Pregnant women are prone to constipation, which can be listed as one of the possible causes of hemorrhoids. In the first trimester of pregnancy during which morning sickness starts, many pregnant women cannot eat rice, which is considered to lead to constipation. In the later stages of pregnancy, pressure on the bowels increases with expansion of the uterus; therefore, pregnant women are physically prone to constipation. Pregnant women with difficult defecation must take precautions not to strain because straining worsens hemorrhoids. Since the fetus continues to grow, it is important to continue routine lifestyle habits, e.g., eating normally, getting off public transport one stop earlier than needed to walk to work or home, and using stairs.
While taking dietary fibers such as fermented foods and seaweed is recommended, it is important to eat a balanced diet. It is also recommended to mix some barley into the rice or to put kampyo (dried gourd shavings) into tamagoyaki (omelet). For persons who are restricted by time constraints, it is also recommended to add nori (seaweed) to Miso soup or natto (fermented soybeans) to a soup. Since it will be difficult to continue strenuous exercise and diet therapies, it is important to "continue simple daily habits" doing moderate exercise and eating moderately.
Pregnant women are prone to hemorrhoids or constipation due to worsening of perianal blood flow or intestinal hypomotility caused by progesterone during pregnancy. However, not all pregnant women experience constipation, and some pregnant women experience diarrhea. Both constipation and diarrhea have a bad effect on hemorrhoids, so it is important to regulate bowel movements. Adequate dietary fiber intake is essential. However, pregnant women may eat less due to compression of the stomach by the uterus or for weight control. In such a case, a drug may be used for anal problems.
Other than diet, it is important to go to the toilet when you have a sensation of urgency to defecate. Stools will become hard if not evacuated when the bowels are ready to move, so it is ideal to go to the toilet as soon as you feel urgency to defecate. The time for defecation is up to 3 minutes. Even if the sensation of inadequate defecation is noted, do not try to empty your bowels but leave the remaining stools. There will be no concern about cleansing of the perianal region if a warm water washing toilet seat is available. Furthermore, warming the anal region is important.
