Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside your rectum or around your anus (butthole). They can cause itching, discomfort and bleeding when you poop. The good news is that they’re usually easy to manage with at-home treatments. They often go away after you deliver your baby.

If you’re pregnant and have hemorrhoids, you’re not alone. They’re common, especially in the third trimester. About 30% to 40% of pregnant women get hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of pregnancy hemorrhoids

You can have hemorrhoids without having any symptoms at all. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Pain when you poop
• Itching in and around your anus
• Blood on the outside of your poop, in the toilet bowl or on the toilet paper when you wipe
• Pain from a bulging hemorrhoid (prolapsed hemorrhoid)

It can be scary to see blood in the toilet after pooping, but rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids is usually harmless. Still, see your provider about any bleeding you notice if you’re pregnant.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy causes

Hemorrhoids develop when extra pressure builds up in your pelvic area and lower digestive tract. This pressure causes the veins around your anus and rectum to stretch and swell. The swollen veins can sometimes break open. This is the blood you see on toilet paper, in the toilet bowl or in your poop.

Anyone can get hemorrhoids, but your risk is higher when you’re pregnant. The pressure on your veins comes from:

• Increased weight: The added weight of pregnancy puts pressure on the veins around your anus. This pressure makes it harder for blood to flow freely, causing it to pool and swell.
• Increased blood volume: The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy. This means that your veins have to move more blood than usual throughout your body. This can put pressure on them and make them swell.
• Constipation: You’re more likely to get hemorrhoids during pregnancy because you’re more likely to have constipation during pregnancy. Hormone changes in your body slow the digestion process that helps you have regular bowel movements. The extra weight from the waste stuck in your bowel can squeeze the veins, making it harder for them to move blood. Straining to poop adds even more pressure.

How doctors diagnose them

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common enough that your provider will know that you have them by how you talk about your symptoms. To be sure, your provider may:

• Take a closer look at your anus for hemorrhoids they can see
• Do a digital rectal exam
• Do an anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

How are hemorrhoids during pregnancy treated?

The goal of treatment is to manage or relieve your symptoms. Hemorrhoids usually improve dramatically or go away completely after your baby arrives. Until then, treatment usually involves at-home remedies and changing your habits to promote healthy bowel movements.

Relieve constipation

Having regular bowel movements can ease the strain on your hemorrhoids. The less you’re straining on the toilet, the less stress you’re putting on these veins. Here’s how you do it:

• Eat 25 to 30 grams of fiber each day
• Drink eight to 12 cups of water a day
• Take a stool softener or laxative (contact your provider first)
• Use a Squatty Potty® or a stool under your feet when you sit on the toilet to poop. This relaxes your pelvic floor muscles.

At-home remedies

Try some home remedies for hemorrhoids to relieve any discomfort you feel:

• Apply pure aloe or coconut oil to ease minor pain or discomfort.
• Apply witch hazel to your hemorrhoids to reduce itching and pain.
• Apply either wet or dry baking soda to your hemorrhoids to help with itching.
• Sit in a sitz bath. The warm water can improve blood flow and relax the strained muscles around your anus.

Change your habits

Here are some tips you can use throughout the day to help:

• Don’t stand or sit for too long. Instead, lay on your side to take pressure off your pelvic area and bowel.
• Use a donut pillow when you sit.
• Stay active. Regular physical activity is helpful for digestion and consistent bowel movements.
• Don’t strain or linger too long on the toilet when you’re having trouble pooping.

If at-home care isn’t working, your healthcare provider may recommend a procedure to remove your hemorrhoids. This is rarely necessary.

What medications are used to treat them?

If constipation is making your hemorrhoids unbearable, your healthcare provider may prescribe a laxative, hemorrhoid cream or fiber supplement. Always check with your provider before taking any over-the-counter medications. Your provider is your best resource for making sure you’re choosing options that are effective and safe for pregnancy.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Tell your healthcare provider about your hemorrhoids if:

• You notice any bleeding when you’re pooping (most causes of rectal bleeding during pregnancy — like hemorrhoids — are harmless, but it’s always best to check)
• You’re experiencing pain in your anal area that doesn’t get better with at-home treatments
• You’re thinking of trying over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, creams, oils or supplements (your provider should approve any medications you take when you’re pregnant)

What can I expect if I’m pregnant and have hemorrhoids?

You’ll likely have some discomfort that you and your healthcare provider can work together to fix. At-home treatments and small changes to your habits usually work well. Most hemorrhoids are harmless and don’t cause complications. Still, they can be uncomfortable and annoying to deal with.

Sometimes, pushing during labor makes hemorrhoids worse immediately after delivery. Within a few weeks, though, your hemorrhoids should get better.

After a hemorrhoid goes away, it may leave a skin tag on your anal opening. These are typically harmless. Mention it to your healthcare team so they can check it.

Can hemorrhoids affect a fetus?

No. Hemorrhoids aren’t dangerous for a fetus at all.

Can you prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

You can’t always prevent hemorrhoids. But you can put good habits in place to reduce your chances of getting constipated. Eat fiber-rich foods and drink lots of fluids each day. Work Kegel exercises into your daily routine to encourage healthy circulation in your anus and rectum.