What should a pregnant woman do if she gets hemorrhoids?

In general, pregnant women who develop hemorrhoids can improve their condition through dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, warm water sitz baths, medication, or surgical treatment. Specific approaches are as follows:

1. Dietary Adjustments

Pregnant women should drink plenty of water and consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as dragon fruit, bananas, and celery, which help promote gastrointestinal motility, maintain smooth bowel movements, and relieve constipation.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

Pregnant women with hemorrhoids should avoid prolonged sitting or standing. As the uterus gradually enlarges during pregnancy, it may compress veins and obstruct venous return, potentially worsening hemorrhoids. Therefore, pregnant women are advised to avoid long periods of standing or sitting.

3. Warm Water Sitz Bath

In the early stages of hemorrhoids, symptoms such as rectal bleeding and pain may occur. Under medical guidance, warm water sitz baths can help alleviate these symptoms by improving local blood circulation and promoting the resolution of hemorrhoids.

4. Medication

If constipation due to hemorrhoids persists despite dietary and lifestyle changes, medications such as lactulose oral solution or lactic acid bacteria tablets may be used under a doctor's supervision. These medications increase stool moisture and facilitate defecation, thereby relieving hemorrhoid symptoms.

5. Surgical Treatment

If symptoms do not improve after trying the above measures, surgical intervention may be considered under medical guidance, such as hemorrhoidectomy, which can effectively alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms.

Pregnant women are advised to develop healthy bowel habits in daily life, such as defecating upon waking or promptly responding to the urge to defecate, and avoiding straining during bowel movements. Additionally, they should engage in appropriate physical activity, balance work with rest, and follow medical advice for regular prenatal checkups to monitor fetal development. If any discomfort occurs, pregnant women should seek timely medical care and receive standardized treatment under professional guidance to promote recovery.