Hemorrhoids Are a Literal Pain in the Butt!

If you’re reading this blog post then I must have hit a nerve! I feel for ya! I’ve been there too. Pregnancy can have many challenges, but living with hemorrhoids is such a drag. Take heart because there are some things you can do to make these annoying, itchy, or painful hemorrhoids go away. Hopefully at least one of these remedies will help you feel better.

A Potato-Foe of Hemorrhoids! 

Yes, it’s weird but it’s true. This remedy is if your hemorrhoids are on the outside. It won’t work if they are internal and bleeding. Use a raw potato to act as an astringent and sooth discomfort caused by the hemorrhoids.

1. Wash 1 large russet potato,
2. Cut into small pieces
3. Put them in a blender until they are in liquid form
4. Add just a little bit of water if they look dry
5. Spread them into a gauze bandage or clean cloth
6. Gently press on to the hemorrhoids for five to ten minutes

Homeopathic Remedies – A Lifesaver

The homeopathic remedy, Aesculus Hippocastanum , will work great if the hemorrhoids are in the lower bowel or they are external. They may be enlarged and swollen and just outside the rectum. If that is what they look and feel like they are engorged hemorrhoidal veins. You may feel pain when having a bowel movement. They may feel itchy and just plain uncomfortable!

 

Other symptoms for Aesculus Hippocastanum: 

• When a pregnant mom also is experiencing a back ache in addition to the hemorrhoids, this is a good indication that the remedy will work well for her.
• The back aches can be debilitating.
• It will not only make her back ache go away, but will help to decrease the size and severity of the hemorrhoids.
• There is an absence of constipation in this situation, but the pressure is really uncomfortable when you do go have a bowel movement.
• Though you will experience a fair amount of pain, you will probably have little to no bleeding from the hemorrhoids.
• These hemorrhoids look like varicose veins and are deep purple. 

Hamamelis will work if you have these symptoms:

• Hamamelis is beneficial if there is a raw, sore feeling in the anus
• You have bleeding from the hemorrhoids.
• The lower back may ache.

For immediate relief from the discomfort of hemorrhoids, try Boiron Suppositories

Bioflavanoids Are Your Friends

 

Bioflavonoids are plant pigments and antioxidants. They have powerful antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids work with other antioxidants to offer more benefits from vitamin C. So add more foods high in Vitamin C and maybe an additional Vitamin C supplement. Don’t take too much Vitamin C supplements, though. They can make you very gassy and give you diarrhea. It’s better to eat lots of foods high in Vitamin C. Try Nature’s Way Bioflavanoids to strengthen and tone blood vessels and prevent or lessen the severity of hemorrhoids.

Make Any Trip to the Potty a Lot More Comfortable

The first thing to do is take a stool softener, daily. You’ll want them on hand for your postpartum period. It can be uncomfortable after you push out a baby to have a bowel movement. Hopefully you won’t have hemorrhoids again, but it’s pretty likely. If you experience them during pregnancy, you’ll probably have them from pushing your baby out. 

Taking Flax Oil can reduce inflammation and lubricate your digestive tract. Your veins and intestines are swollen and inflamed. Flax seeds and flax seed oil have Omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce inflammation. Only use ground flax seed or flax seed oil. You won’t benefit from eating whole flax seeds. Your body can’t digest them whole. But the ground flax seeds are good soluble fiber.

Witch Hazel Is Good Magic

Witch hazel acts as an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. You’ll find immediate comfort and relief from hemorrhoids if you make some “Pad-sicles” to place on your external hemorrhoids. Aaaahh!

“Pad-sicles” are great for postpartum too. For your pregnancy hemorrhoids, you can buy some panty liners and soak them in witch hazel. Place them in the freezer in a plastic ziplock bag. Pull one out at a time and use it by placing it on your anus. For postpartum, buy the largest maxi-pads you can find. Soak them with the witch hazel and put them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. Make sure to read the label. Many witch hazels have isopropyl alcohol. Make sure there is no alcohol in your witch hazel.

You can also use Tucks pads to relieve discomfort and will help reduce inflammation.

Have a Seat!

The Squatty Potty Stool – A Better Bathroom Experience (7in high):

Research suggests that squatting while going number 2 allows a much easier elimination because it allows one to relax and dispense with the need to strain.  The squatting position creates an angle between the rectum and anus that makes the whole process easier and helps reduce constipation and hemorrhoids. This exact same principal applies to birthing a baby!

Squatting is a hard position to get in, and stay in if you’re not used to it. That’s where the Squatty Potty comes in.  Just like in childbirth, squatting opens the inlet of the pelvis 10-15% more and shortens the birth canal up to 30%. But it’s a lot easier if you’re flexible and used to the position. For birth you can use a birth chair or a birthing stool. For pooping the Squatty Potty comes to the rescue!

 For pregnancy, it will not only make trips to the bathroom easier and more comfortable, but it will help prepare your body for one of the best positions in which to birth your baby. Give it a try and in a couple of years, your kids can use it to get up on the potty by themselves. No matter the purpose, it’s a great investment.

Sitz Baths

Soothe Your Tush in The Bath: This soothing herbal combination in the bath will relax you and make you much more comfortable. It will help heal your bum a lot faster. The herbal ingredients have healing properties that reduce inflammation. Also epsom salts in the bath can not only soothe the pain and itch of your pregnancy hemorrhoids but will relax you. Pour 2-3 pounds of epsom salts in the warm bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.

 

When to See a Doctor

Many ObGyn’s or Family Practice doctors really don’t know how to treat hemorrhoids.  Some just simply don’t want to deal with them. So if they can’t help you, or won’t, get a referral to a gastroenterologist or a proctologist. You can search in the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons. Sometimes hemorrhoids can get so bad that only a specialist can help you. I sure hope you feel better soon!