How Does Pregnancy Impact Fissure Risk?

Pregnancy is a special period in a woman’s life when her body undergoes certain changes and new health problems can appear. Another less considered issue is the possibility of getting anal fissures. Anal fissures are small splits in the lining of the anus that can become a problem during pregnancy because of changes in the body, hormones, and digestion. This blog will discuss how pregnancy leads to fissure, its causes and how one can minimise them in order to enhance pregnancy comfort.

Understanding Anal Fissures

An anal fissure is a small tear in the mucous membrane that is present in the anal region. These rifts are usually as a result of passage of hard or large stools which in turn cause pain, blood and discomfort especially during defecation. Anal fissures are most prevalent in adults and may be linked with constipation, digestive problems or other illnesses that put pressure on the rectal region.

During pregnancy, anal fissure becomes a major issue of concern to most women due to a number of reasons such as changes in diet, hormonal changes, and pressure from the growing fetus. Although anal fissures are a little painful, knowing their cause and how to prevent them will greatly reduce their incidences.

How Pregnancy Affects Digestive Health

Pregnancy has an impact on virtually all the systems in a woman’s body, including the digestive system. Hormonal changes particularly the level of progesterone which tends to rise during pregnancy reduces the bowel movement hence causing constipation. Progesterone reduces the muscle tone of the digestive tract and slows down the movement of food in the intestines and more time is given for absorption of water hence formation of hard stools.

Pregnant women suffer from constipation and this is made worse by the taking of iron supplements to prevent anemia cases during pregnancy. Although iron is needed for the mother and her baby, it can cause constipation and women may strain during bowel movements which is the major risk factor that leads to anal fissures.

Constipation may become worse in the later stages of pregnancy because the uterus compresses the intestines and slows digestion. Therefore, it is very important to maintain digestive health to avoid complications such as constipation and fissures.

Physical Pressure and Fissure Risk

First, the physical alterations that occur with pregnancy are also determinant of fissars. As the baby grows, the uterus enlarges and this puts pressure on the abdomen, the intestines and the rectum. This puts pressure on the veins around the anus and they may become swollen which would make bowel movements painful.

As the pressure in the abdomen increases, most pregnant women develop altered bowel movements. For some, this results to strain when they are trying to defecate, a cause of fissures among others. Straining on the other hand applies pressure on the tissues around the anus and the pressure may cause formation of tiny cuts or even worsen the existing ones.

Some pregnant women may be at a higher risk of developing fissures than others, especially if they are carrying multiples or have bigger than average babies, the pressure on the abdominal and rectal areas is even more intense. Besides, the change of the body position as the baby develops can also affect digestion and rectum, which makes it important to manage these changes properly.

Labor and Delivery as a Risk Factor

Childbirth puts a lot of pressure on a woman’s body, particularly in the pelvic and anal regions. The process of pushing during labor especially in prolonged or intense stage puts a lot of pressure on the rectum and anus thus predisposing the patient to anal fissures. Pressure exercised on the anal region during delivery can cause the tissue around the anus to tear leading to new formation of fissures or the worsening of existing ones.

If the woman had some gastrointestinal problems or a tendency to constipation, then the risk increases considerably. The skin around the anus may already be compromised, and thus more susceptible to tear. Delivery stress can also cause hemorrhoids, which is an added pain and may worsen postpartum recovery.

The knowledge of the influence of labor on the risk of developing fissures helps women and their doctors prevent it. Measures such as constipation control, perineal massage, or talking to a healthcare provider about any worries that one may have can go a long way in reducing these risks when preparing for labor.

Preventive Tips for Reducing Fissure Risk During Pregnancy

While anal fissures can be painful, several steps can help minimize the risk during pregnancy:

1. Stay Hydrated: One of the common causes of constipation is lack of water and therefore it is always advisable to take a lot of water. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day aids in softening the stool and thus eliminating the need to strain. If plain water does not look attractive, it is preferable to put slices of lemon, cucumber or mint in the water.
2. Consume a Fiber-Rich Diet: Intake of fiber rich foods such as whole grains and products, fruits and vegetables will assist in maintaining a bowel movement. Fiber makes stools bulky and hence easier to pass without having to strain. If this happens, it is advisable to add fiber slowly and seek medical advice especially if the situation is severe.
3. Engage in Safe Physical Activity: Prenatal yoga and other forms of pregnancy exercise that involve gentle movements like walking will help improve blood flow and bowel movement, thereby easing constipation. Being active also helps the muscles, so labor and recovery are less of a burden on the body.
4. Avoid Straining During Bowel Movements: Straining has a lot of pressure on the anal tissues and can lead to or worsen the fissures. If you are constipated, you may want to consult a doctor regarding the use of gentle stimulants, also known as bulk forming agents or gentle pregnancy-safe laxatives.
5. Practice Proper Posture: Another way is to change the position through which you sit to decrease the amount of pressure on your lower extremities. Supportive cushions should be used, and sitting should be kept to a minimum, while the position should be changed frequently to minimize rectal pressure.
6. Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet: Some of the fats that are good include avocados, nuts, and olive oil which can assist in lubricating the intestines thus helping in the movement of soft stools. Though, they should take it in moderation because excessive fat can cause other digestion complications.
7. Discuss Supplement Options with Your Doctor: If the problem of constipation remains, talk to your doctor about the other type of iron supplements or safe stimulant laxatives. Certain forms of iron are better tolerated in the stomach and might help reduce constipation.
8. Consider Perineal Massage: In pregnant women, perineal massage can be useful when a woman is close to her delivery time to stretch the perineal muscles. This practice can help prevent tearing, which seems to be important in preventing the formation of fissures.

With the implementation of these precautionary measures, pregnant women will be able to minimize the chances of getting anal fissures and having a healthy digestion throughout pregnancy.

Pregnancy poses some risks to the formation of anal fissures but efforts should be made to make a change. To prevent the formation of fissures and to have a comfortable pregnancy and after childbirth, pregnant women can take certain measures to prevent the formation of fissures.

When you are in pain or have any concerns about how to prevent the risk of fissures during pregnancy, help is just around the corner. Visit GEM Hospital today and get a scheduled appointment to talk to our qualified medical practitioners. Your health and comfort is our concern.