A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

MANAGING HEMORRHOIDS AND CONSTIPATION WHILE EXPECTING

Melike Pündük Yılmaz

İstanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Pündük Yılmaz M. Managing Hemorrhoids and Constipation While Expecting. Çetin A, ed. A Guide To Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments and Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.23-31.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy predisposes to gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and haemorrhoids due to an- atomical and hormonal changes. Constipation is defined as infrequent bowel movements, difficulty in defecation and feeling of incomplete emptying and occurs in 11-38% of pregnant women. This is usually due to factors such as pressure on the intestines from the growing uterus, hormonal changes, insufficient fibre and water consumption. Symptoms of constipation include straining, passing lumpy or hard stools, a feeling of complete emptying, anorectal obstruction/blockage, manual manoeuvring to facilitate defecation and <3 spontaneous bowel movements per week for at least 1 month. Constipation is more common in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are defined as abnormal downward displacement of the anal pads causing venous dil- atation. Hemorrhoids often develop after constipation and are common during pregnancy. The main symptoms reported to be caused by haemorrhoids are burning, itching, perianal pain and bleeding. This condition is particularly common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and postnatal period.

The first step in dealing with constipation and hemorrhoids is lifestyle changes and appropriate dietary adjustments. Adopting a fibre-rich diet, daily water consumption of 2-2.5 litres, regular bowel habits and exercise are very important in this process. In addition, prebiotics, probiotics and natural laxatives can be effective in relieving constipation symptoms and preventing hemorrhoids.

In the treatment of haemorrhoids, ointments, topical creams and pain-reducing natural methods are used, while surgical interventions are usually postponed until after delivery. The effects on mater- nal health and the foetus must be carefully assessed during treatment. For successful management of constipation and haemorrhoids, it is important that these problems are evaluated during antenatal follow-up.

In addition, pregnant women should be informed about these issues through antenatal education pro- grammes. Raising awareness of pregnant women helps to improve the quality of life and prevent possible complications. In this way, the general health of mother and baby can be protected. All these approaches ensure effective management of these common problems during pregnancy.

Keywords: Constipation; Hemorrhoids; Pregnancy; Prenatal care; Fetus; Diet; Exercise

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