Pregnant Women and those who just gave birth are among those most likely to develop anal fissures. An anal fissure is a tear or sore in the anal area caused by increased pressure in the area due to constipation, anal sex, diarrhea, and giving birth.
Pregnancy and childbirth is a normal phase in every woman’s life. Pregnant women are most likely to experience anal fissure because they are prone to hard stools during this time. Knowing how to cope with anal fissures during pregnancy and after childbirth revolves around dealing with hard stools in order to avoid further tear to the anus. It also requires medications in the local area of tearing in order to avoid further damage like infection.
Pregnant women must consume fiber-rich food in higher amounts than normal. Fiber helps soften stools and facilitates healthy bowel movement. Fiber loading is also good because they are more prone to constipation at this time due to their iron supplements. The food they should eat include nuts, beans and peas, citrus fruits, prunes, whole grain and bran.
Pregnant women and those who just gave birth should drink at least 10 glasses of water to avoid constipation and reduce pressure in the anus during bowel movement. They should also avoid caffeine-rich drinks because these can cause dehydration and hard stools.
Just like all people affected by anal fissures, pregnant women and those who just gave birth must adopt the same position in the toilet when defecating. They should put their feet in a small stool when sitting in order to lessen the anal pressure when bearing down.
Worse types of anal fissures happen during childbirth due to prolonged labor and cutting of the vaginal skin to help the baby come-out. This process is called episiotomy, and it almost always results to big anal fissures. Doctors stitch the area after birth, but the healing process takes days. Defecation during these recovery days are very painful and can cause the anus to tear in the smallest pressure.
The best way to medically treat anal fissures after childbirth is through stool softeners. They can be taken orally or may come in a suppository form. They soften the stools, making them easier to eliminate with minimal pressure from the anal muscles. However, pain may still be present due to the presence of a wound.
Wet wipes should also be used to wipe the area during defecation or even after urination. It is important to use the technique of wiping from the vagina to the anus. This direction keeps the vagina from getting infected and worsening the wound that affects both vagina and anus.
Creams and ointment may also be applied depending on doctor’s prescription. The instructions for application must be strictly followed in order to achieve the best outcomes.
Knowing how to cope with anal fissures during pregnancy and after childbirth is not that different from learning the usual ways of treating the condition. However, there is just the issue of the increased risk for infection. In cases when the area becomes more painful and swollen, the doctor must be consulted for prescription of antibiotics.
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