Not Only the Stomach Grows, Baby Size Turns Out to be a Trigger for Hemorrhoids in Pregnant Women

Illustration of a baby (Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Pregnancy brings many changes to the body, from appetite to sleep patterns. However, there is one health challenge that often makes pregnant women feel uncomfortable but reluctant to talk about it: hemorrhoids or piles.

Not just a matter of digestion, it turns out that the size of the fetus that is getting bigger is the main factor why pregnant women are very susceptible to this condition.

"Traffic" Effect of Blocked Blood

General surgery specialist graduate of the University of Indonesia, dr. Franky Mainza Zulkarnain, Sp. B, explained that as the baby grows in the womb, the pressure in the pelvic area increases drastically.

This pressure causes backflow or the flow of the blocked venous blood vessels. Imagine it like traffic flow that is held back by a large barrier; because the blood can't flow smoothly back to the heart, the blood accumulates at the bottom, specifically in the anal area.

"The bigger the baby in the stomach, the blood vessels go backwards. Finally, because it can't go back up, it goes down and widens," said Dr. Franky as quoted by ANTARA.

When Do Symptoms Start to Appear?

This condition is generally felt when pregnancy enters the age of over 3 months. The heavier and higher the baby's size, the pressure on the pelvis will be stronger. The veins in the anus area also widen, similar to varicose veins that we often see on the legs.

Why is it better to wait for treatment after giving birth?

Many pregnant women feel uncomfortable wanting to immediately undergo medical or surgical procedures. However, Dr. Franky advises mothers to be patient. The most effective hemorrhoid treatment is actually done after childbirth or after the postpartum period is completed.

Why is that?

Severity Monitoring: After the baby is born, the pressure on the pelvis will disappear naturally. Doctors need to see if the lump will deflate on its own or remain in place.

Mother & Baby Safety: Avoid invasive actions during pregnancy or breastfeeding if not in an emergency.

"Mom recovers first, until the baby is born, until the postpartum period is over... we'll see how much the swelling is deflated," suggested Dr. Franky.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Worsening

So that the condition of hemorrhoids does not get worse during pregnancy, there are several things that expectant mothers need to pay attention to:

Avoid Pushing Too Hard: Don't force yourself when you have a bowel movement. Make sure you get enough fiber and water to prevent constipation.

Choose the Right Sport: Although being active is good, avoid sports that require a lot of abdominal pressure such as weight lifting or certain yoga movements that require you to squeeze hard.

Don't Sit Too Long: Take a break to stand up or take a small walk to improve blood circulation.

Weight Control: Obesity can add a burden of pressure on the venous blood vessels.

Hemorrhoids are annoying, but with the right understanding and regular consultation with a doctor, comfort during pregnancy can still be maintained.