Health Tip: Dealing With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

1. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow Pictures
2. Slideshow of Early Pregnancy Symptoms
3. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Quiz

(HealthDay News) -- Hemorrhoids are swollen, painful veins that develop in the rectum. Up to half of pregnant women have them, the womenshealth.gov website says.

The site offers these suggestions to ease hemorrhoid pain:

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat foods rich in fiber, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
• When you have a bowel movement, resist the urge to strain.
• Ask your doctor about witch hazel and other products to soothe hemorrhoids.

-- Diana Kohnle

Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.