Piles during Pregnancy - Symptoms, Causes, Risks & Treatment

Piles, also known as haemorrhoids, is a common issue that affects many women during pregnancy. It is caused by increased pressure in the pelvic area due to the growing uterus, which can lead to swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels in the rectum and anus.

Piles during pregnancy can cause symptoms such as itching, pain, and bleeding, making everyday activities like sitting and going to the bathroom uncomfortable and difficult. While piles is a common issue for pregnant women, it is generally not harmful to the mother or the baby. To read in Hindi: गर्भावस्था में बवासीर: कारण, लक्षण, इलाज

With the increased blood volume and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, as well as the pressure placed on the veins in the rectum by the growing uterus, it's no surprise that piles are a common pregnancy complaint. Let's take a closer look at the symptoms and causes of piles during pregnancy and what you can do to manage them.

Symptoms of Piles in Female

Understanding the signs and symptoms of piles in female is important for early detection and treatment. The most common symptoms in the anal area include:

1. Pain or discomfort 
2. Itching or burning
3. Bright red blood in the stool or on toilet paper
4. Swelling or a lump
5. A mucus discharge
6. Pain during bowel movements
7. Difficulty sitting or standing for long periods

Below is a Piles Image showing the Signs and Symptoms. You can also find various Piles images in female on our website. To learn more, read Symptoms of Piles in Female

Piles during Pregnancy Causes

By being aware of the causes of piles, you can take steps to minimise the risks and ensure a healthy and comfortable pregnancy. Some causes include: 

1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Pregnancy puts extra pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, which can lead to the development of haemorrhoids. Prolonged standing and sitting can exacerbate this pressure and increase the risk of piles.
2. Constipation can lead to straining during bowel movements and contribute to the development of piles.
3. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause the veins to enlarge and relax, making them more susceptible to swelling and inflammation.
4. Genetics: Piles can run in families, and a genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing piles during pregnancy.

Taking steps to manage and prevent piles can help ensure a comfortable and healthy pregnancy. In this section, we will discuss the various do's and don'ts for managing piles during pregnancy.

Do's for Piles during Pregnancy

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help prevent constipation and reduce the strain on your veins during bowel movements.
2. Exercise regularly: Walking or prenatal yoga can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of developing piles.
3. Maintain a healthy diet: A high-fibre diet can help prevent constipation and reduce the strain on the veins during bowel movements.
4. Use a stool softener: Over-the-counter stool softeners can help make bowel movements easier.
5. Sitz Bath: This warm, shallow bath is designed to soothe discomfort and relieve pain associated with conditions like piles. Read more about How to Take a Sitz Bath: Procedure and Benefits

Below is a Piles Image for things that you should do if you have haemorrhoids while you are pregnant. 

Dont's for Piles during Pregnancy

1. Strain during bowel movements: This can increase pressure on the veins in the anus, making piles worse. To reduce the risk of piles, it is important to increase fibre and water intake and avoid constipation.
2. Sitting for long periods: Prolonged standing or sitting can increase pressure on the veins in the anus. If you have a sedentary job, make sure to take regular breaks and stretch your legs throughout the day.
3. Heavy lifting: This can increase pressure on the veins in the anal area. If you need to lift heavy objects, make sure to bend at your knees and lift with your legs rather than your back.
4. Using harsh toilet paper: Rough toilet paper can irritate the skin around piles, making it painful. It is important to use soft, gentle toilet paper or moist wipes to wipe that area. 

Below is a Piles Image for things you should avoid while being pregnant with haemorrhoids. 

Generally, piles during pregnancy go away on their own without needing treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for longer periods, the condition can worsen and affect a pregnant woman's quality of life. Therefore, the doctor may suggest one of the following treatment methods for piles during pregnancy:

Home Remedies for Piles during Pregnancy

Many prefer home remedies or over-the-counter treatments over getting admitted to a hospital. For piles, many such remedies prove helpful and help cure piles in 3 days. Some of the effective home remedies to cure piles are:

1. Witch hazel: The natural witch hazel is known to have strong astringent properties. When applied to the haemorrhoids, it aids in the shrinkage of the tissues, healing the piles fast. One can dab a cotton ball dipped in hazel to battle the symptoms. 
2. Coconut oil: Renowned for its incredible therapeutic effects, it can help overcome symptoms. Additionally, it also reduces the urge to scratch and the itchy feeling. 
3. Aloe vera: The application of aloe vera helps reduce inflammation and itchiness. However, one shouldn’t apply the scented aloe vera gels containing colour and preservatives. That might aggravate the symptoms.
4. Ice packs: Repeated application of ice on the haemorrhoids will reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Sitz bath: Relaxing in a warm tub of water should assist in relieving swelling and discomfort caused by haemorrhoids. You can add Epsom salt to the water for better results, which shows anti-inflammatory effects.

The following is a Piles Image for Home Remedies that might help in curing Haemorrhoids during Pregnancy

Lifestyle Changes for Piles during Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing piles. Here are some tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help prevent constipation, which is a major cause of piles.
2. Eat a high-fibre diet: Foods that are rich in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help keep your stool soft and prevent constipation.
3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity, such as walking, can help prevent constipation and improve circulation, reducing the risk of piles.
4. Avoid standing for long: Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can increase pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus, leading to piles. Try to move around and stretch periodically.
5. Don't strain during bowel movements: This can increase the pressure on the veins in the rectal area leading to piles. Go to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and avoid holding in your stool.
6. Keep the rectal area clean: After a bowel movement, gently clean the rectal area with moist wipes or a bidet to reduce irritation and itching.
7. Elevating your feet while sitting can help reduce pressure on the rectal veins and reduce the risk of piles.

Medical Treatment for Piles During Pregnancy

In case the home remedies don’t work, there are other medical options that can describe how to cure piles during pregnancy. These include:

1. Over-the-counter creams, ointments or suppositories for pain relief. The main constituent of these medications is steroids which can relieve the burning and itching sensation caused due to piles during pregnancy. 
2. Haemorrhoid creams are also available to help cure piles symptoms during pregnancy.
3. Witch Hazel: The doctor may also advise witch hazel as it relieves piles during pregnancy.
4. Ayurvedic Triphala is a blend of three fruits (amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki) that can help improve digestive health and reduce constipation.
5. Isabgol: Also known as psyllium husk, it is a commonly used natural remedy for digestive issues, including constipation and piles.

Surgery would be the last resort if the medical treatment for piles during pregnancy doesn't work. Surgical options include:

1. Rubber band ligation: This includes tying a special rubber band to stop the blood supply, thereby shrinking and killing haemorrhoids. This is effective for internal haemorrhoids.
2. Sclerotherapy: Passing an electric current or injecting a solution to cause shrinkage of Piles
3. Haemorrhoidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove large external haemorrhoids. There are various techniques to perform haemorrhoidectomy. These include:
   1. Open Haemorrhoidectomy
   2. Stapler Haemorrhoidectomy
   3. Laser Haemorrhoidectomy

If you are pregnant and have piles, it is important to focus on eating a healthy diet that can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are some dietary recommendations that may help:

1. High-fibre foods: Eating foods that are high in fibre can help reduce constipation, which is a common cause of piles. Examples include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
2. Plenty of fluids: Drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help keep your stools soft and prevent constipation. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
3. Probiotics: Foods such as yoghurt and fermented foods, can help improve gut health and prevent constipation.

Food Items to Avoid

As mentioned earlier, fibre is a must-have component in your diet to avoid constipation. Hence food items low in fibre content should not be consumed. Examples include:

1. Processed food items such as frozen, canned, sausages, etc.
2. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, etc.
3. Spicy and oily food items; fast food or fried food especially.
4. Keep an eye on how much salt you consume. It can cause your body to hold on to water, putting additional strain on the blood vessels. This includes the rectal veins that cause haemorrhoids.
5. Caffeine and alcohol can both cause dehydration and increase the risk of constipation. Try to limit your intake of these substances during pregnancy.
6. Please consult a doctor before taking iron tablets because they might trigger constipation and other digestive issues.

Before delivery, make sure to discuss your condition with the doctor. They can advise you on how to manage your symptoms during delivery and help you manage pain. 

Preparation for delivery with Piles

The doctor will follow the given steps for a comfortable delivery of the child; if the female has piles: 

1. Comfortable birthing position: During delivery, the doctor will make you sit in a comfortable birthing position that puts the least amount of pressure on your rectal area. This could include lying on your side or using a squat hands-and-knees position.
2. Pain management: Use management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, or pain medication to help manage pain and discomfort.
3. Perianal pad: A pad will be used to clean the blood and the clots. This will protect your rectal area and prevent further irritation.

Postpartum Care for Piles during Pregnancy

1. After delivery, keep the rectal area clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
2. Avoid straining during bowel movements to reduce the pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus and prevent further irritation.
3. Follow a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
4. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent constipation.

Though piles get better by themselves, sometimes the situation may reach an advanced stage. This can lead to complications of piles in pregnancy, such as:

1. Pain and Discomfort: Haemorrhoids can cause pain and discomfort, especially when having a bowel movement.
2. Excessive Bleeding: There can be bleeding, leading to bright red blood in the stool or on the toilet paper.
3. Risk of Infection: In severe cases, a blood clot can form in a pile, leading to pain, swelling, and an increased risk of infection.
4. Anaemia: Prolonged bleeding from piles can lead to anaemia, a condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the body.
5. Longer time to heal: Piles that are not treated during pregnancy can take longer to heal and may cause persistent symptoms after delivery.

Below are woman piles pictures of all the potential complications that can occur if the treatment is delayed. 

Piles are a common condition experienced by many pregnant women. Having piles during pregnancy is not problematic; post-pregnancy, the haemorrhoids generally resolve on their own. You can also try some home remedies to cure piles during pregnancy. If you’re planning on taking some medications, it’s best to consult a medical expert beforehand.

At HexaHealth, we have a team of expert medical professionals who can help you treat piles without any hassle. Visit our website to get in touch with us right now!

Suggested Reads: 

1. Laser Treatment for Piles
2. Piles Cure in 3 Days
3. Stapler Surgery for Piles
4. Side Effect of High SGPT SGOT during Pregnancy
5. Home Remedies for Constipation Relief during Pregnancy