Imagine your butt hole just taking on a whole alien personality of it's own.  That's right. Maybe it starts to feel like it's turning inside out. Not to mention a little itching. Maybe your starfish has started to bleed a bit when you go number two. So. Not. Cute. 

Just keeping it real! Sometimes...we NEED to hear the truth and reality of not pretty stuff in pregnancy.

Take this as a public service announcement because you, yes you mommy to be, can possibly avoid this, or at least help it out if you've already started to become a "victim" of hemorrhoids. 

Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the rectum that flair up under pressure. When women begin getting hemorrhoids during pregnancy, they may be confused as to why they are occurring, what they could've done to avoid them, and how they can treat them. Thankfully, there are answers to all of these questions.

Why Do Pregnant Women Get Hemorrhoids?

Pregnant women are more prone to getting hemorrhoids for a few different reasons. The main reason is constipation, but there are several reasons why you may become constipated.

One of the reasons for constipation and hemorrhoids during pregnancy may be the increased levels of the hormone progesterone in your body. This hormone helps to soften your cartilage, joints, and ligaments to prepare for the birth of your baby.

However, another side effect of increased progesterone levels is the relaxing of your vein walls. This can make it harder for you to push out your stools, because everything is so "relaxed" down there, causing you to strain more and create hemorrhoids.

Another cause of constipation, and therefore hemorrhoids, is the increased pressure on the lower half of your body, and specifically your rectum, from your enlarged uterus and fetus. This pressure can increase your risk of getting hemorrhoids when trying to have a bowel movement because the veins swell. 

Iron supplements that are recommended by some doctors during pregnancy can also add to problems with constipation and hemorrhoids.

Iron is notorious, like crazy infamous for causing this so not cute side effect of being preggo! This is because your body may not be used to the higher doses of iron, causing the excess iron to go from your small intestine to your large intense, where it mixes with bad bacteria to cause bloating, gas, and constipation. It creates hard, dry, dark, and tarry stools. 

So, How Can I Avoid Hemorrhoids?

If you haven't already received the gift of hemorrhoids during pregnancy, but are worried about getting them, thankfully there are things that you can do to avoid them altogether.

One thing that you can do to avoid hemorrhoids is to keep your stools as soft as possible. This can be done by eating a diet that is high in fiber.

Drinking a lot of fluids throughout each day can also help to keep your stool soft and loose. At least two liters of water a day. If need be, you may even want to talk with your doctor about using a stool softener to help soften your stool as well.

Metamucil, or some fiber supplement, is great for keeping the flow flowing. Ask your physician what they recommend for you.

Another way to avoid hemorrhoids is to gain the appropriate amount of weight during pregnancy and avoid excess weight gain.

The more weight you gain during pregnancy, the more pressure you are putting on your rectum. A great way to keep your weight gain on track, and also stop stool from becoming hardened, is to exercise regularly throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Walking greatly helps move everything downward and keeps you regular.  You should be walking and exercising into your third trimester anyways, unless instructed otherwise. 

Lastly, get a foot stool for the potty.  This is not new to lots of people, but seems like in the Finland it's becoming more known. 

A popular brand is Squatty Potty, but you can get any generic kind from Amazon, or even Target.  Having a foot stool when going to the bathroom helps move things along faster and easier because it positions you in a natural squat position and eliminates straining and decreases pressure on the veins. 

in summary...

• drink lots of water
• avoid constipation by increasing fiber
• eat fiber full foods like dried apricots, prunes, vegetables, brussels sprouts, lentils, etc. 
• walk and exercise as advised by your doctor
• get a foot stool for the potty

How Do I Treat Hemorrhoids Once I Have Them?

If you already have hemorrhoids and would like to reduce the pain and irritation that they are causing you, then there are a few different things that you can try. One main thing that you need to do is start all the above asap. 

Water, walking, and fiber up!  

Now if the water and fiber isn't helping and you feel like you're at the point of no return, try a few things such as an ointment and keep the area clean and soothed.

One way to do this is after your go to the bathroom, take a shower, and let very warm water soothe your soreness. Wash with a mild no-fragrance soap and let that warm water calm things down for you.

After drying, apply witch hazel astringent.  It is mild, alcohol free, and soothes. 

Tucks brand makes witch hazel pads and they are amazing. 

Apply ointment after, such as Preparation H, or something similar. 

Use only cotton undies.

Ointment, witch hazel, and a butt washer are a mom's best friend to keep hemorrhoids at bay.  Put some witch hazel and warm water in the peri bottle.  This one by Fridababy is awesome. All ordered from Amazon so you don't even need to walk in a store.

If you are experiencing prolonged irritation more than seven days you can switch from the ointment to coconut oil, or go back and forth from the ointment to coconut oil.

If you are really having issues, try a Sitz bath where you can soak your bum. 

You may also want to talk to your doctor if it has really become worse or you have thrombosed (clotted) hemorrhoids. A little bright red blood is common with hemorrhoids, but you still should talk to your doctor if it is more, extended for a long time, and especially if you are older than 40. 

If none of these methods seem to help, then talk with your OBGYN about pregnancy safe options. 

To learn more about our tips and more about pregnancy, you can visit us here. 

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Help out your stretch marks. Find some DIY recipes here.

7 Things Mom to Be should NOT feel Pressured into Doing.

Moms to be, are you getting the proper nutrition you need? Nutrition while pregnant is extremely important, both for you and your baby. The brain of a fetus begins to form just three weeks after conception.

Knowing what food to eat and what sort of diet to adhere to can be difficult considering how many nutritional aspects there are. While it requires a little planning ahead, there are some foods that should definitely be incorporated into your diet for the health of both you and your baby and proper brain development.

1) Dried beans and lentils

Usually, dried beans and lentils are not on the forefront of our mind's when thinking about food, but beans and lentils are jam packed with nutrients. During pregnancy, women need at least 10 extra grams of protein, and beans and lentils are perfect for this requirement since each cup has about 15 grams. They are also high in fiber content, which is great for combatting various digestive issues. 

Looking for ways to incorporate them in your diet? Beans and lentils go great with rice, or as a side for chicken dishes.  Making fresh vege or chicken chili (not from a can) in a crock pot is an easy way to incorporate beans in a healthy way.

2) Wild Caught Salmon

Fish is a brain builder!  This is super important to incorporate into your diet to give baby the best brain building nutrients.  

Wild caught salmon is a great meat to add to your food regimen while pregnant - you can safely eat up to 12 ounces of low-mercury fish per week during pregnancy, and salmon is a wonderful source of nutrients for both you and your baby. Omega-3 fatty acids have known to be good for your baby's brain and eyes, and it is also a great source for protein and B vitamins.

Luckily, salmon is very easy to cook and there are some delicious recipes you can try to add more of this protein filled fish to your diet. Even a simple pan seared, skin on salmon filet with a side of broccoli raab and rice or cous cous makes for a balanced and delicious meal.  Remember to do at least 80% on the skin side till crisp and flip to finish to well done.

3) Bananas

This is the easiest snack ever.  Really.  Bananas are also a great fruit to incorporate into your daily routine, especially in breakfast. Bananas are full of potassium, and therefore are great to fight off pregnancy induced fatigue. Bananas are a good way to kick start the day, and can also be eaten to fight off nausea. Plus, they are pretty simple to add to the everyday breakfast things for an extra kick - add banana slices to gluten free granola, oatmeal, or in yogurt. Or better yet, smoothies with bananas are a good way to get nutrients without sacrificing taste. Here are some smoothie recipes to try out for breakfast this week.

Make this crazy gooood Vegan Ice Cream:

• Chopped frozen bananas
• A Cusinart food processor
• Blend till creamy smooth and add in fresh strawberries or other flavorings to create the "ice cream" flavor however you like.  You'll be surprised how simple and delicious this is and the flavor is not overwhelmingly banana.  Eat immediately or freeze for a later treat. 100% Guilt free ladies!

4) Low-fat Greek Yogurt

Looking for ways to combine items on this list when adding to your diet? Consider eating low-fat greek yogurt during this time (perhaps with some bananas added) Greek yogurt tastes rich and satisfying!  It's also is packed with calcium, and has a higher calcium content than milk. High in protein, greek yogurt lacks added sugar making it a healthy breakfast item. In addition, iodine is important for brain development and greek yogurt adds 50 to 100mng per serving.  

Add bananas and/or berries and different fruits to jazz it up as a fun breakfast item. You could also add whole grain granola or cereal for a fortifying meal.

Our favorite is:

• granola like Nature's Harvest 
• greek yogurt, fat free or 2%
• a swirl of pasturized honey
• topped with blueberries and walnuts or brazil nuts (more brain boosting health foods)

5) Chives

Believe it or not, these tiny little green onions that we commonly use as a garnish are actually a great food. An average serving size is 2 tablespoons chopped, and contain folate, iron, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, magnesium and a host of other nutrients. Magnesium can help alleviate symptoms of constipation, while folate, vitamin C and iron are all integral nutrients for pregnant women.

The best way to incorporate chives into your diet is to sprinkle them on top of soups and salads, on top of baked potatoes, mixed with spreads or added to dips and hummus.

Try this spin on an insanely good Tzatziki dip that incorporates chives:

• 1 container (32oz) 2% fat Greek Yogurt
• Organic cucumber. Remove skin, take out seeds with spoon. Mince.
• touch of finely minced garlic (one clove)
• sprinkle of red wine vinegar (2 tsp)
• dash of Himalayan pink sea salt
• sprinkle of lemon juice (2 tsp)
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped finely dill
• Mix, Chill, and serve with fresh chopped chives sprinkled on top.  Swirl cold pressed olive oil on top as well to finish it off.

This is so easy to make and it's always a hit at the dinner table.  Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

 6) Pumpkin seeds

Looking for a tasty snack without having to sacrifice nutrition? Pumpkin seeds may be the food you are searching for. A half cup of pumpkin seeds can provide much-needed protein for your body as well as containing a host of other minerals needed for muscle health and hydration. 1 cup can provide close to half of your daily needs for nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. 

While both raw and roasted pumpkin seeds are great, roasted have more protein and minerals then raw ones. Hit up your local natural food store and you'll have no problem finding some.  Remember the greek yogurt we talked about...try pumpkin seeds with your granola, greek yogurt, and top with pumpkin seeds.

7) Sweet potatoes

Beta-carotene is essential for healthy brain formation of your baby.  Sweet potatoes are also another food that is chock full of nutrients and easy to add in daily food intake. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a plant compound that our bodies turn into vitamin A. The latter is essential for growth, and for healthy fetal development. Sweet potatoes, when cooked can fulfill the daily vitamin A requirement, and are also another source of fiber.

There are plenty of ways to cook sweet potatoes, but slicing them in half and baking them covered in foil is a pretty hassle free way to prepare them. It is easy to be creative if you have more time (mashed sweet potato or try diced sweet potatoes with rosemary and olive oil) and use sweet potatoes as a way to break up the monotony of weekday food.

8) Avocados

Easily one of the more popular fruits this last year, avocados are a fantastic source of much needed vitamins while also being delicious. They contain high amounts of fiber, B-vitamins (including folate), vitamin K, E and C as well as potassium and copper. They also have high amounts of mono-saturated fatty acids, which is a healthy fat the body needs. These healthy fats are great for fetus growth and development and the folate content is also extremely important for pregnant women's daily intake.

Looking for fun ways to use avocados?  Go for avocado toast.  Take your favorite toast and spread avocado all over it.  Top with other favorites like arugula, shaved fennel, olive oil, radish, and even an egg cooked however you like it makes this such a satisfying treat for anytime of the day.

These are just some of the foods you should think about incorporating into your diet for both yours and your baby's health. It can definitely be difficult to add in so many different items into your daily intake, but with some planning and foresight, it can definitely be done.

Check out our blog to find more recipes like this Lactation Blueberry Muffin Recipe and other great info for mom and mom to be.

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