rectal bleeding during pregnancy?
Friday, September 3rd, 2010 at
9:19 pm
i am 37wks and 3dys pregnant and i been having rectal bleeding..in my book "what to expect when you’re expecting" says it can be hemorrhoids..what the heck is that?
Filed under: Hemorrhoids
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lol…oh yeas, one of the many blessing of pregnancy and delivery!
Hemorrhoids are enlarged, painful veins in your rectum.
Hemorrhoids develop from 2 different places. There are 2 sets of veins that drain the blood from the lower rectum and anus.
The internal veins can become swollen to form internal hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids, unless they are severe, cannot be seen or felt, unlike external hemorrhoids.
Likewise, the external veins can swell to form external hemorrhoids. External hemorrhoids can be seen around the outside of the anus and, many times, can be felt.
If it’s bright red its probably hemorrhoids. If its brown Id call the doc. That means it’s intestinal..not good.
oh and a hemorrhoid is an enlarged vein in your rectum that is either internal or external..it occurs from the extra pressure from baby and constipation.
I was going to say hemorrhoids. I can’t believe you do not know what that is.
Here is a link:
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hemorrhoids/
swollen,inflamed veins
hemorrhoids are nasty little/big "things" in your rectal area. Preparation H works well, but call your doctor to actually make sure that’s what it is. it happens a lot to pregnant women. try to make sure you are eating lots of fiber, and you can use stool softeners if you are constipated. drink lots of water, and don’t strain while sitting on the toilet.
Hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.
The term hemorrhoids refers to a condition in which the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed.
Hemorrhoids may result from straining to move stool. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, aging, chronic constipation or diarrhea, and anal intercourse.
Hemorrhoids are either inside the anus—internal—or under the skin around the anus—external.
Many anorectal problems, including fissures, fistulae, abscesses, or irritation and itching, also called pruritus ani, have similar symptoms and are incorrectly referred to as hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids usually are not dangerous or life threatening. In most cases, hemorrhoidal symptoms will go away within a few days.
Although many people have hemorrhoids, not all experience symptoms. The most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids is bright red blood covering the stool, on toilet paper, or in the toilet bowl. However, an internal hemorrhoid may protrude through the anus outside the body, becoming irritated and painful. This is known as a protruding hemorrhoid.
Symptoms of external hemorrhoids may include painful swelling or a hard lump around the anus that results when a blood clot forms. This condition is known as a thrombosed external hemorrhoid.
In addition, excessive straining, rubbing, or cleaning around the anus may cause irritation with bleeding and/or itching, which may produce a vicious cycle of symptoms. Draining mucus may also cause itching.
Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. About half of the population has hemorrhoids by age 50. Hemorrhoids are also common among pregnant women. The pressure of the fetus on the abdomen, as well as hormonal changes, cause the hemorrhoidal vessels to enlarge. These vessels are also placed under severe pressure during childbirth. For most women, however, hemorrhoids caused by pregnancy are a temporary problem.
A thorough evaluation and proper diagnosis by the doctor is important any time bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool occurs. Bleeding may also be a symptom of other digestive diseases, including colorectal cancer.
The doctor will examine the anus and rectum to look for swollen blood vessels that indicate hemorrhoids and will also perform a digital rectal exam with a gloved, lubricated finger to feel for abnormalities.
Closer evaluation of the rectum for hemorrhoids requires an exam with an anoscope, a hollow, lighted tube useful for viewing internal hemorrhoids, or a proctoscope, useful for more completely examining the entire rectum.
Medical treatment of hemorrhoids is aimed initially at relieving symptoms. Measures to reduce symptoms include
* tub baths several times a day in plain, warm water for about 10 minutes
* application of a hemorrhoidal cream or suppository to the affected area for a limited time
Preventing the recurrence of hemorrhoids will require relieving the pressure and straining of constipation. Doctors will often recommend increasing fiber and fluids in the diet. Eating the right amount of fiber and drinking six to eight glasses of fluid—not alcohol—result in softer, bulkier stools. A softer stool makes emptying the bowels easier and lessens the pressure on hemorrhoids caused by straining. Eliminating straining also helps prevent the hemorrhoids from protruding.
Good sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition, doctors may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) or methylcellulose (Citrucel).
In some cases, hemorrhoids must be treated endoscopically or surgically. These methods are used to shrink and destroy the hemorrhoidal tissue. The doctor will perform the procedure during an office or hospital visit.
A number of methods may be used to remove or reduce the size of internal hemorrhoids. These techniques include
Rubber band ligation. A rubber band is placed around the base of the hemorrhoid inside the rectum. The band cuts off circulation, and the hemorrhoid withers away within a few days.
* Sclerotherapy. A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessel to shrink the hemorrhoid.
* Infrared coagulation. A special device is used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue.
* Hemorrhoidectomy. Occasionally, extensive or severe internal or external hemorrhoids may require removal by surgery known as hemorrhoidectomy.