Firstly here's a short description of what hemorrhoids are, so you can understand why you have them - but better still why you definitely want to avoid getting them while you are pregnant! A hemorrhoid is the equivalent of a varicose vein, but around the rectum.
 They get increasing amounts of extra weight on them during pregnancy, plus the fact that you have more blood circulating through your body when you are pregnant.
Any veins below your uterus, in the pelvic region and legs especially also dilate during pregnancy.
These veins become swollen and start to burn and itch and at worst they bleed bright crimson blood that can be seen on the toilet paper.
Sometimes these are external hemorrhoids which are outside of the body, and other times they are internal hemorrhoids, hidden inside the rectum and lower bowel.
 Great care should be taken not to scratch them, as this leaves open wounds susceptible to infection.
If you worry about getting them during pregnancy, and let's face it you will have enough bodily woes while you are pregnant, it is best to understand how to avoid getting them.
How to Avoid Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy If you get constipated, that may well lead to hemorrhoids.
Straining exerts even more pressure on your poor dilated veins and the little valves inside the veins may eventually break.
The reason most people get constipated, pregnant or not, is because they don't drink enough water.
 Everybody should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
 Not sodas, not beer, water.
 People have an odd idea that if they are just drinking something that's okay, it's not.
 Especially sodas that will make you gain unwanted extra weight while you are pregnant, even diet sodas, and definitely not caffeinated drinks at all.
These may contribute to or cause heartburn which is another common problem during pregnancy.
If you are already constipated, try a gentle stool softener, but start drinking water - carry some around with you everywhere you go.
Once you get into the habit, you will see how much it helps.
Eating healthy foods full of fiber are also essential while you are pregnant, especially good are brown rice and whole grain foods which contain folic acid, which absolutely vital for a healthy baby and will help ease your constipation too.
 A healthy diet during pregnancy will again help you to keep off excess and unwanted weight that can be so hard to shed after your baby is born.
Depending at what stage of your pregnancy you are at, if you are not already exercising you should be, even if it's gentle yoga.
 Walking and swimming are the two best exercises while you are pregnant, swimming will take the weight off your bones and walking will get you fresh air and your blood circulating - both beneficial for keeping hemorrhoids at bay, and for your baby's well being.
If you already have hemorrhoids, there are a number of things you can do to help, we have some more information below, if you want to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids for good.
 They get increasing amounts of extra weight on them during pregnancy, plus the fact that you have more blood circulating through your body when you are pregnant.
Any veins below your uterus, in the pelvic region and legs especially also dilate during pregnancy.
These veins become swollen and start to burn and itch and at worst they bleed bright crimson blood that can be seen on the toilet paper.
Sometimes these are external hemorrhoids which are outside of the body, and other times they are internal hemorrhoids, hidden inside the rectum and lower bowel.
 Great care should be taken not to scratch them, as this leaves open wounds susceptible to infection.
If you worry about getting them during pregnancy, and let's face it you will have enough bodily woes while you are pregnant, it is best to understand how to avoid getting them.
How to Avoid Hemorrhoids during Pregnancy If you get constipated, that may well lead to hemorrhoids.
Straining exerts even more pressure on your poor dilated veins and the little valves inside the veins may eventually break.
The reason most people get constipated, pregnant or not, is because they don't drink enough water.
 Everybody should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
 Not sodas, not beer, water.
 People have an odd idea that if they are just drinking something that's okay, it's not.
 Especially sodas that will make you gain unwanted extra weight while you are pregnant, even diet sodas, and definitely not caffeinated drinks at all.
These may contribute to or cause heartburn which is another common problem during pregnancy.
If you are already constipated, try a gentle stool softener, but start drinking water - carry some around with you everywhere you go.
Once you get into the habit, you will see how much it helps.
Eating healthy foods full of fiber are also essential while you are pregnant, especially good are brown rice and whole grain foods which contain folic acid, which absolutely vital for a healthy baby and will help ease your constipation too.
 A healthy diet during pregnancy will again help you to keep off excess and unwanted weight that can be so hard to shed after your baby is born.
Depending at what stage of your pregnancy you are at, if you are not already exercising you should be, even if it's gentle yoga.
 Walking and swimming are the two best exercises while you are pregnant, swimming will take the weight off your bones and walking will get you fresh air and your blood circulating - both beneficial for keeping hemorrhoids at bay, and for your baby's well being.
If you already have hemorrhoids, there are a number of things you can do to help, we have some more information below, if you want to know how to get rid of hemorrhoids for good.