Hemorrhoids (painful, swollen veins in your anus and rectum) are a quite common problem in pregnancy. However, there are a few easy things you could do (in consultation with your doctor-for some of them): Take a sitz bath for 10 to 20 minutes, several times a day, which can be very soothing. Some women prefer an ice pack or cold compresses, while others use a heating pad. Try alternating hot and cold treatments: start with an ice pack followed by a warm sitz-bath. Use soft, unscented, white toilet tissue which causes less irritation than colored, scented brands of toilet paper. Moistening the toilet paper can also help. Keep your anal area as clean as possible. If you are not allergic to eggs, you might want to try putting the white of the egg on the anal area-because of its anti-inflammatory and local vasoconstrictive effects. The same (or better) local effects has St John's worth oil (an extract from St John's worth plant, Hypericium perforatum) which is recommended for natural treatment for hemorrhoids (you might want to consult with your doctor before using the oil). Moreover, avoid sitting for long periods, which puts much pressure on the veins. If your job involves sitting, get up and walk around for a few minutes at least once an hour. When reading or watching TV, lie on the side. To relieve constipation, increase fiber in your diet, drink plenty of water and get regular exercise. If needed, fiber supplements and stool softeners are generally safe during pregnancy-however, consult your doctor before taking any. Anti-hemorrhoidal chemical creams that contain drugs are generally avoided during pregnancy. Finally, it is highly advisable that you take smoking cessation under consideration.

how do you get rid of the pain associated with hemorrhoids?