Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, are swollen veins in and around the anus and rectum. These veins can cause bleeding and pain. Although anyone can develop this disorder, pregnant women are more prone to it. According to a report, women are at a higher risk to develop piles in the third trimester of pregnancy. Basically, there are two types of piles: one is internal, and the other is external. The internal piles require treatments like non-operative methods or medications like rubber band ligation. Whereas external piles don’t need any treatment unless they cause any discomfort. In this article, we will read about piles in pregnancy, remedies for piles, and more aspects in detail. 

Symptoms of Piles in Pregnancy

As mentioned above, there are two types of Piles (Hemorrhoids). The symptoms of both these types largely vary. Let’s have a look at the different symptoms of both types.

✅ Internal Piles Symptoms

This type of pile develops inside the anus or rectum. The common symptoms are:

• Rectal bleeding 
• Prolapsed hemorrhoid

In this condition, a person may experience discomfort and pain. Even increasing pressure from the uterus can also cause piles to be distended. 

✅ External Piles Symptoms

This type of pile develops outside the anus or rectum. The common symptoms of external piles are:

• Hard, painful lumps near the anus
• Itching in and around the anus
• Worse pain or aching anus when sitting

If a person with external piles aggravates or strains too much, the piles become more painful or bleed. 

The Common Cause Of Piles in Pregnancy

Piles during pregnancy occur when an unborn baby starts growing, and the uterus gets bigger and starts to press against your pelvis. The growth puts extreme pressure on the veins near your rectum and anus, resulting in painful and swollen veins. When the hormone progesterone increases during pregnancy, it can contribute to piles development. It relaxes veins’ walls, making them prone to swelling. Varicose veins in the rectum are also common during pregnancy. Your blood volume has increased, and your uterus is pressing against your pelvis. As a result, the veins in your rectum may enlarge and form grape-like clusters.

Piles are very common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This is usually caused by constipation, increased pelvic pressure, and an increase in blood volume. Moreover, the hormones of pregnant women can slow down the food movements through the digestive tract, resulting in constipation. 

Preventing Piles During Pregnancy

One of the major keys to preventing piles during pregnancy is avoiding constipation. The following are the ways to prevent constipation during pregnancy.

✅ Consume lots of high-fiber foods– There are many ways by which you can add more fiber into your diet. This includes fruits like avocados, berries, pears, and vegetables like artichokes, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. You can also add whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal. Besides that, adding legumes like lentils, green peas, beans, seeds, and nuts can benefit. 

✅ Drink plenty of liquids– Make sure to drink at least 8-10 ounces of water each day. Don’t control the urine pressure when you feel the urge as if you hold it; chances are, you may suffer from constipation. 

✅ Avoid sitting or standing for a long time– Don’t sit for too long. If you sit for a long time, make sure to walk around for a few minutes. Try to rest on the side when watching TV or reading. It helps in relieving the pressure on your rectal veins. 

✅ Do Kegel Exercises– These exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor that improve rectal area circulation and help support your rectum. You can do it anywhere- in your car, at your office, or at home. 

Ayurvedic Approach for Piles During Pregnancy

In Ayurveda, piles are known as Arsha- arivat prana shrinoti hinasti iti arshah. This disease affects the vital force (prana). When lifestyle and proper diet habits are neglected, it ends in reducing digestive fire (Agni). In Ayurveda, a dominant dosha determines the type of piles you may have. 

• People with a pitta imbalance may experience bleeding, inflamed piles that are red and soft. Other symptoms are a feeling of thirst, fever, and diarrhea. 
• People with Vata imbalance may experience constipation, rough, hard, and black piles, and a high pain level. 
• People with Kapha imbalance may have slipper, white, or light-colored piles and have poor digestion. 

Ayurveda Remedy for Piles During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the piles start to resolve by themselves. However, if they don’t get worse, it is vital to talk to an Ayurvedic expert about the available treatment and remedy for piles. Ayurvedic approaches to piles treatment are with Ayurvedic medicines, diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes. When you visit an Ayurvedic practitioner, he will evaluate your overall health. This is to determine which dosha is dominant, and based on that; treatment suggestions are made. If you are experiencing piles during pregnancy and looking for an Ayurvedic approach for treatment, the following are the approaches available.

• Bhaishajya Chikitsa (Medication)
• Kshara (herbal application)
• Sastra chikitsa (surgical intervention)
• Agnikarma (Cauterization)

If you are looking for the safest and effective Ayurvedic remedy for piles in pregnancy, Shuddhi Ayurveda has got you covered! It offers special piles packages made of herbs like Shatavari, Sanai, Shukla Tulsi, Shankhpushpi, Guggul, Green Tea, Giloy, Triphala, etc. While Ayurvedic piles treatment seems to be effective and safe, make sure you understand your symptoms wisely. Before you consider the treatment, talk to your practitioner before deciding the course you want to opt for.