Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. These swollen veins around your anus are caused by the increased volume of blood in your body, increased pressure on your rectum, and constipation. They’re likely to get worse right after you deliver your baby and then gradually get better.

Common symptoms of prenatal hemorrhoids include rectal bleeding after bowel movements, itching, and discomfort.

Postpartum Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids may get worse shortly after childbirth because of straining during vaginal deliveries and constipation after vaginal and cesarean deliveries. Pain medications, reduced physical movement, hormones, low-fiber diets, and not using the bathroom right away can make you constipated.

Constipation will likely resolve a month after childbirth. If constipation and hemorrhoids persist, speak to your healthcare professional.

Remedies for Prenatal and Postpartum Hemorrhoids

To manage the itching, bleeding, and discomfort of hemorrhoids during and after pregnancy, try the following:

Consult with your midwife or OBGYN for help creating the best treatment plan for you.

Sitz Baths

A sitz bath is simply a shallow bath filled with warm tap water. You can take a sitz bath during or after pregnancy.

Commonly recommended to reduce pain and swelling of the pelvic area after childbirth, sitz baths also provide instant relief for pain and itching caused by hemorrhoids.

A sitz bath can be done in a regular-sized bathtub or a small basin that fits over your toilet, like this one. Sit for at least ten minutes.

Medicated Wipes

Witch hazel wipes or pads, such as Tucks, cleanse and reduce inflammation of the skin around the rectum and perineum.

Tucks suggests applying their pads for up to 15 minutes though some midwives and OBGYNs suggest longer. The pad can be folded and placed between your cheeks or placed the length of a menstrual pad (think Subway sandwich) for on-the-go relief. If you apply a witch hazel wipe compress without a pad your underwear and pants may become wet.

For severe pain caused by hemorrhoids or childbirth, consider placing wipes in the fridge for additional cooling relief. Please note: the active ingredient in most wipes and pads is witch hazel. While most people do not experience adverse reactions, if your skin becomes irritated, stop using immediately.

Avoid pads and wipes that contain alcohol.

Hydrate

Firm stool can irritate your hemorrhoids because you will be more likely to strain when you are using the bathroom. One great way to soften your bowel movements is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Hydrating also helps with milk production for those of you who decide to breastfeed.

Ways to increase your water intake:

Upgrade your water bottle
Use a straw
Set a reminder
Add a flavor
Eat foods with high water content

Eat Fiber

Fiber supplements like psyllium husk powder or a diet high in fiber can soften your stool. Fiber softens your stool, making it easier to pass, which reduces irritation of your anus. Preventing irritation is essential to quick healing.

Our favorite high-fiber foods:

Raspberries
Beans
Apples
Green peas
Whole wheat pasta
Oatmeal

Click here for more high-fiber food ideas from Mayo Clinic.

Stay Active

Light and moderate movement can shrink existing hemorrhoids because it increases blood flow and moves blood away from the swollen veins. Simple physical activity can also improve swelling of your legs and ankles caused by pregnancy.

Pregnancy activity ideas:

Walking
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
Swimming
Yoga

Postpartum activity ideas:

Walking
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)

Stool Softener

When bowel movements become hard or large, hemorrhoids become irritated and inflamed. To quickly reduce the firmness of your stool your OBGYN or midwife may suggest a stool softener.

Topical Ointments

Preparation H has been the leading hemorrhoid treatment on the market since 1935 and is deemed safe for use during and after pregnancy. Most pharmacies and grocery stores offer Preparation H and generic brands.

Ointments can be used both internally and externally and usually include applicators to help with internal application. Instead of an applicator, you could use your hand with a glove or apply ointment to toilet paper and then wipe your rectum. In general, Preparation H (or generic ointments) helps to shrink the hemorrhoids, reduce discomfort/pain and protect the skin from additional irritation.

Citations

https://www.templehealth.org/about/blog/how-can-i-treat-my-hemorrhoids#:~:text=Use%20soothing%20wipes%20%E2%80%93%20cleaning%20your,flushable%20wet%20wipes%20are%20examples

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-epsom-salt/

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0201/p172.html?fbclid=IwAR33NflE4M2zantPlXMxlNrRav0gjvFhQsEXZZsZixgQEp-q1oG9DsuZjaY

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/self-help-steps-to-get-through-hemorrhoid-flare-ups

https://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/T9wmVY97RGyjSbD2ttkHVg

https://www.kentdelordhouse.org/artifact-corner-victorian-sitz-bath/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3886980/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/caffeinated-drinks/faq-20057965

https://orangecountyhemorrhoidclinic.com/best-and-worst-exercises-for-hemorrhoids/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28150480/