Constipation and Hemorrhoids

Description

Women previously unaffected by constipation before childbirth can suffer from constipation after childbirth and develop hemorrhoids. In many cases, treating constipation automatically relieves and treats hemorrhoids.


Constipation/Causes

# A decline in intestinal activity, due to hormones from the placenta, continues for a few days after delivery.
# Pain from the perineotomy region prevents pushing during bowel movements.
# Many mothers have difficulty going to the bathroom because of enemas they received before giving birth.


Constipation/Treatment

# Constipation medicine is routinely used after childbirth. If there are no bowel movements after 3 to 4 days and there is a heavy feeling, a suppository or enema may help.
# Enemas and suppositories can become habitual. Try to avoid using enemas and suppositories, and, instead, eat food that does not cause constipation.



Hemorrhoids/Causes

# Severe hemorrhoids are very painful. They are caused by:
# An enlarged uterus applies pressure to the veins. Veins in the anus become congested from pushing while constipated.
# Women who did not experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy can get hemorrhoids as a result of pushing during delivery.

Hemorrhoids/Treatment

# Most hemorrhoids heal with time and sitz baths. It is important not to become constipated; if pain is severe, painkillers, suppositories, and spray local anesthetics should be used.
# Severe pain should subside after 2-3 days, but if pain is severe a local anesthesia can be applied to remove coagulated blood and ease symptoms.
# If severe symptoms and discomfort continue after puerperium (i.e., the period from the end of the third stage of labor until the involution of the uterus has occurred-may be three to six weeks) consult a surgeon to decide on a surgical solution.