Why do I have hemorroids? How do I make them go away?

[Ambivalent Dreams]

I was a little constipated a few weeks ago and I assume that I first got hemorroids then. But, I switch to prenatal vitams without iron and have had no constipation since. So, why do I still have hemorroids? Is it just because of the weight of my belly? (I am 32 weeks.) Is it because I have to strain to pee sometimes? The hemorroids I have are really mild, but I want them gone and all healed up before I start pushing during labor! If I'm not healed up by then it just seems like this could be a recipe for disaster.

[lillymonster]

you can use ice. But I think it's mostly pressure now towards the late trimester. I got them in the beginning because of zofran, it was horrible. But I never got them towards then end except after pushing. I can't remember how it was after wards because I had a c-section and that hurt worse, but when I was during the worst in the early months (I had one rupture and had to go the ER) the OB said ice it like a swollen ankle, 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off. Witch hazel is also good. The creams can make things worse, but you can use it in worse case scenario. She said no warm sitz baths, which makes sense - you don't apply heat to something swollen, she said it actually makes it worse.

[gradstudentmommy]

I had horrible hemorrhoids during my first pregnancy and was terrified of what would happen after the birth. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the hemorrhoids were much, much better AFTER the birth than they ever were during pregnancy. I think the weight of the uterus in the third trimester exacerbates them. The best thing you can do it to avoid being constipated and straining (which you're already doing).

[terra-pip]

I always had them in the third trimesters of my pregnancies and worse PP. What always helped was chilled witch hazel compresses at every bathroom visit. I'm 2 weeks PP now and no more aggravation from that area...but I still use the witch hazel!

[WifeofAnt]

Oh yay. I'm only 20 weeks and they're already starting to get painful!

[HeatherB]

Witch hazel is great. There are also oral and topical homeopathic treatments. I get them IN labor, not pushing, just labor. Kinda weird, but it's been very consistent for me. Must remember to stock up on witch hazel this time!

[karen1968]

I've had small ones for YEARS thanks to IBS. I don't get constipated, but have frequent bouts of diarrhea and often sit on the toilet for long periods, and that can exacerbate them as well.

When they started getting worse in the first tri, I tried some essential oils from Healing Natural Oils. They have a specific pregnancy hemorroid formula (also one for bleeding 'roids). It worked great and probably would have completely cleared up the problem if I'd been more consistent and continued the treatment longer. I am terrible at not treating if something isn't immediately bothering me, though

[cjarvis]

Try castor oil (not internally). My MIL said it worked for relief of her. Try soaking a cotton ball with castor oil and apply to hemmorhoids. Helps to relieve and shrink swelling.