Overview

Hemorrhoids are estimated to affect around 40% of pregnant women, which climbs even higher after birth. Hemorrhoids can cause bleeding during a bowel movement, pain, swelling, itching, and general discomfort. Changes in your hormones and your body make you more susceptible to hormones during pregnancy, and giving birth and the action of pushing can also cause them. While the only cure for hemorrhoids is giving them time to heal, there is a lot you can do to prevent them and find relief if you end up with them during your pregnancy or after you have your baby. This episode breaks down what hemorrhoids are, how you get them, how you can prevent them, and what you can do to treat them during pregnancy and in the postpartum period safely.

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