haemorrhoids

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I am 38 weeks pregnant and a week and a half ago was suddenly struck down by a prolapsed haemorrhoid. I have never experienced pain like it! I went to see my GP and he examined me, pushed the haemorrhoid back in and prescribed me a cream and suppository, which I used for a week.

I have since found out that the cream should not really be used in pregnancy - ! Also the problem has not improved, it has actually got worse. The prolapsed haemorrhoid keeps popping out again and I now have even more haemorrhoids in the area. I've been back to the doctor and apparently there's nothing more I can do about it - and the midwife has said the same thing.

I am taking sitz baths about 3 times a day and using ice packs, but it isn't helping.

Does anyone have any wisdom they can share? I feel so depressed about this as I was feeling quite calm and rational about the prospect of labour and am now completely terrified as I have to contend with excruciating haemorrhoids on top of everything.

Sorry if this is too much information, but I feel that someone should be able to help! I feel a little bit alone at sea and it's getting me down.

Thanks in advance, Mumsnetters! All advice very much welcome

Can you take a fibre supplement in pregnancy?
Im taking fybogel.
Drink lots of water.
Dont strain.

You can use one of the creams in pregnancy, so check with your chemist. Other than that, it's ice packs I'm afraid. Don't be scared of going to the loo, drink lots of water and keep everything moving.

I'm a chronic sufferer, and my midwife told me that they weren't the worst she'd seen, but maybe the third worse.

Poor you they are agony. I know because I have suffered several times since having ds. I use a cat litter tray ( new and unused by the cat!) which I fill with really cold water to sit and soak them in as often as possible. Witch hazel is also really soothing as a compress and also in the form of wet wipes after you go to the loo. I also use lactulose and eat loads of fruit but it can take a bit of time to subside. Hope you feel better soon.

My second pregnancy did for me.Pain worse than childbirth.Side lying a lot helps Which hazel gel was good.Ultimatly I gave birth and poof gone never had swelling since I do have skin tags though.I was never constipated it was the way my son lay which was ironic as first pregnancy was twins.

Hi everyone - thank you for the advice and suggestions. I ended up going back to a different doctor who was brilliant. He prescribed me a cream and recommended ice packs and sitz baths. He also phoned around various specialists, including an obstetrician who said the best best thing to do is to use ice packs every three to four hours. Better than creams, sitz baths etc. So ice packs have been my saviour! And I feel human again. Thought I'd pass on the wisdom - although most of you have recommended ice as well, so you're already in the know with this.