Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that have become unusually swollen in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids typically range from the size of a raisin to the size of a grape. They can be itchy to painful, and sometimes they can even cause rectal bleeding especially during a bowel movement.
Hemorrhoids are relatively common during pregnancy and get worse with vaginal delivery but ultimately go away during postpartum. Here are some simple measures to use immediately after birth to help you relieve the pain and swelling associated with hemorrhoids.
- Apply a soft ice pack to the affected area several times a day.
- Soak your bottom in warm water, in a shallow tub or a sitz bath a few times a day for about ten minutes at a time.
- After each bowel movement, clean the affected area, using a peri-bottle and pat dry.
- Ask your healthcare practitioner to recommend a safe topical anesthetic or medicated suppository.
- Take the pressure off your rectal veins to relieve the pain. Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches of time and try a donut shaped pillow when sitting. Lie down when you can – when you’re nursing, reading, or watching TV, for example.