctor after a thorough diagnosis of the patient’s condition. 

Make Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Piles Symptoms

The woman needs to make certain changes in her lifestyle to get relief from piles symptoms.

These changes include improving dietary habits and engaging in physical activities. The diet should include fiber-rich foods, such as wheat bran, prunes, apples, pears, lentils, whole wheat bread, broccoli, tomato, citrus fruits, beans, etc. These foods improve water retention in the colon and make the stool soft to ensure they don’t rub against the veins and cause inflammation.

The woman should also avoid the intake of processed foods that have higher fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, as they increase the risk of constipation. 

Along with diet, the woman should also exercise regularly to improve blood circulation throughout the body and prevent blood from pooling in the rectal area. Kegel exercises are known to be helpful in pregnant women to prevent and manage piles. 

Topical Treatments for Pregnancy Piles

Some common topical treatments used for piles include the following –

• Witch hazel, which is a natural astringent that can reduce inflammation and itching in the anal region. It can be applied directly to the affected area using a cotton ball or pad.
• Aloe vera, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin. The gel obtained from the plant can be used directly on the affected area. 
• Petroleum jelly is often used as a lubricant to reduce friction and irritation in the rectal area. It can also help keep the area moist and prevent dryness and cracking.
• Zinc oxide, which is a mild astringent like witch hazel. It also helps to reduce inflammation and irritation. It can be used as a cream or ointment.

It’s important to consult a doctor before using a topical treatment for pregnancy piles to ensure they are safe and effective for the patient’s individual case.

Surgery for Piles During Pregnancy

The decision to undergo surgery during pregnancy is made by the doctor after taking into account the potential benefits and risks of the procedure to the woman and her child. The different types of surgery that can be performed to treat piles include:

• Hemorrhoidectomy : This is a surgical procedure in which the hemorrhoidal tissues are removed using a scalpel. It is an invasive procedure with considerable risks and post-op complications. 
• Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy : This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the piles are stapled to their original position inside the rectum to reduce the blood supply and shrink the swollen veins.
• Laser Treatment : It is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes laser technology to target swollen and inflamed tissues. The laser cuts off the blood supply to the hemorrhoidal tissues, which reduces inflammation and swelling. 

Besides this, non-surgical treatments, such as rubber band ligation or sclerotherapy, are also used to treat piles in the early stages. 

Is Surgery Recommended for Pregnancy Piles?

Surgery is generally not recommended for hemorrhoids during pregnancy unless the condition is very severe and other treatments have not been effective. 

The risks of piles surgery during pregnancy are very high. It can cause excessive bleeding, infection, and even premature labor. Due to this, doctors mostly suggest watchful waiting and lifestyle modifications manage the condition until childbirth. Once the woman delivers the baby, surgical treatment will be considered if the problem doesn’t go away within a month or so after delivery. 

How to Prevent Piles During Pregnancy?

A woman should take the following measures to prevent piles during pregnancy- 

• Eat a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water and juices) to keep the body and colon hydrated. It softens the stools and makes bowel movements easier.
• Regular exercise can also help promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation. Exercise also improves blood circulation in the rectal area and reduces the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
• Prolonged sitting or standing can put pressure on the veins in the rectal area and increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids. Take breaks to move around and stretch the legs at regular intervals.
• Avoid straining during bowel movements, and don’t resist the urge to pass stools. Consider using a stool softener or a footstool to elevate the feet while sitting on the toilet. 
• Keep the anal region clean and dry to prevent irritation and itching. Use soft wipes to clean the area instead of soaps or cloth. 

By following these tips and instructions from the doctor, women can reduce the risk of developing or progression of piles and alleviate the existing symptoms.