During pregnancy there are so many changes that are happening to your body that it is hard to know whether something is "normal" or not, and it's perfectly understandable to feel scared.

One of the changes that some women experience, is the discovery of hemorrhoids (also known as piles), especially during the third trimester. But how do you even know if you have them? This hub hopes to help you identify whether you do actually have hemorrhoids, and if so, should you be worried? I will also look at some of the hemorrhoid pregnancy treatment options open to you.

 Sometimes people may have hemorrhoids without even knowing about it - they experience no symptoms.  However, most people will experience some of the following:

• Itchy or sore anal area
• Bleeding or pain after passing a stool
• Discharge of mucus after passing a stool
• Feeling small lumps around the opening of the anus.
• Feeling like you need to go back to the toilet after you have just been

If you are getting some of the above symptoms then you probably have hemorrhoids.  However it is worth getting it checked out with your doctor anyway.

If you get hemorrhoids during pregnancy this is usually due to the pressure being put on the pelvic blood vessel by the baby.

Another cause is excessive straining on the toilet - constipation is another common complaint during pregnancy.

There are other causes not associated with pregnancy, such as lifting heavy objects, or poor diet and lack of exercise.

 Natural Remedies for Hemorrhoids

• Eat more fiber - fruit and vegetables, pulses, wholegrains
• Drink lots of water - if you are hydrated, stools are easier to pass
• Sit in a bath of warm water

Creams for Hemorrhoids

• Over the counter creams can soothe inflammation and may include anaesthetic - ask your pharmacist for a recommendation
• Your doctor may prescribe a cream - this may be steroidal or non steroidal

Banding

This is unlikely to be used in pregnancy - an elastic band is put around the base of the hemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply.  The hemorrhoid will then fall off, usually within seven days.

Injections

Again, unlikely during pregnancy.  A chemical solution is injected around the blood vessels of the anus.  This will offer some ease of discomfort and will cause the hemorrhoid to harden and form a scar, which ill evenutally fall off.

Surgery

This would not be offered during pregnancy as it is done under general anaesthetic and would be too risky.  The hemorrhoids are cut away whilst the anus is stretched.  This results in considerable discomfort and you would need to rest for a few weeks after.