Dietitian Shares Reducing Risk of Haemorrhoids in Pregnancy

Haemorrhoids are pretty common in Singapore. 1 in every 3 Singaporean suffers from haemorrhoids which is also known as piles. This is a condition where there are bulging and enlarged blood vessels in the anal region. It is characterised as painful and has a sensation of a lump in the anal region caused by excessive pressure due to constipation, pregnancy, chronic diarrhoea or bad bowel habits like sitting on the toilet seat for long periods of time. 

Why pregnancy and childbirth become a risk factor for haemorrhoids is due to the increased pressure in the uterus which presses against her pelvis, causing the veins in the anus region to become swollen and painful. Besides that,  the increase in progesterone during pregnancy causes the veins to dilate, making these veins more prone to swelling. This hormone also slows down bowel movements, making one more prone to constipation. Typically, pregnant women are also tired and may not be walking as much, thus possibly further aggravating the constipation issue. Additionally, iron supplements taken during pregnancy can increase risk of constipation too! These factors above all contribute to increased straining of the bowel movements. 

Therefore, one of the main focuses in preventing haemorrhoids during pregnancy is to prevent constipation as much as possible. Here’s a few tips:

Dietary Adjustments

Adequate fibre and fluid intake is important to keep bowel movements soft and regular. It is recommended by Singapore Health Hub that women should obtain 20g of fibre per day. A good start is to aim for two servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits per day. Additionally, it would also be good to incorporate more wholegrains into your meal regularly too. 

Higher fibre intake without adequate fluid intake is a recipe for disaster and may aggravate constipation. Therefore, it is important to get your fluids. Aim for at least 2L of fluids per day. Best to stick to plain water and sugar free drinks to minimise excessive calorie intake. Apart from only focusing on only plain water, you can also look at including fluids into your meals too by incorporating soups regularly.

It is important to note that a diet that is high in fibre should continue beyond pregnancy and into postpartum too. Thus, appropriate fibre intake during this time as you plan your confinement food recipe should be considered too. 

Lifestyle Adjustments

One thing that many miss out on is that regular exercise plays an important role in minimising risk of constipation. As simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes, five times a week is recommended. Engaging in gentle exercises like walking activates the abdominal muscles which in turns helps to stimulate bowel movement better. 

Another tip is to avoid prolonged sitting, especially on hard surfaces as it puts more pressure in the pelvic region. So it’s best to move around for a few minutes every hour or get a cushion or pillow if needed.

What are your bathroom habits? Many of us were taught to exert some force when we go to the bathroom. Actually, we should not exert any force.Thus, it is important to go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge as delaying it can lead to harder stools and straining. 

Seek Medical Advice

If other methods fail and you continue to experience persistent or severe hemorrhoid symptoms, it would be best to seek advice from your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options. Iron supplementation regime may need to be readjusted to reduce constipation. Other options such as stool softener can be considered too. However, it is important to note that regular use of laxative pills for constipation is not recommended especially during pregnancy as it can cause dehydration and may even stimulate uterine contractions. Thus, it is always best to discuss with your healthcare provider what are the suitable options for you. 

Implementing these strategies can help minimise the risk of developing haemorrhoids and manage any discomfort effectively during the pregnancy.