Bought to you by Mother & Baby
What causes piles?
Otherwise known as haemorrhoids, piles are swollen veins inside the rectum and around the anus. Increased blood flow and the pressure of your baby's weight on your anal area can cause the veins in the area to swell and protrude. This can cause anything from small pea-sized growths in the area to larger piles, the size of a grape. You may only experience mild irritation and itching but piles can cause severe pain. In some cases, they may also bleed.
How can I tell if I have piles?
Fresh blood on your toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.
Swellings around the anus.
Pain or discomfort during bowel movements.
How can piles be treated?
Piles can be treated in a variety of ways. Your GP or chemist can recommend a cream that's safe to use during pregnancy. You may find that simply applying an ice-cold compress does the trick - try adding a few drops of witch hazel tincture to a pint of water, then soak a cloth in it and chill in the fridge.
Preventing piles
As always, prevention is better than cure, so try to stay regular, as constipation puts added strain on the area. Exercising your pelvic floor muscles will increase circulation and ease congestion in the area. Avoid standing for long periods of time, too, as this puts pressure on the pelvic floor.
Bought to you by Mother & Baby
Home