How to Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the rectum that become enlarged and painful. During pregnancy, the increased blood volume and the pressure of the enlarged uterus may cause more hemorrhoids. The following steps may help alleviate hemorrhoids or at least ease the discomfort.

Things You'll Need

• Cold compress with crushed ice
• Baking soda
• Witch hazel
• Nursing pillow or Padded doughnut

Instructions

1. Crush some ice into a sock, a rubber glove, or a plastic bag and apply it directly to the hemorrhoids. The coldness will help the enlarged veins shrink, which should alleviate some of the pain.

2. If your hemorrhoids feel itchy, add approximately half a cup of baking soda to a warm bath, but make it a quick soak. The baking soda can help stop the itchiness, but can also irritate the bleeding.

3. To help shrink the hemorrhoids and alleviate discomfort, pour a little witch hazel on a cotton ball or gauze pad and put it directly on the hemorrhoids. Witch hazel can help the hemorrhoids shrink.

4. If you have to sit down, use a nursing pillow or a doughnut that allows for support. If that is too uncomfortable, just use a plain pillow or sit on one buttock at a time.

5. If nothing else works, you can check with your doctor to get medicated pads.

Tips & Warnings

• If you apply an ice pack to your bottom, put a towel or absorbent pad underneath you so that it won't get anything wet as it melts.

• If you use a medicated pad for your hemorrhoids, make sure you read the warning label. Some medications have the ability to absorb through the rectal tissue and go into the bloodstream.