Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus or in the anal canal. They are very common during and after pregnancy—it’s estimated that 25% to 35% of pregnant women are impacted by hemorrhoidal disease.1
Symptoms from hemorrhoids can be difficult to deal with during pregnancy, especially if they don’t go away on their own after a few days. Anal itching, irritation, and swelling can make sitting down or having a bowel movement, extremely uncomfortable.
Understanding what can cause hemorrhoids during pregnancy and how to alleviate symptoms can help you get relief while pregnant and postpartum.
Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: Before, During, and After
Hemorrhoids Before Pregnancy
Pre-existing hemorrhoids can worsen during pregnancy because of the extra pressure from a growing uterus and hormonal changes. Seeking treatment before becoming pregnant can help any swollen veins heal beforehand. Addressing risk factors that cause hemorrhoids can help prevent them from developing when pregnant.
- High BMI: Researchers have found that increased body mass index (BMI) raises the risk of hemorrhoid disease. 2 Talk to your doctor about how much weight you should gain during pregnancy to stay healthy for your body.
- Chronic constipation: Hard stools and straining during a bowel movement put pressure on anal veins, causing swollen hemorrhoids.3
- Eating a low-fiber diet: Increasing fiber intake can prevent constipation and reduce the pressure on veins by encouraging soft, regular stools. Leafy green vegetables, carrots, apples, bananas, berries, oatmeal, brown rice, and nuts are all healthy, high-fiber foods you can include in your diet.
- Living a sedentary lifestyle: Staying active can help support good circulation and prevent constipation.
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Several factors can cause hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
- The enlarging uterus: There’s extra pressure on rectal veins from carrying around a growing baby and an enlarged uterus.
- Pregnancy hormones: The body releases more progesterone during pregnancy, causing the walls of veins to relax to make room for increased blood flow to the pelvic area. When veins are more relaxed, they can swell more easily.
- Constipation: Progesterone also causes the bowels to slow down, which can increase constipation.
- Iron supplements: Your doctor may recommend taking iron supplements during pregnancy. Synthetic iron can cause constipation or diarrhea.
What Do Hemorrhoids Look Like During Pregnancy?
Internal hemorrhoids develop in the rectum, so they aren’t usually visible. However, you might notice blood in the stool or on toilet paper if you have an internal hemorrhoid while pregnant. Itching, irritation, and discomfort around the anus during a bowel movement are other symptoms. If they progress and become more severe, they can bulge outside of the anus (prolapse). A prolapsed hemorrhoid will look like a small, soft red or pink lump protruding out of the anus.
An external hemorrhoid forms under the skin around the anus. This type of hemorrhoid will look like a hard lump and feel tender. External hemorrhoids usually disappear after a few days or weeks and don’t require medical treatment.
How Big Can Hemorrhoids Get During Pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy might range from the size of a pea to as large as a grape. They can also appear to grow larger during or right after a bowel movement because of swelling.
Hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy often form in the last trimester—after week 28—and they often resolve on their own after birth.2 However, they can start earlier and persist, causing significant discomfort from anal itching, swelling, and bleeding.
Managing Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
You can help alleviate symptoms at home with the following tips:
- Eat more high-fiber foods.
- Drink more fluids to stay hydrated and help prevent constipation.
- Soak in warm water to help relieve swelling and inflammation.
- Apply cold packs to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- When you are sitting, use a donut-shaped pillow rather than sitting on a hard surface.
- Keep the area clean after a bowel movement. If unscented toilet paper isn’t enough, astringent wipes with witch hazel are formulated for hemorrhoids.
Internal hemorrhoids that don’t go away on their own may require medical treatment. If you notice signs of internal hemorrhoids while pregnant for more than a week or two, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the best way to help you get relief from symptoms and prevent the hemorrhoids from becoming more severe. A hemorrhoid doctor can recommend a personalized non-surgical treatment plan that’s safe for you and your growing baby.
The right hemorrhoid treatment will depend on how severe the hemorrhoids are and where you are in your pregnancy.
Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy
Pushing during childbirth puts pressure on rectal veins, which can worsen hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy or create new hemorrhoids. In the postpartum period, you can continue with many lifestyle and at-home care methods used to help prevent hemorrhoids or manage symptoms during pregnancy, including eating a high-fiber diet, drinking more fluids, and using warm baths for relief.
Regular exercise can also help prevent constipation and promote healing. However, you should talk to your doctor about what exercises you can do and when it’s safe to return to your previous activity levels.
When to See a Doctor About Hemorrhoids When Pregnant
Hemorrhoids are normal during pregnancy, with roughly one out of three women getting them either while pregnant or right after, so there’s nothing to worry about if you notice symptoms. They’re also treatable, even during pregnancy.
If internal hemorrhoid symptoms are impacting your quality of life, consult with a doctor about your treatment options. A hemorrhoid specialist can offer a personalized treatment plan to help you get long-term relief.
Sources
- Staroselsky, A., Nava-Ocampo, A. A., Vohra, S., & Koren, G. (2008). Hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 54(2), 189–190.
- De Marco, S., & Tiso, D. (2021). Lifestyle and Risk Factors in Hemorrhoidal Disease. Frontiers in surgery, 8, 729166.
- Riss, S., Weiser, F. A., Schwameis, K., Mittlböck, M., & Stift, A. (2011). Haemorrhoids, constipation and faecal incontinence: is there any relationship?. Colorectal disease : the official journal of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, 13(8), e227–e233.
The HAE procedure was just as described relatively pain-free, and the staff help me at ease from the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out.
For such a personal issue, I really appreciated how discreet and professional everyone was. The staff made me feel comfortable from check-in through my appointment.
The whole experience was much easier than I expected. The doctor listened to what I was dealing with, explained my options, and answered my questions without making me feel rushed
I had been ignoring my symptoms for months, hoping they would eventually go away. When they started interfering with my daily routine, I knew it was time to see someone. I’m glad I finally did.
I put off getting checked because I was embarrassed. After finally making the appointment, I realized I had built it up in my head to be much worse than it was. I wish I had taken care of it sooner.”
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I came in with a lot of questions and wasn’t sure what treatment would involve. The doctor explained my options clearly and took the time to make sure I understood everything
The doctor was professional, respectful, and easy to talk to. I never felt embarrassed about why I was there, which made a big difference for me.”
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From scheduling my appointment to meeting with the doctor, I had a positive experience. Everyone treated me with respect and made an uncomfortable health issue much easier to address
I didn’t realize there were different ways to treat hemorrhoids until my consultation. The doctor took the time to explain my options and answer all my questions before I made a decision.
I had been dealing with hemorrhoid symptoms for longer than I should have. The doctor listened to what I was experiencing, explained my options, and helped me understand what treatment might be appropriate.
The staff made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. I never felt embarrassed or judged. Everything was explained clearly, and I felt like my concerns were genuinely heard
I put off getting treatment because I was embarrassed, but I’m glad I finally made the appointment. Everyone was professional and respectful, and the doctor made it much easier to talk about than I expected.
Dr. Pridjian and his staff were extremely knowledgeable, professional, friendly, patient, and put me at ease as I was very nervous. The procedure went exactly it had been explained to me. I would highly recommend Dr. Pridjian and his team!
Dr. Reichman did his job competently and professionally. He is a credit to his profession. His assistant, nurse Kenya was professional, courteous, comforting, and definitely competent during the procedure. They are lucky to have her on their team.
Very helpful staff who made me feel comfortable. The provider was fantastic and I’m actually looking forward to my procedure. 🤞🏻
Dr. Reichman is the best! I’m super glad I decided to get my procedure with him.
Ease access, friendly staff and excellent doctor! I totally recommend!
Doctor Reichman is Fantastic!! Made me feel totally comfortable and at ease with procedure. Now I have no more symptoms!! Free after 20 years of discomfort.
Highly recommended! They made my whole process from original consultation to procedure a great experience!
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That’s a good place to receive better treatment of Hemorrhoids. You will get a good care of what you are looking for. Dr. Aaron D. Reichman is an amazing person.
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USA Hemorrhoid Centers was very friendly and professional. Getting appointments, making any adjustments, and check in was very easy. My HAE procedure was delayed due to a snow storm. Althought it was an inconvenience, the office reached out to me and did everything possible to reschedule and assist me. I was able to get my procedure done the next day! Dr. Reichman is an excellent doctor. Friendly, knowledgeable, and very experienced in hemorrhoid artery embolization. I felt comfortable the whole time, from consultation to post-procedure. Couldn't have had a better experience.
It was a very good experience from the attention with the nurses and the doctor!
The doctor was great. Very good experience. My procedure was a success, they are very pleasant, helpful and respectful to me and my husband.
The doctor and staff are wonderful. it was my first procedure ever and they made me very comfortable with explaining the procedure step by step. Also, his assistant was very nice. She took very good care of me and I appreciate her so much! 10/10 recommend.
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Dr G and whole staff are incredible. My hemorrhoid procedure was completely painless and effective
Ivan G.
They explained everything I needed to know about the HAE procedure in a very easy-to-get way, by the time of the procedure, I had no fear or doubt that I was on the right place.
Abe K.
I am so glad to have gone to USA Hemorrhoid Centers. My experience has been amazing. The staff are all so friendly but professional. The doctor is wonderful and in his professional manner makes you very comfortable and explains anything you have questions about. So very happy.
USA Hemorrhoid Centers all staff were incredible. They communicated throughout and checked in frequently to ensure I was as comfortable as possible. I am happy I chose to get the treatments and look forward to the improvements.