Pregnant & have a pile

[mumbunforever]

Lovely!!

I found out yesterday I have a small pile even though I've not necessarily been straining to use the toilet it has just appeared really...What can I do about it?

Sorry for TMI but I can push it back in when it feels painful but as soon as I sit on the loo even for a number 1 it comes back out I'm guessing it's the pressure of the baby pushing down as I'm 32 weeks and feel huge.

When should I go to the doctors? I wouldn't say it's painful just uncomfortable and I'm concerned about labour and making it worse in around 8 weeks time.

The joys ay!!

Hi OP! Long time pile sufferer here... don’t try to push it back it, won’t help anything. I advise lots of water and fibre to avoid constipation. You can get cream and suppositories from the chemist without a prescription (such as preparation H and anusol)
Salt baths can be quite soothing and so can cold compress onto the pile: think small bag of peas wrapped in towel and applied to area. Elevate your legs as much as possible. Those donut cushions are no longer recommended.
I would do all you can to minimise the pile now... I was in the unfortunate position to have an external pile rupture and I wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy xx

It’s common in late pregnancy. I recommend anusol. Mine cleared right up after DS was born.

Echoing lots of water and fibre! Try to get the fibre from fruit and veg more than brown bread, pasta, etc unless you're scrupulous about getting enough water. Ask your midwife/GP for lactulose too.

Avoid sitting bolt upright or standing for too long, and lie on your side as much as possible. If you've got internal ones too, anusol suppositories are a dream (in as much as shoving anything up your bum is a dream...). Witch hazel on a cotton wool ball is soothing; patting clean after a poo with a baby wipe rather than wiping with dry paper helps.

You can get everything you need over the counter but worth getting a prescription as then it's free, and you can stock up for after the birth.