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Pregnancy Piles Prevention

Having piles once doesn't necessarily mean you'll get them again. There's a lot you can do to help keep them away. And a few little changes can make a huge difference.

Piles can develop when there's too much pressure on the abdomen. In some instances, like when you're pregnant, this extra weight is hard to avoid. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent piles coming on or making a comeback.

• Eat lots of high-fibre foods to keep things moving as they should. And don't hold back on these – after all, you're eating for two! Bump up your brown rice, wholemeal bread, vegetable and fruit intake, and minimise the things that bind you up, especially refined and processed foods like cakes and biscuits.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water and fruit juices. But cut back on the coffee and alcohol – they can dehydrate you, and next thing you know, you're constipated and straining in the loo.
• Taking regular light exercise can act as a great piles-fighter. And yes, running around after the kids or pushing the pram around the park counts too!
• It may sound silly, but go to the toilet whenever you need to (preferably without the kids in tow!).
• Save the reading for the sofa. Sitting on the loo too long with much of your body weight bearing down on your bum is the kind of pressure you want to avoid.