What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are caused by an increase in pressure within either the internal or external hemorrhoidal veins. There are several reasons why pressure may increase during pregnancy. Some of these reasons include:
- The fetus and uterus are growing, which puts more pressure on veins in the lower pelvic area.
- Hormonal changes, which can cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge.
- Severe pressure to the hemorrhoidal veins that occurs during childbirth.
- Frequent constipation during pregnancy. Constipation increases straining and pressure during bowel movements.
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
The symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are similar to the symptoms experienced by women who are not pregnant. Symptoms of hemorrhoids are based on the type of hemorrhoid a woman develops.
Internal Hemorrhoids
The most common symptom of
internal hemorrhoids is bright-red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl.
Other symptoms of internal hemorrhoids may include:
- Feeling of vague anal discomfort
- Feeling of fullness after a bowel movement.
External Hemorrhoids
Unlike internal hemorrhoids, which are usually not painful,
external hemorrhoids can be quite painful. For a person with an external hemorrhoid, symptoms may also include:
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