In pregnancy if it’s not one thing it’s another! That is why pregnancy is not for the weak of spirit or heart! Unfortunately constipation and hemorrhoids are a fact of life for many pregnant women.
What causes this?
By the 3rd trimester your uterus has ballooned to accommodate your growing baby. As your womb expands, it starts to crowd the stomach and intestines, which are already sluggish because of the progesterone in your system. The result? You guessed it, constipation!
What can you do?
-get plenty of fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains…)
-drink at least 8 to 10 eight ounce glasses of water a day
-Exercise!
-ask your physician for a stool softener that’s safe for pregnancy
Constipation often leads to hemorrhoids, or swollen veins in your rectum. These are very uncomfortable, but won’t
do permanent damage.
What else can you do?
-treat constipation as soon as possible
-do kegel exercises
-take a “sitz” bath everyday (drugstores usually carry the special shallow sitz bath tubs that fit over your toilet)
-avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time
-apply ice packs or soak the area in witch hazel
-avoid inflatable hemorrhoid pillows, these can backfire increasing pressure in that area.
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