Piles in pregnancy

Reasons for piles in pregnancy

There are a number of reasons why pregnancy piles affect mums-to-be:

• Your body has more blood circulating around it during pregnancy – making all your veins a little more dilated. Unfortunately that means the delicate veins around your bottom may get sluggish and swollen too, especially when your ever-growing uterus is putting extra pressure on them.
• Straining to go to the loo is a common cause, so, if like many mums-to-be, you’re constipated, eating an extra fibrous diet and drinking lots of water should help your haemorrhoids.

Piles medication

Unfortunately, there's only a limited selection of medication you can take for piles during pregnancy, so ask your midwife which piles cream, ointment or suppository you could use.

Self-help

Piles medication isn’t the only answer – here are a few other things you can try to speed up your recovery:

• Ease the pressure on your abdomen by lying on your left side every few hours if you can. About 20 minutes of putting your feet up should do the trick.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, talcs or wet wipes. Wash your bottom with plain water after each bowel movement and dry yourself well. Loose fitting cotton underwear will help you feel fresh.
• Go to the loo whenever you feel the urge – don't put it off!
• Avoid straining and constipation.
• Try a little gentle exercise to improve your general circulation.
• Avoid too much sitting or standing and relax in a warm bath if you're troubled by itching. If that doesn't suit you, some people recommend an ice pack instead.