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Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the mucous membranes of your rectum. Some pregnant women don't even realize they have hemorrhoids, while for others they can be quite painful.

Hemorrhoids are caused by:

• the higher blood volume pumping through your veins
• pressure from your uterus on veins in your rectum

They can also be caused by the extra weight you're carrying around, and heavier women often get worse cases. Because of the straining,...

Also known as piles, hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the mucous membranes of your rectum. Some pregnant women don't even realize they have hemorrhoids, while for others they can be quite painful.

Hemorrhoids are caused by:

• the higher blood volume pumping through your veins
• pressure from your uterus on veins in your rectum

They can also be caused by the extra weight you're carrying around, and heavier women often get worse cases. Because of the straining, constipation can aggravate and cause hemorrhoids as well.

If you're lucky enough not to get them while you're pregnant, chances are you'll get them during delivery (because of all that pushing and bearing down).

Prevention

Avoid hemorrhoids before you get them by:

• Eating foods high in fiber (prune juice counts) and lots of raw fruits and veggies
• Drinking lots of water to avoid constipation
• Getting plenty of exercise to help keep you regular
• Not sitting for long periods, and changing sitting positions as often as possible
• Not gaining too much weight.

Pain Relief

Relieve the pain of hemorrhoids by:

• Wiping with witch hazel pads or using soap and warm water (toilet paper can exacerbate hemorrhoids). Keep your rectal area as clean as possible.
• Taking lots of warm baths. Soaking in warm water for 20 minutes three times a day can help shrink the hemorrhoids and relieve the pain.
• Using an over-the-counter or prescription hemorrhoid cream. Before using either type, talk to your doctor about it first.

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