Hemorrhoids are essentially varicose veins that have become unusually swollen and have shown up in the rectal area.
The typical hemorrhoid ranges in size from a raisin to the size of a grape.
They can be itchy painful, and in some instances they can even cause rectal bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are particularly common during pregnancy, and can be an annoyance on top of the stress and strain of normal pregnancy health issues.
There are ways however, to relieve pregnancy induced hemorrhoids, and here they are: Use cold therapy by applying an ice pack (with a soft covering) to the affected area numerous times a day.
A soft cloth around a bag of ice should do it.
Ice will help to decrease the swelling and discomfort that hemorrhoids bring.
Some women find cold compresses saturated with witch hazel or mint water to be soothing.
Soak your bottom in warm water, in a tub with a few inches of cold water in it.
Another thing to do is to use what is called a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a plastic tub that fits over the toilet and can be filled with water.
Sitting in the cool water for 15 to 20 minutes can provide much needed relief from the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
A sitz bath is a convenient way to get quick relief with limited physical effort - a real plus when pregnant.
Do your best to avoid constipation.
Eat a diet rich in fiber, drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, and get regular exercise- even a short, brisk walk will due.
If you're constipated, ask your doctor about using a fiber supplement or stool softener that is safe for pregnancy.
Delicately and completely clean the affected area after each bowel movement using soft, white double ply toilet tissue.
Moistening the tissue can help as well.
Many women find using pre-moistened wipes a lot more comfortable and soothing than using toilet tissue.
You can try medicated wipes (such as Tucks pads) made especially for people with hemorrhoids.
Avoid sitting (especially on the toilet) or standing for long periods of time.
If your job involves sitting, or you have been resting a lot, get up and move around for five minutes every hour or so.
When at home, lie on your left side when sleeping, watching TV or reading, to take pressure off your rectal veins and help increase blood flow from the lower half of your body.
Although it is best to find natural remedies, you may ask your doctor to recommend a safe topical anesthetic or medicated suppository.
There is a variety hemorrhoid-relief products on the market, but consult your doctor before trying one.
Most of these products are designed to be used for a short course of treatment (usually a week or less).
Pregnant women have enough to worry about without having to suffer from hemorrhoids.
Taking only a few minutes a day to keep them under control will have you feeling more comfortable and confident.
Now about those swollen ankles...
The typical hemorrhoid ranges in size from a raisin to the size of a grape.
They can be itchy painful, and in some instances they can even cause rectal bleeding.
Hemorrhoids are particularly common during pregnancy, and can be an annoyance on top of the stress and strain of normal pregnancy health issues.
There are ways however, to relieve pregnancy induced hemorrhoids, and here they are: Use cold therapy by applying an ice pack (with a soft covering) to the affected area numerous times a day.
A soft cloth around a bag of ice should do it.
Ice will help to decrease the swelling and discomfort that hemorrhoids bring.
Some women find cold compresses saturated with witch hazel or mint water to be soothing.
Soak your bottom in warm water, in a tub with a few inches of cold water in it.
Another thing to do is to use what is called a sitz bath.
A sitz bath is a plastic tub that fits over the toilet and can be filled with water.
Sitting in the cool water for 15 to 20 minutes can provide much needed relief from the discomfort of hemorrhoids.
A sitz bath is a convenient way to get quick relief with limited physical effort - a real plus when pregnant.
Do your best to avoid constipation.
Eat a diet rich in fiber, drink eight to ten glasses of water a day, and get regular exercise- even a short, brisk walk will due.
If you're constipated, ask your doctor about using a fiber supplement or stool softener that is safe for pregnancy.
Delicately and completely clean the affected area after each bowel movement using soft, white double ply toilet tissue.
Moistening the tissue can help as well.
Many women find using pre-moistened wipes a lot more comfortable and soothing than using toilet tissue.
You can try medicated wipes (such as Tucks pads) made especially for people with hemorrhoids.
Avoid sitting (especially on the toilet) or standing for long periods of time.
If your job involves sitting, or you have been resting a lot, get up and move around for five minutes every hour or so.
When at home, lie on your left side when sleeping, watching TV or reading, to take pressure off your rectal veins and help increase blood flow from the lower half of your body.
Although it is best to find natural remedies, you may ask your doctor to recommend a safe topical anesthetic or medicated suppository.
There is a variety hemorrhoid-relief products on the market, but consult your doctor before trying one.
Most of these products are designed to be used for a short course of treatment (usually a week or less).
Pregnant women have enough to worry about without having to suffer from hemorrhoids.
Taking only a few minutes a day to keep them under control will have you feeling more comfortable and confident.
Now about those swollen ankles...
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