Along with all the joy of having a new baby, there can also be a little unexpected trouble. Internal hemorrhoids can be one of the problems you must get through in your postpartum days. Recovering from childbirth can be challenging enough without the added stress of having more pain down there than you might have been expecting.
When pushed, the rectum can sometimes become so stressed that the veins become inflamed and swollen. If they are stressed too much, hemorrhoids can occur. Hemorrhoids are very common after child birth and will require you taking special care of yourself in that area as well as the vaginal area.
If you have postpartum internal hemorrhoids and have had an episiotomy or have stitches from ripping while giving birth, then you may have more healing and pain than you bargained for. Taking care of both the vaginal area and the rectum can be done in at the same time.
Caring for Both
After giving birth, especially if you have internal hemorrhoids, you will want to make sure you do not become constipated. Drinking a lot of water, eating a high fiber diet, and making sure you get enough exercise are all important things to do in order to remain regular and make sure your bowel movements are soft enough to easily pass without straining.
If you have trouble getting into an exercise routine, walking may be the best and easiest thing for you. Even walking around the house a few times a day for just a few minutes each time will give you enough exercise to increase your circulation and help begin healing.
Another exercise that is important to do after childbirth which will help heal internal hemorrhoids is the Kegel exercise. This is an exercise that is meant to help tighten your muscles in the vaginal and rectal area. You squeeze as if trying to stop a stream of urine and hold for a count of 10. Then you let go. Repeat this a few times every few hours. It will strengthen your muscles and increase circulation in the area, which will promote healing.
If you are in pain or uncomfortable, you might want to use either an ice pack or a heat compress in the area a couple of times a day. Either one will help, so choose whichever is most soothing to you.
If sitting is painful for you, try sitting on a cushion or pillow. Make sure you don’t sit for too long at a time; alternate sitting with standing and walking. Changing positions often will help keep the pressure off the rectum and allow it to heal faster.
If you need something for the pain associated with the internal hemorrhoids as well as the pain you would normally feel after childbirth, ask your doctor about a pain reliever. If you are nursing, make sure you ask him or her before taking anything to relieve pain.
Postpartum internal hemorrhoids can be healed faster than you might think. Taking care of them while healing from childbirth will help you heal all over and be back to normal in no time.