Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the anal and uterine area which have become very swollen from the pressure of carrying the weight of an unborn baby. The veins fill up with too much blood, causing them to swell and eventually be known as a hemorrhoid.

Hemorrhoids are very common in pregnant women who are approaching their third trimester when the pressure on the fetus dilates the varicose veins. Sometimes hemorrhoids will only surface during the onset of childbirth.

Hemorroids in general can be very painful and itchy and they are always found around the anal area. Doctors readily accept this condition as normal and will tell their patients not be embarrassed.

Bleeding Hemorrhoids

When a hemorrhoid is formed, an excess of blood is trapped in the vein. Since hemorrhoids are actually in the anal cavity, they may bleed if a pregnant woman becomes constipated. When the stool rubs against the vein and is then pushed hard against it, the vein may burst. This may cause the vein in turn to actually start bleeding. This should not cause too much pain unless the hemorroid is internal and blocking the anal cavity. The important thing is to drink lots of water together with a high fiber diet which in turn ensures a softer stool so that the hemorrhoids are not pressed so much against the anal wall.

Do all Hemorrhoids bleed during pregnancy?

No, not all hemorrhoids will bleed but those that do cause blood to appear on the stool or toilet tissue used. It is important to remember that although bleeding hemorrhoids are not dangerous, there are instances when bleeding can harm a person and should be checked out. Regular bowl movements and a high fibre diet are the best things for preventing hemorrhoids from bleeding during pregnancy. Bleeding hemorrhoids are just another part of becoming pregnant and like morning sickness, they go away in time. Hemorroids in general are nothing to be too concerned about and they should clear up after the pregnancy. The bleeding in the hemorrhoids should not occur if there is no hard stool pushing up against them.

It is still unclear as to the exact cause of hemorrhoids but there are many theories which attempt to explain this medical phenomenon.We do know that pressure in the anal sphincter, which is the muscle that sourrounds the anal canal, is more than likely the culprit.

However, it is not clear if this pressure results in actually causing a hemorrhoid, or if it is the pressure which enlarges an already present hemorrhoid. If the latter is the case, then straining or forcing a bowel movement, would more than likely pull the hemorrhoids with the stool and the force of the stool, passing through a tighter sphincter, would in essence enlarge the hemorrhoid.

It is pretty certain that with existing hemorrhoids, pressure in the anal area will simply make the condition worse and will enlarge the hemorrhoid until it may actually protrude from the anus. This is then known as a prolapsed hemorrhoid. Enlarging a hemorrhoid can also casue the hemorrhoid to rupture or tear which in turn causes bleeding. Pressure may also cause anal fissures, which is a tear in the anal canal. This condition will also normally result in bleeding from the rectum.

Continuing on with the theory that pressure in the anus causes hemorrhoids to enlarge and presuming that this theory may also be the reason for hemorrhoids to occur in the first place, lets look at a number of lifestyle activities and possible causes for this pressure and the existence of hemorrhoids.
Not enough fiber - It is thought that not having enough fiber in your diet will cause harder bowel movements which will be more difficult to expel and therefore produce pressure in the anal area.
Not enough fluid intake - Not drinking enough water or any other fluids may also result in harder, more compacted stools and this in turn, results in constipation and would cause additional pressure in the anus.
Pregnancy - Constipation is very common in pregnancy, and the act of giving birth will also cause tremendous pressure in the area. It is very common for pregnant, or new mothers to experience hemorrhoids. Weight lifting or lifting heavy objects - This exerts pressure on the sphincter. It is also thought that other types of training and exercise will cause hemorrhoids due to additional pressure from the extra physical excursion.
Tumors - The existence of tumors in the pelvis cause hemorrhoids to enlarge by pressing against veins which drain upwards from the anal canal.

Myths

There are many myths surrounding the cause of hemorrhoids. These are some examples of factors which DO NOT cause hemorrhoids:
• Anal Sex
• Sitting on a hard, cold surface.
• Wearing a wet bathing suit
• Only older people get hemorrhoids
• Black pepper causes hemorrhoids
• Hemorrhoids cause cancer

Conclusion

It is important to remember that hemorrhoids are also thought to be a hereditary condition, therefore making some people more prone to hemorrhoids than others.The exact cause of hemorrhoids is not known, but factors such as your diet and certain activities may result in the cause of hemorrhoids and will almost certainly assist the growth of already present hemorrhoids.

Also known as piles, hemorrhoids happen when the veins in the anus become inflamed and swollen. This can happen due to a number of reasons such as constipation over a long time, obesity, diarrhea, and even the pressure exerted from pregnancy. Pregnancy related hemroids however go away on its own once the baby has been delivered. Hemorrhoids can be further classified as external hemorrhoids and internal hemorrhoids depending on whether the symptoms are on the inside or the outside.

Resources
* www.intelihealth.com
* www.babycenter.com
* www.medicinenet.com