Over-the-counter remedies are available for hemorrhoids during pregnancy, but many women opt for all-natural alternatives. Natural remedies can be highly effective in alleviating discomfort and pain.
Natural remedies such as applying an ice pack or witch hazel can relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy without the risks associated with medication. It eases pain and reduces swelling. Take a few daily soaks in a warm (not hot) tub.
While there are medical interventions for hemorrhoids, natural remedies are a safer and more effective option for pregnant women. This blog post will discuss effective natural remedies for piles (hemorrhoids) during pregnancy.
Natural Remedies For Hemorrhoid While Pregnant: 20 Methods
If you suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy, you may wonder how to get some relief. The good news is that many natural remedies can help reduce your piles' pain, itching, swelling, and bleeding. Here are some of the practical and fastest ways to get rid of hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Eat Apples
Apples are high in fiber, which can help you have regular and soft bowel movements. This can prevent constipation and straining, the main causes of hemorrhoids. Apples also contain pectin, a natural substance that can help shrink hemorrhoids and heal them faster.
To use this remedy, eat one or two apples daily, preferably with the skin on. You can also drink apple juice or cider, but ensure they are fresh and organic.
Consume Bananas Regularly
Bananas are another great source of fiber, which can improve your digestion and prevent constipation. Bananas also contain natural laxatives, such as fructose and sorbitol, which can soften your stool and make it easier to pass. Bananas also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the swelling and inflammation of your hemorrhoids.
This remedy can be used by eating ripe bananas a day. You can also mash a banana, mix it with milk or yogurt, and eat it as a snack.
Eat Broccoli
Broccoli is rich in fiber, so it can help you avoid constipation and straining. Broccoli also contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that can boost your immune system and protect your blood vessels from damage. Broccoli also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce the pain and swelling of your hemorrhoids.
Eat one or two cups of raw or cooked broccoli daily to use this remedy. Add broccoli to your salads, soups, stir-fries, or casseroles.
Eat Oranges
Oranges are high in vitamin C and fiber, aiding digestion and bowel movements. Vitamin C can also strengthen your blood vessels and prevent them from rupturing or bleeding. Vitamin C can also promote wound healing and tissue repair, which can help heal your hemorrhoids faster.
It is recommended to consume one or two oranges a day. You can drink fresh orange juice or a smoothie with oranges and other fruits.
Castor Oil
Castor oil can be used externally and internally. An external treatment involves putting some castor oil on a cotton ball and applying it to the hemorrhoids. Within a week, daily application can reduce swelling and itching. Castor oil can also be used as a laxative internally.
Apply Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can relieve itching and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Coconut oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can prevent infection and inflammation of your piles. Coconut oil also has analgesic properties, easing the discomfort of your hemorrhoids.
To use this remedy, apply coconut oil to the affected area after cleaning it with warm water. You can also soak a cotton ball in coconut oil and insert it into your anus for a few minutes. Repeat this process two or three times a day until you feel better.
Warm Water Tub Bath
A warm water tub bath is one of the simplest and most effective ways to soothe your hemorrhoids. Warm water can relax your muscles and nerves around the anus and reduce the pressure on your piles. Warm water can also increase blood circulation and promote the healing of your hemorrhoids.
Fill a tub with warm and salty ocean water—which reduces inflammation and soothes pain associated with hemorrhoids—or baking soda to use this remedy. Sit in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes, ensuring your anus is submerged in the water. You can also add some essential oils, such as lavender or chamomile, to enhance the soothing effect. Do this once or twice daily until you feel better.
Include Pumpkins in Your Diet
Pumpkins are high in fiber, improving digestion and preventing constipation. Pumpkins also contain beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, which can improve skin health and tissue repair. Pumpkins are also anti-inflammatory, which reduces inflammation and swelling in hemorrhoids.
One or two cups of cooked pumpkin daily to use this remedy. You can also make pumpkin soup, pie, bread, or muffins.
Eat Pears
Pears are another fruit that is high in fiber and natural laxatives. Pears promote regular bowel movements and prevent straining. Pears also contain antioxidants and flavonoids to prevent blood vessel damage and inflammation.
Take this remedy by eating a few pears a day. You can also drink pear juice or make a smoothie with pears and other fruits.
Include Beans in Your Diet
Beans are one of the best sources of fiber that prevent constipation. Beans also contain protein, iron, folate, and other nutrients supporting your overall health and well-being during pregnancy. Beans also have anti-inflammatory effects that reduce hemorrhoids' pain and swelling.
Cook one or two cups of beans daily to use this remedy. You can choose from different types of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, or soybeans. Add beans to your salads, soups, stews, or burritos.
Add Sweet Potato to Your Diet
Sweet potato is another food rich in fiber and considered a natural laxative. Sweet potato promotes regular bowel movements and prevents straining. Sweet potato also contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, which can improve your skin health and tissue repair. Sweet potato also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce hemorrhoids' swelling and inflammation.
A cup or two of cooked sweet potato daily to use this remedy. You can also make sweet potato fries, chips, mash, or pie.
Include Foods Rich in Bioflavonoids in Your Diet
Bioflavonoids are natural compounds that are found in many fruits and vegetables. Bioflavonoids can help keep your blood vessels strong and prevent them from rupturing. Bioflavonoids can also promote wound healing and tissue regeneration, which may result in quicker healing of hemorrhoids.
To use this remedy, eat foods rich in bioflavonoids, such as citrus fruits, berries, cherries, grapes, onions, garlic, broccoli, spinach, kale, and green tea.
Banana peel
Banana peel is a natural remedy for hemorrhoids that can reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort. It contains antioxidants and vitamins that can promote healing and strengthen blood vessels. Applying the inside of a ripe banana peel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can provide relief and help with the healing process.
Use Ice Packs
Ice packs are a simple and effective way to reduce the swelling and pain of your hemorrhoids. Ice packs can constrict your blood vessels and numb the nerves around the anus. Ice packs can also prevent bleeding and infection of your piles.
To use this remedy, wrap some ice cubes in a cloth or a plastic bag and apply it to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use frozen vegetables or gel packs as alternatives. Repeat this process several times per day until you feel better.
Be Active and Exercise Regularly
Being active and exercising regularly can improve your digestion and bowel movements. Exercise can also stimulate your blood circulation and oxygen supply to your tissues. Exercise can also reduce stress and tension, which can worsen your hemorrhoids.
To use this remedy, do some moderate physical activities for at least 30 minutes a day. There are many types of exercises, such as walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, or pilates. You can also do pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to strengthen your muscles and support your rectum and anus. However, avoid activities that may cause pressure or friction on your hemorrhoids, such as cycling, horseback riding, or weight lifting.
Use Fresh Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that has many medicinal and cosmetic benefits. Aloe vera can provide relief from hemorrhoids' itching and irritation. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that prevent piles from inflaming and infecting. Aloe vera also has healing and regenerative effects, helping hemorrhoids heal faster.
Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract its gel to use this remedy. Apply some gel after cleaning the area with warm water. You can also drink aloe vera juice or make smoothies with aloe vera and other fruits.
Use a Potato Pack
Potato is a vegetable that can soothe your hemorrhoids. Potatoes reduce inflammation and swelling in piles. Potato can also remove toxins and impurities from your skin and promote the healing of hemorrhoids.
To use this remedy, peel and grate a raw potato. Wrap some potato shreds in a cloth or gauze over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also insert a small piece of potato for a few minutes into your anus. Repeat this process daily until you feel better.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for your pregnancy health. They provide essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, supporting immunity and protecting cells from damage. They also provide you with fiber, which improves digestion and prevents constipation.
Eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily to use this remedy. You can choose from different colors and varieties, such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, berries, cherries, pears, broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, etc.
Add More Probiotic Foods to Your Daily Diet
Probiotic foods contain live beneficial bacteria that can improve your gut health and digestion. Probiotic foods can help you balance your intestinal flora and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that may cause infection or inflammation of your hemorrhoids. Probiotic foods can also help you boost your immune system and prevent allergies or infections.
To use this remedy, eat more probiotic foods in your daily diet, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, tempeh, or kombucha. You can also take probiotic supplements, but ensure they are safe and effective for pregnancy.
Use Safe Laxatives
Laxatives are substances that promote regular and easy bowel movements. Laxatives are beneficial in preventing hemorrhoids caused by constipation and straining. However, not all laxatives are safe or suitable for pregnancy. Some laxatives may have side effects or complications for you or your baby, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, cramps, diarrhea, or premature labor.
To use this remedy, consult your physician about safe and effective laxative options for pregnancy. Some of the natural laxatives that may be recommended are psyllium husk, flax seeds, prunes, or castor oil. However, consult your healthcare provider first before using any laxatives.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: The Dos and Don’ts for Natural Relief
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be a nuisance and discomfort, but they can also be prevented and managed with simple tips and advice. Here are some natural ways to get relief from hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Dos:
- Follow a high-fiber diet: Fiber promotes regular, soft bowel movements and prevents constipation and straining. Fiber can also help you feel full and control your weight gain during pregnancy. Aim for at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water can help eliminate toxins and prevent dehydration while also improving digestion. Drink 8 to 10 glasses daily or more if you are sweating or exercising. You can also consume herbal teas, juices, soups, or smoothies, but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages that can dehydrate you.
- Practice good hygiene: Keep your anal area clean and dry to prevent hemorrhoid infection and inflammation. Use soft, moist toilet paper or wipes to clean gently after each bowel movement. A bidet or squirt bottle can also be used to wash with warm water. Pat dry with a soft towel or hair dryer. Avoid perfumed or harsh chemicals that may irritate your hemorrhoids.
- Use natural remedies for relief: As mentioned above, many natural remedies can help you soothe your hemorrhoids and promote their healing. You can use them as needed or as directed by your healthcare provider. However, do not use any remedy that may cause an allergic reaction or negatively affect you or your baby.
- Consult with a healthcare provider for safe and effective treatment options: Get advice from your healthcare provider about safe and suitable prenatal hemorrhoid treatments. Options may include topical creams, suppositories, pads, banding, sclerotherapy, or surgery.
Don’ts:
- Avoid straining during bowel movements: Straining can worsen hemorrhoids, causing bleeding, prolapse, or thrombosis. Avoid it by relaxing your muscles and letting gravity do the work when passing stool. Elevating your feet on a stool/book can help improve posture and ease the passage.
- Avoid sitting for prolonged periods: Sitting for prolonged periods can aggravate hemorrhoids and reduce oxygen supply and blood circulation. Take breaks frequently and move around every hour. Use a cushion to support your buttocks and relieve pile pressure.
- Avoid spicy and greasy foods: Spicy and greasy foods can irritate digestion, leading to diarrhea/constipation & hemorrhoid discomfort. Try mild foods like rice, bread, bananas, or yogurt & avoid gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage, or broccoli.
- Avoid using any medication or treatment without consulting with your healthcare provider first: Before taking any medication or treatment during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider. Seek advice on possible side effects, interaction with other drugs, and impact on labor and delivery. So, always read instructions carefully and ask your healthcare provider about any concerns.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are not serious health condition, but they can affect your quality of life and well-being. These natural hemorrhoid relief tips can prevent and treat them safely and effectively without harming your child.
Although numerous medical treatments are accessible to women to relieve their symptoms, some utilize natural remedies. We will examine the importance and effectiveness of natural remedies and guide their proper use. Let's take a closer look at the realm of natural remedies.
Benefits of Natural Remedies
Natural remedies for hemorrhoids have many benefits, such as:
- They are inexpensive and readily available. You can find most of them in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- They are gentle and soothing. They do not irritate or damage the delicate skin around the anus.
- They are natural and organic. They do not contain any artificial chemicals or additives that may harm you or your baby.
- They are holistic and comprehensive. They address the root causes of hemorrhoids, such as poor digestion, constipation, inflammation, and weak blood vessels.
- They are preventive and curative. They can help prevent hemorrhoids from developing or worsening, heal them faster, and reduce their recurrence.
Avoiding Harmful Medical Interventions During Pregnancy
While some medical interventions may be necessary for severe or complicated cases of hemorrhoids, they should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy. Some of the reasons are:
- They may pose risks or complications for you and your baby: For example, surgery may cause bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs. Medications may have side effects or interact with other drugs you are taking. Injections may cause allergic reactions or nerve damage.
- They may not be effective or long-lasting: For example, surgery may not remove or prevent all the hemorrhoids from returning. Medications may only provide temporary relief or mask the symptoms. Injections may wear off after a few weeks or months.
- They may interfere with your natural birth process: For example, surgery may weaken your pelvic floor muscles or cause scarring, affecting labor and delivery. Medications may affect your contractions or your baby’s heart rate. Injections may numb your anal area and make it harder to push.
Therefore, it is advisable to try natural remedies before resorting to any medical interventions for hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Natural remedies can help you manage your symptoms and improve your condition without harming you or your baby.
Conclusion:
Hemorrhoids can be a distressing and painful issue for pregnant women. However, natural remedies are a safe and effective way to reduce symptoms while avoiding the risks associated with medical interventions.
Following a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, and using natural remedies such as fresh fruits and vegetables, aloe vera, and probiotic foods can help prevent and alleviate hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
Remember to avoid straining during bowel movements, sitting for prolonged periods, and spicy and greasy foods. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider regarding safe and effective treatment options and ensure your pregnancy journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
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