Hemorrhoids are veins that have become swollen and engorged with blood (varicose veins).
Many women experience them for the first time during pregnancy or the postpartum period for several reasons, including a rush of hormones, internal pressure, and constipation. They can range from irritating to quite painful, but the good news is that for the most part, hemorrhoids aren't serious. Most tend to go away with attentive home treatment. Many women believe that witch hazel for hemorrhoids stops the pain. Types and Symptoms These swollen tissues appear in the rectal area and can vary from the size of a pea to that of a grape. There are internal hemorrhoids (affected veins are inside the sphincter), as well as external hemorrhoids (affected veins protrude outside the anal opening). Hemorrhoids may simply feel itchy, but they also can be painful. In some cases, particularly following a bowel movement, they can cause rectal bleeding. If you had hemorrhoids before you were pregnant, there's a good chance they'll come back post-delivery. What Causes Them For pregnant or postpartum moms, hemorrhoids are often a result of stress on the perineum in the months before, and during, delivery. Veins work like valves to push blood back up to the heart, and when those "valves" become weakened, they can swell with blood. You can probably imagine how the stress of carrying a baby and then pushing a baby out during vaginal delivery, can cause the veins to pop out. Additionally, all of the hormones going through your body during pregnancy and birth affect how these veins work. Pregnant mothers have increased production of the hormone progesterone, which also causes veins to relax.
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