CORRELATION BETWEEN VARIOUS ANTHROPOMETRIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL MEASUREMENTS AND HEMORRHOIDS IN PREGNANCY

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of hemorrhoids in pregnancy and symptoms related to hemorrhoids and to evaluate the relationship between hemorrhoids in pregnancy and various anthropometric and musculoskeletal parameters. Methods: The retrospective cross-sectional study included pregnant women in 3 different trimesters (1st, 11-15 weeks; 2nd, 16-23 weeks; 3rd, 24-40 weeks) without any anorectal problems before pregnancy. The presence of hemorrhoids and other anorectal symptoms during pregnancy was evaluated with yes/no questions on self-reported scales. Results: Evaluation was made of 268 pregnant women (92, 1st Trimester; 107, 2nd Trimester; 69, 3rd trimester). In the whole study sample, waist circumference measurement (p = 0.042; OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.07–1.92), bi-iliac width (p = 0.036; OR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.09–1.38), rectus abdominis muscle strength (p = 0.006; OR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.04–0.58), Diastasis-recti-abdominis grade measured from umbilicus level (p = 0.023; OR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.14–1.83), hypermobility score (p = 0.006; OR = 3.34; 95% CI 1.98–7.94) and parity (p = 0.032; OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.85–7.19) were found to be important risk factors for the presence of hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Conclusion: This is the first study to have evaluated hemorrhoids and hemorrhoid-related symptoms and to examine the associated risk factors comprehensively. It was also demonstrated for the first time that waist circumference measurement, bi-iliac width, increased grade of Diastasis-recti-abdominis measured at umbilicus level, hypermobility score, and decreased rectus abdominis muscle strength were risk factors for hemorrhoids in pregnancy.