Postpartum Rectal Bleeding: Causes, Tips And Prevention

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Postpartum rectal bleeding usually occurs due to hemorrhoids, especially common in women who have undergone a vaginal delivery rather than a cesarean delivery. Hemorrhoids or piles are referred to the inflamed or swollen veins in the areas surrounding the rectum that cause bleeding and discomfort. Some common symptoms of this condition include itching in the rectal area, pain during bowel movements accompanied by bleeding and swelling around the anal region (1). Since rectal bleeding may sometimes be confused with vaginal bleeding, it is important to be aware of this condition. Although this is a common condition, it is advised to consult your doctor and seek medical care. Read on to know more about rectal bleeding after delivery, its symptoms, treatment, and preventative methods.

Causes Of Postpartum Rectal Bleeding

The possible causes of rectal bleeding after delivery include.

• Hemorrhoids (swollen veins in the rectum and anus): Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester and first few weeks after delivery. These swollen veins rupture and bleed as you strain while passing a hard stool as a result of postpartum constipation or when you wipe the anal area using a tissue (2)
  Natalie, a registered nurse and a mother of two recounts her experience dealing with hemorrhoids after giving birth, “I remember my first time pooping after I had given birth. I was bleeding from my butt hole. I was mortified. Fortunately, I didn’t have to deal with my hemorrhoids for too long. They lasted for about two months postpartum. There were times when I was afraid to use the washroom. I would use any excuse to avoid sitting on the toilet, but I was wrong! The longer you wait, the worse it gets. There were many home remedies, along with a topical drug prescription, that I used to relieve the pain of hemorrhoids. But my only saving grace was water. In my case, increasing my water intake helped soften my stool, so it was way easier to pass (the stool), and I didn’t have to strain as much (ⅰ).’’
  
  
  

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• Anal fissures: Hard stools could also cause cracks in the skin around the anus, known as anal fissures. These could be painful and cause bleeding (3).

Mya Bellinger, a qualified medical practitioner specializing in internal medicine, immunologyⁱThe medical study of the immune systems , and gynecology, suggests, “Straining to poop may cause postpartum hemorrhage. This may be a result of constipation, which can make the swollen rectal veins bleed. Straining may also result from hard stools, resulting in anal fissures and bleeding.”

Therefore, if you have a history of rectal bleeding before pregnancy due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures, inform the obstetrician so that he/she can suggest you medical management for the same as the condition can get aggravated post delivery.

How To Deal With Postpartum Rectal Bleeding?

Here are some of the ways to manage hemorrhoids and anal fissures and soothe postpartum rectal bleeding (2) (4).

1. Try a warm water bath. You may use a sitz bath, which is a small water tub that fits over the toilet seat. Sitting in the sitz bath for about 10 to 15 minutes after each bowel movement or for two to three times a day could soothe irritation. Add Epsom salt to water to help reduce swelling and pain.
   

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You can also soak yourself in a bathtub. Relax the anal muscles while soaking in the bathtub. It helps maximize the blood flow and speed up healing. It can also lower the pain associated with bowel movements.

2. Apply ice compress (wrap some ice in a clean cloth) on the hemorrhoids and leave it for about ten minutes. This helps reduce swelling and discomfort. Alternate between hot and cold treatments — begin with ice compress and follow it up with a warm sitz bath.

3. Clean the anal region using a soft and unscented tissue. You may also use medicated wipes or moist the tissue with witch hazel to speed up the healing process.

4. Practice kegel exercises as they could help improve blood circulation in the rectal tissue region and the perineumⁱA thin skin membrane between the genitalia and anus . They also help tone the vaginal and pelvic-floor muscles (5).
   

5. Sit on a soft cushion or a pillow to get relief from the rectal pressure. Sitting on a recliner or a rocking chair is likely to be more comfortable than sitting on a straight-backed chair. Doughnut pillows are very helpful in this situation.

6. Limit activities that induce rectal pressure. Hemorrhoids generally occur due to the pressure exerted on the rectal area. The risk factors are likely to be obesity, lifting of heavy items, constipation, straining to have a stool, or sitting on the toilet seat for a prolonged period.

7. Do not control the urge to pass stool as it could aggravate the pain and discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and make the stools dry.

8. Limit the time spent in the toilet as sitting for a long time puts pressure on the rectal veins, which could increase bleeding.

9. Use over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams, suppositoriesⁱDosage in the form of a substance that dissolves or melts in a bodily opening to distribute medicine , ointments, or sprays after consulting a doctor. They could relieve itching and discomfort in the rectal region.
   

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10. Address constipation by including high-fiber foods in your diet and drinking enough water. These could ease constipation and reduce the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids and rectal bleeding.

Dr. Ila Dayananda, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist from Brooklyn, New York, says, “Postpartum hemorrhoids can go away on their own, especially if you practice keeping the affected area clean and are careful not to further strain the area. In more serious cases, rectal bleeding could mean colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal disease. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor when and if rectal bleeding is noticed.”

If these home treatment measures do not provide you relief from postpartum rectal bleeding, your doctor might prescribe medicines such as stool softeners, opioidsⁱA category of painkillers that interact with opioid receptors in the body to relieve pain , and pain relievers.

When To See A Doctor?

Seek the help of your healthcare provider if you experience the following symptoms:

• Significant rectal bleeding that is continuous or heavy
• Abnormal growths or infection in the anal region
• Fresh blood in your stools
• Change in the stool color
• Pain while passing stool or urinating
• Lack of control over stool passage
• Dizziness or shortness of breath

“If you are bleeding heavily or noticing blood in every stool you pass, it could be a cause of concern”, advises Mya Bellinger. Your doctor may schedule lab tests or imaging tests to determine the cause of blood in the stools.

How To Prevent Postpartum Rectal Bleeding?

Take measures to prevent constipation, which could decrease the possibility of postpartum hemorrhoids and anal fissures, the main causes of postpartum rectal bleeding (6). The following measures could help you prevent postpartum rectal bleeding.

• Drink enough water and other healthy liquids
• Eat a dietary fiber diet that includes whole-grain products, beans, cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables in your everyday diet.
  

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• Limit intake of processed food, meat, and meat products.
• Listen to your body and attend the nature call when you feel the urge.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Take a probiotic supplement or a fiber supplement after checking with your doctor.
• Do regular exercises, such as walking and swimming, and practice yoga.

Is It Normal To Bleed When You Poop After Having A Baby?

Finding drops or streaks of blood in your postpartum poop, toilet bowl, or tissue during the first few days after childbirth is common. You may also notice it in your panty after you visit the washroom.

Illustration: Ways To Cure Postpartum Rectal Bleeding (Blood In Stool)

Grasp a deeper understanding of postpartum hemorrhage, a critical childbirth complication characterized by excessive bleeding. Expand your knowledge on its origins and treatment strategies through this enlightening video.

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