Hemorrhoids are a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain for pregnant women. Let’s explore effective treatments and preventive measures for this condition with our experts.
1 Why Pregnant Women Are Prone to Hemorrhoids
Reasons why pregnant women are prone to hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are quite common, with approximately 20-50% of pregnant women experiencing symptoms to varying degrees. As the fetus grows, it exerts pressure on the pelvic floor and perineum, coupled with reduced physical activity, an unbalanced diet, and insufficient fiber intake, easily leading to hemorrhoids. If a pregnant woman already has mild hemorrhoids, pregnancy can aggravate the condition and cause pain.
2 Folk Remedies to Treat Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Note: Consult a healthcare professional before trying any home remedies. If you notice any abnormal symptoms, seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
Here are some methods pregnant women can use to alleviate the discomfort and effectively treat hemorrhoids:
Use Black Bean Water
Use Black Bean Water
Black bean water is rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, making it highly beneficial for the health of both the mother and the fetus. In addition to its skin and weight control benefits, black bean water is also used to relieve constipation and hemorrhoids in pregnant women. According to traditional Chinese medicine, black beans have a sweet taste and cooling properties, helping pregnant women with internal heat to detoxify, cleanse the liver and kidneys, and promote diuresis.
Eat Pumpkin
Eat Pumpkin
Pumpkin has a low calorie and fat content but is rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and essential trace elements such as potassium and magnesium. Thanks to its high fiber content, pumpkin helps improve bowel movement, thereby preventing hemorrhoids.
Related:
Use Water Dropwort
Use Water Dropwort
According to traditional Chinese medicine, water dropwort has a sour and fishy taste, a cooling nature, and is used as both a spice and a medicinal herb. This herb is commonly used to treat inflammation, acne, irregular menstruation, and hemorrhoids.
Modern medical research has identified that water dropwort primarily contains aldehydes and ketone derivatives such as methyl-n-nonyl ketone, exhibiting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the quercetin in water dropwort has a strong diuretic effect, and its high fiber content promotes bowel movement, treats constipation, and helps manage hemorrhoid complications.
You can eat water dropwort raw or mix it with other vegetables to make a salad. Alternatively, you can blend 300g of water dropwort, strain the mixture, and consume the juice. However, it is important to limit your daily intake to 20-25g of water dropwort.
Use Betel Leaves
Use Betel Leaves
Studies have shown that betel leaves improve the metabolism of substances in the body and promote intestinal motility. Additionally, certain compounds in these leaves stimulate the anal sphincter, enhancing its function and facilitating the elimination of waste from the intestines.
Take a handful of betel leaves, wash and chop them finely. Then, boil the leaves and drink the water before meals.
Use Jujube Fruit
Use Jujube Fruit
Jujube fruit is rich in vitamins, fructose, and glucose, and it is especially high in fiber. Therefore, it is ideal for pregnant women suffering from constipation.
To relieve constipation, pregnant women should consume 9 grams of fresh jujube fruit or 3-5 cooked jujubes daily. For this remedy, it is recommended to eat the fruit with the skin to promote better bowel movement. Choose jujubes with a fragrant aroma and a deep color, and store them for no more than 1-2 days.
Use Chives
Use Chives
Chives are a rich source of fiber, aiding digestion and helping pregnant women overcome constipation effectively. They are also an excellent source of folate (the synthetic form of which is folic acid), iron, vitamins, and magnesium.
3 What Should Pregnant Women Do If They Have Hemorrhoids?
The best way to prevent hemorrhoids is to minimize the occurrence of constipation. Here are some important tips to remember to avoid hemorrhoids:
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink Plenty of Water
If you don’t drink enough water, your body will reabsorb water from the large intestine, leaving hard, dry stool that is difficult to pass. To avoid putting pressure on the anus, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Engage in Suitable Physical Activity
Regular exercise helps with blood circulation and promotes gentle movement of the digestive system.
Take Warm Baths
Warm baths are an excellent way to relax the body. Soak in a warm bath or sit in a warm tub and let your body unwind.
Take Warm Baths
Use Lubricating Gel
After a bowel movement, you can apply a hemorrhoid treatment gel to the anal canal. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional or doctor to choose the right product and follow the correct usage instructions to avoid scratches and infections.
Eat a High-Fiber Diet
Ensure you consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to increase your fiber intake. Drinking a glass of water with soaked chia seeds is excellent for intestinal motility. Incorporate healthy fats like pure coconut oil, olive oil, and avocados into your diet to lubricate the intestines and facilitate smoother bowel movements.
Eat a High-Fiber Diet
Don’t Hold Your Bowel Movements
Holding your bowel movements is a harmful habit. Respond to your body’s signals and go to the bathroom when needed. If you hold it in, the stool will harden, causing pain, rectal bleeding, and possibly leading to hemorrhoids.
Squat While Defecating
Squatting during defecation eases the process and reduces pressure on the pelvic floor.
Early detection, combined with a balanced diet and light exercise, can prevent hemorrhoids from becoming a serious threat to the mother and the baby. Share with us any recipes or methods you’ve used to treat hemorrhoids effectively during pregnancy!
Related: