One way to help keep them from getting worse or painful is to drink lots and lots of water. You want to keep your stools soft. Once they have appeared, they won't disappear. Your goal is to keep them from getting worse. Lots of fluid and increased fiber in your diet can help that.
Some women feel their babies more easily than others.
If the placenta is on the front wall of the uterus, it may be more difficult to feel movement. Think about how easy it is to feel someone tapping your shoulder if you are wearing a sleeveless dress than if you are wearing a coat. If you are obese, it may be difficult to feel the baby for the same reason. If an ultrasound shows normal movement, then you can rest assured that your baby is just fine. Calif. My book, Your Over 35 Week by Week Pregnancy Guide ,should be in your local and online bookstores shortly after the first of the year.