Blood in your stool when you are pregnant can be scary but it is usually not a serious problem. Your healthcare provider will want to check you to be sure there is not a serious problem so be sure to report any blood in your stool during pregnancy. Understanding the possible causes of blood in stool during your pregnancy and how you should properly respond to this issue will help you better cope with it.
What Causes Blood in Stool While Pregnant?
The most common cause of blood in the stool during pregnancy is constipation that is caused by too little water or fiber in your diet or the high potency vitamins that you are taking. Constipation can lead to other problems that actually cause the bleeding:
- Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become painfully swollen during the last couple of months of pregnancy and after delivery. As you strain to pass a hard stool, the hemorrhoids can get bigger and may bleed.
- Anal fissures, or cracks in the skin around the rectum, may be caused by straining to pass hard stools. As these cracks open, you may notice small amounts of blood in your stool.
- Anal tears. As the anal fissures become bigger, you may develop small tears in your rectum that can lead to blood in your stool.
When Should I Worry About Blood in Stool While Pregnant?
As long as you are sure that the blood is coming from your rectal area and NOT your vagina, there is probably no danger to your developing baby. However, you should be sure to report this bleeding to your healthcare provider.
If you notice blood and cannot tell for sure the source, you should report the bleeding to your provider who will probably want to see you to be sure the bleeding is not vaginal. If you have large amounts of bleeding, or if the bleeding is accompanied by abdominal or back pain or nausea and vomiting, be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How to Ease Blood in Stool While Pregnant
Notes: If you have discomfort from blood in your stool, first check with your doctor. Be sure to clean your rectal area thoroughly after having a bowel movement. Gently dry the area to prevent increased bleeding. If you are having pain, take the pain medication preferred by your healthcare provider. If the bleeding and pain continues, contact your healthcare provider who may prescribe a cream or ointment to numb the rectal area. There are several things you can do to prevent or ease blood in stool while pregnant.
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What to do |
Description |
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Eat right |
High fiber foods and fresh fruits and vegetables will help prevent constipation. If necessary, you can add some unprocessed wheat bran to your meals – followed by plenty of water. |
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Drink much water |
8 to 12 glasses of water each day will help keep your stools soft. If necessary, drink a glass of prune juice each day. |
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Take a fiber supplement |
Ask your healthcare provider if there is a safe over-the-counter fiber supplement. If you are on high doses of iron, be aware that iron can cause constipation. Ask your provider if you can use lower doses of iron. |
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Exercise |
Unless your healthcare provider directs you otherwise, be sure you walk or do yoga each day. Keeping your body moving will keep your bowels moving. Be sure to include Kegel exercises in your routine. Tighten the muscles around your rectum and vagina and hold for a count of ten. Repeat this exercise 20-25 times. |
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Move your bowels regularly |
Do not wait to go to the bathroom. As soon as you feel the pressure, go to the bathroom. |
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Try warm or cold |
Experiment a little bit and see if cold compresses or a warm Sitz bath helps the bleeding and discomfort. |
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Be gentle |
Use unscented, white toilet tissue and clean gently. Some women find that cleaning with witch hazel is soothing and decreases the bleeding. |
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Ask for medication |
For persistent bleeding, your healthcare provider may recommend hemorrhoid or other medicated suppositories. Before using any of these medications, be sure to consult with your doctor. |
Ingest enough high fiber foods is the most important thing in treating blood in stool during pregnancy because it tackles constipation and hemorrhoids. Watch the following video to learn which foods are rich in fiber:
