Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Causes and Safe Relief

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: Causes and Safe Relief

Hemorrhoids are one of the most common discomforts of pregnancy, affecting up to 50% of pregnant women. The good news? Most pregnancy hemorrhoids resolve after delivery with proper care.

Why Pregnancy Causes Hemorrhoids

Several factors combine to make hemorrhoids more likely during pregnancy:

1. Increased Blood Volume

Your blood volume increases by 50% during pregnancy, putting more pressure on blood vessels throughout your body, including those in the rectal area.

2. Growing Uterus

As your baby grows, the enlarged uterus presses on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, slowing blood return from the lower body and increasing pressure on rectal veins.

3. Hormonal Changes

Progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, making them more likely to swell. It also slows intestinal movement, leading to constipation.

4. Constipation

Pregnancy hormones slow digestion, and iron supplements (common in prenatal vitamins) can cause constipation. Straining to pass hard stools is a direct cause of hemorrhoids.

5. Labor and Delivery

Pushing during delivery creates intense pressure that can cause or worsen hemorrhoids. This is why many women develop hemorrhoids postpartum.

Safe Treatments During Pregnancy

Always check with your healthcare provider before using any treatment during pregnancy. Our pregnancy-safe hemorrhoid treatments guide reviews doctor-approved options by trimester.

Definitely Safe

• Sitz baths: Warm water soaks for 15-20 minutes
• Ice packs: Wrapped in cloth, applied for short periods
• Witch hazel pads: Natural and soothing
• Fiber-rich foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
• Increased water intake: 8-10 glasses daily
• Gentle exercise: Walking, swimming

Usually Safe (Ask Your Doctor)

• Stool softeners (like Colace): Often recommended
• Fiber supplements: Metamucil, Benefiber
• Topical creams: Some are safe, others should be avoided

Avoid Without Doctor Approval

• Hydrocortisone creams (limit use)
• Oral pain medications
• Laxatives (some types)

Prevention During Pregnancy

1. Eat high-fiber foods at every meal 2. Stay hydrated - drink water throughout the day 3. Stay active - don't sit or stand for long periods 4. Don't delay bathroom trips 5. Sleep on your side to reduce pressure 6. Do Kegel exercises to improve circulation

Trimester-by-Trimester Tips

First Trimester

Start prevention early with fiber and hydration before hemorrhoids develop.

Second Trimester

As the uterus grows, be proactive about movement and positioning.

Third Trimester

Use a pregnancy pillow, take frequent position changes, and start sitz baths if needed.

Postpartum

Continue treatment - most pregnancy hemorrhoids resolve within weeks after delivery. For a complete recovery plan after giving birth, see our postpartum hemorrhoid treatment guide.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Bleeding is heavy
• Pain is severe
• Symptoms don't improve
• You're unsure if it's hemorrhoids
• You have fever or signs of infection

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy hemorrhoids are common and manageable. Focus on prevention through diet and lifestyle, use safe treatments, and know that relief is coming after delivery.

Pregnancy is just one of several life situations that require specialized hemorrhoid care. See our full guide to hemorrhoid relief by situation for how treatment approaches differ across circumstances.

For more information, learn about what causes hemorrhoids and when to see a doctor. Our guide on natural hemorrhoid remedies covers treatments safe for most people. You can also browse our picks for pregnancy-safe hemorrhoid treatments and top-rated sitz baths.

Take our hemorrhoid assessment quiz for more personalized recommendations.