Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy (Cont.)

• Emptying bowels as soon as possible after the urge occurs.

• Getting daily exercise, such as walking. Exercise speeds up the intestines. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about what exercises during pregnancy are safe.

• Avoiding sitting or standing for long periods of time.

• Increasing fiber and fluid in the diet. This helps reduce constipation and straining by producing stools that are softer and easier to pass. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.

Good sources of fiber include:

• Fruits
• Vegetables, such as carrots and green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Bran.