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BOWELS
Your regular bowel habits may become disturbed during your pregnancy due to hormonal changes. The increasing level of progesterone in your system makes the bowels less efficient. The normal rhythmic contractions of the intestines slow down, and can result in constipation. These changes probably result from relaxation of the muscle cells in the bowel and pressure on the surface of the bowel wall from the expanding uterus containing the growing baby. Hemorrhoids appear more frequently. Do not use any commercial hemorrhoid medications. These contain local anesthetics and mercury which are absorbed through the skin and can be harmful to the fetus.
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR HEMORRHOIDS:
Apply baking soda, wet or dry, to take away the itch. This may feel burning or hot for a short time.
Try homeopathic Hamamelis 30x.
Apply lemon juice or drugstore Witch Hazel to a 4x4 gauze pad to reduce swelling and curb bleeding. This will sting.
Apply grated raw potato to ease swelling and pain.
Insert a peeled clove of Garlic (which may be wrapped in one layer of gauze and oiled) into the rectum overnight to minimize swelling.
Apply Comfrey or Yellow Dock root ointment to reduce swelling, stop bleeding, and ease pain.
Use a Plantain & Yarrow ointment to relieve pain immediately and to shrink hemorrhoids within a few days.
Severely swollen, protruding and bleeding hemorrhoids can be eliminated with herbal sitz baths. Witch Hazel is the best herb for this, but Plantain leaves (fresh, if possible), Comfrey root, White Oak bark, Sea Grape leaves/bark or other strong astringents may be substituted.
Prepare an infusion of the herb, making 8 cups (4 oz of dried herb in 1/2 gallon of boiling water, steeped for 8 hours). Separate the liquid from the herbs and pour it into a shallow basin or pan. Sit in this for 15 minutes at least twice a day. Don't worry about getting every hemorrhoid wet. The herbs are absorbed through the skin and work without direct contact. Most women will experience pain relief with the first sitz bath, and the hemorrhoids often shrink and disappear within a few days. This can be repeated as often as is necessary, using the same liquid over and over again.
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR CONSTIPATION
Stool softeners usually provide relief without danger to you or your baby, but don't take a laxative, enema, or any drug without consulting with your midwife first. Avoid enemas, unless suggested by your midwife.
Some dietary changes can safely prevent constipation (these help hemorrhoids also):
- Increased quantities of fiber in your diet. This is found in bran, whole-grain breads and cereals. Begin by taking 2 teaspoons of bran in a glass of apple juice twice daily. The bran may cause some gas until your system is used to it, but after that you should not have any difficulty.
- Drink plenty of water, herbal teas (check with your midwife about types of teas are allowable during pregnancy) and other fluids, such as juices (prune juice is a good natural laxative). You need to consume about 6-8 glasses of fluids daily as a minimum. Not only will this help with the bowels, but you also need to have the fluids for your expanding blood volume and the baby's amniotic fluid expansion. Be careful about becoming dehydrated. If you are thirsty, your body has already become mildly dehydrated.
- Eat fresh fruits and dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, and figs.
- Eat fresh vegetables and salads containing a variety of raw green and colored vegetables daily.
Walk at least a mile a day, and set a regular time each day for bowel movement. This is very helpful for digestions and elimination. While using the toilet, place your feet up on a short stool. This will help with taking pressure off of your bowel and pelvic floor area, relax the anal area and relieve strain during voiding, thus preventing or relieving hemorrhoidal problems.
MoonDragon's Aromatherapy Information For Problems In Pregnancy
Try some of the suggestions above. Both are suggestions for constipation. Muesli is a good alternative to bran cereals and will work after a few days of using it.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
You or a family member has questions about pregnancy, constipation, hemorrhoids or bowel problems during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Concerns
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