Hemeroids during early pregnancy

[Trentonsmom]

I am currently pregnant again. I have one DS and have had 2 MC and I am now currently 11 weeks, 2 days. I didn't really feel the effects of hemeroids(sp?) with the first one. I am already feeling the effects of them and I find that with the constipation I tend to bleed every time I have a bowel movement. Has anyone else ever had this? If so, what can I do about it? the only time they bother me is when I am actually going to to the bathroom.

[uncg12345]

There has been blood in my bowel movements like three times over a period of a month. I had my last period two weeks early after I had stopped using birth control and I think I may be pregnant, but only a few weeks. Can you have hemorrhoids during early pregnancy?

[Trentonsmom]

Thank you for your response. I wasn't finding anything when I searched at first because I am not to familiar with the word Hemorrhoid, so of course, as you can see, I spelled it wrong. Onced I spelled it right I found a bunch of stuff.

[AnnieBrooke]

Did you say "has anyone else ever had this?"  Sweetheart, hemorrhoids are so common during pregnancy that you really should ask "is there any lucky woman out there who has made it through a whole pregnancy without this?"  Here's some of what the National Institutes of Health has to say:

"Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy ...  The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.  An internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids are common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus in the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.

Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include:
-  tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
-  application of a hemorroidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time

Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (not alcohol) per day result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel)."

I have also heard good things about witch-hazel pads, and about Benefiber, and it is safe to use during pregnancy.