Blood in the stool when you're pregnant is usually caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Both are common and usually due to constipation. Always see your provider to rule out other possible causes such as irritable bowel syndrome, or cancer. There are numerous ways to prevent and treat hemorrhoids and anal fissures, and a lot of the options involve managing constipation, with things like fiber, proper hydration, and daily activity. Show
Pregnancy can be a pain in the butt – literally. Anal fissures and hemorrhoids during and after pregnancy are not only common and uncomfortable, but they can also cause anal bleeding during pregnancy. And experiencing blood in your stool when you're pregnant can be quite unnerving. Fortunately, hemorrhoids and anal fissures are almost always nothing more than a pregnancy discomfort. There are many ways to treat both the underlying cause and the symptoms of these pesky conditions. What causes blood in stool during pregnancy?Rectal bleeding during pregnancy is usually caused by hemorrhoids, which are swollen or broken blood vessels in the rectal area. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester and in the weeks after giving birth, affecting around half of expecting women. Pregnancy hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure in the pelvic region from your growing uterus along with increased blood volume. Some women are more susceptible due to genetics, though they can also be linked to straining during bowel movements due to constipation (another very common condition during pregnancy). Hemorrhoids can be itchy and sore and make it difficult for you to have a bowel movement. You might notice blood in your stool or on toilet paper if these swollen veins bleed when you strain during a bowel movement, pass hard stools, or rub too hard when you wipe. Anal fissures are a rarer cause of rectal bleeding. You may get these painful cracks in the skin lining your anus if you pass hard stools because of constipation. Anal fissures cause sharp pain while you're having a bowel movement followed by a deep burning pain. Is there anything I can do to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?The pregnancy hormone progesterone slows down the digestive tract, which can cause constipation – the most common cause for both hemorrhoids and anal fissures during pregnancy. Staying regular helps. Try these tips to prevent and ease constipation and prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
When to call your doctor about hemorrhoids or anal fissures during pregnancyIt's always a good idea to always let your provider know if you see blood on toilet tissue or in your panties. Your doctor can help find a treatment that's safe during pregnancy and rule out another potential cause. For one, you may have a hard time telling whether blood is coming from your rectum or your vagina; your provider can determine the source with a physical exam. Rarely, blood in stool during pregnancy can be linked to another issue, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that requires treatment to help reduce the risk of complications. Rarely, it can be a sign of pre-cancer or cancer of the anus, rectum or colon. Can I experience hemorrhoids after pregnancy?Hemorrhoids after pregnancy are relatively common, especially within the first month after giving birth. After all, pushing puts a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor. Research suggests you're more likely to experience hemorrhoids after pregnancy if your newborn weighs more than about 8 pounds, if you strain during delivery for more than 20 minutes, or if you're constipated (another common postpartum complaint). Hemorrhoids in pregnancy treatmentYour first line of treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy should be to address any constipation behind rectal bleeding. Try these pregnancy hemorrhoid treatments to ease the discomfort:
Anal fissures in pregnancy treatmentSimilar to hemorrhoids, anal fissures are usually linked to constipation – so your first goal should be to get your bowels moving. These treatments can help ease the discomfort of anal fissures during pregnancy:
Hemorrhoids and pregnancy: Can complications arise?Although complications from hemorrhoids are rare, they may include:
The good news is hemorrhoids usually heal on their own (without complications) – especially if you take steps to prevent or treat constipation. Rarely, a colorectal surgeon or general surgeon can perform a hemorrhoidectomy, or surgery to remove the hemorrhoids. Learn more:
Can bowel movements cause spotting in pregnancy?It is also normal to have some red spotting after an internal exam at your prenatal appointments. Spotting is common after straining with bowel movements, frequent coughing and after sexual intercourse. 19.
Why do I spot after bowel movement pregnant?As a woman gains weight during pregnancy, hemorrhoids may develop. These are swollen veins in the rectum or anus that can sometimes rupture and cause bleeding. But hemorrhoids would not cause vaginal bleeding. Instead, a woman might see blood in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement or on toilet paper after wiping.
What causes spotting at 15 weeks pregnant?Light bleeding or spotting (which can be brown, pink, or red) during the second and third trimester isn't usually cause for concern. It typically occurs as a result of interference with the cervix during sex or a vaginal exam. Pink mucus or brownish discharge may both occur during the second trimester.
Is a little spotting normal at 15 weeks?Vaginal bleeding or spotting is common in early pregnancy. About 2 to 4 out of every 10 women have some vaginal bleeding during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is not always serious. Spotting can be caused by a pelvic exam, having sex, and hormone changes.
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