A New Beginning

HEMORRHOIDS Many people develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are protruding or swollen veins at the opening of the rectum, inside the rectum, or outside the anus. Hemorrhoids often occur late in pregnancy or during delivery. They

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are not serious but can be uncomfortable and feel like a dull pain or pressure. Some may become swollen or tender, itch, and/or bleed. To decrease hemorrhoid discomfort: • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods and lie down as much as possible • Apply a cold compress or witch hazel pads to the hemorrhoids • Do sitz baths several times a day • Use topical creams, suppositories, and stool softeners as directed by your health care provider • Avoid straining during bowel movements • Drink enough water to keep your urine light yellow and avoid constipation • Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains hands and legs will begin to go down as your body gets rid of the extra fluid. You’ll urinate often in the first few days postpartum, and sweating is common, especially at night. To decrease swelling: • Do not sit or stand for prolonged periods of time • Elevate your legs • Do not place a pillow or anything under your knee when lying down • Wear support hose if your health care provider recommends FLUID SHIFTS AND SWELLING The first few days after birth, the swelling you experienced late in pregnancy in your

BLADDER For the first few days postpartum, try to empty your bladder every 3 to 4 hours. This is important because when your bladder is

full, it can push on your uterus and prevent it from shrinking and make you bleed more. Because your body is getting rid of the extra fluid it took on during pregnancy, it’s normal to pass large amounts of urine during your first few days. After delivery, a plastic container will be placed in the toilet to measure urine the first 3 times you urinate. Do not empty it because your nurse will measure the urine, then check your uterus and bladder to make sure you are completely emptying your bladder. Some women may find it uncomfortable to urinate if they have an episiotomy, tear, or swelling. To decrease discomfort or difficulty urinating: • When you are on the toilet, spray warm water over your genitals with a squeeze bottle to help trigger the flow of urine • Run the tap while you are in the bathroom • Do Kegel exercises (tightening and relaxing your pelvic muscles) while sitting on the toilet • Do a warm sitz bath

Tell your nurse if you: • Have pain when urinating • Have frequent urges to urinate • Have difficulty urinating • Have urine that is very dark in color

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A New Beginning