Constipation is common during pregnancy. To treat and prevent constipation, make sure you are drinking eight to 10, 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. A fiber supplement, such as Metamucil®, may be helpful. Daily exercise is also important for treating and preventing constipation.
Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy and can cause much discomfort. To treat hemorrhoids, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a diet high in fiber. This will help to soften stools. You also may use a fiber supplement, such as Metamucil®, to help prevent hemorrhoids.
Other hemorrhoid treatments
Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, several times a day or as needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Take baths in warm water a few times each day.
Use over-the-counter medications such as suppositories, witch hazel pads, Tucks® Pads or hemorrhoid ointments.
Rest in bed with hips and legs elevated. This will reduce some of the pressure the baby is putting on the hemorrhoids.
Move around to shift the weight of your uterus off these veins.
If you fall after 20 weeks of pregnancy, call your doctor, nurse practitioner or certified nurse-midwife. If you fall before 20 weeks and are concerned, call for advice.