Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy – What’s The Deal?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kristy June Dinampo.

There are many unpleasant parts of pregnancy. We have to put up with nausea, morning sickness, tiredness, bloating, and many other discomforts.

Another possibility to add to the list of discomforts is piles, otherwise known as hemorrhoids.

Oh the joys of pregnancy!

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are very common and are caused by the weight of the baby pressing down on your blood vessels, plus the pushing part of labor.

If you suspect that you have piles you can rest assured that you’re certainly not the only pregnant woman to get them.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are often called piles and they are swellings in or around the anus (and sometimes the vulva).

These swellings are blood vessels which have become enlarged.

Anyone can get piles, but being pregnant increases the likelihood.

Hemorrhoids can be mild, moderate or severe, but they aren’t generally dangerous.

The symptoms of hemorrhoids include:

• Itching, aching, or a feeling of soreness around the anus
• Swelling in the same area
• Pain during bowel movements
• Mucous discharge after a bowel movement
• Bright red bleeding from the anus after a bowel movement
• A small lump protruding from the anus

These symptoms may embarrass you, but you need to talk to your midwife or doctor about what you’re experiencing.

They have heard this a million times from pregnant women.

Hemorrhoids are common. You’re certainly not going to be the first or the last to complain about them.

How to Relieve Hemorrhoid Symptoms

It’s unlikely that you will need any major intervention to deal with your hemorrhoids.

Usually, after you give birth, the problem begins to resolve itself.

In the meantime, however, there are several things you can do to help relieve the discomfort.

Remember to talk to your midwife or doctor before you attempt any home remedies.

These are a few things you could try:

• Eat high fiber foods like wholemeal bread, vegetables, and fruit. These foods help soften stools and keep your bowel movements regular. This will also help with constipation, another side effect of pregnancy. Constipation can make hemorrhoids worse.
• Drink plenty of water
• Try not to stand up for very long periods of time, as this can exacerbate the problem.
• Boost your blood circulation by doing regular, gentle exercise. Talk to your doctor or midwife before starting an exercise routine.
• If the hemorrhoids are sore, apply a cold compress to ease the discomfort
• If you find that your hemorrhoids need to be pushed back in, use lubrication to avoid extra pain and reduce the chances of scratching or tearing yourself.
• Use slightly damp toilet paper and pat clean after bowel movements.

There are medications and creams on the market which claim to help with hemorrhoids, but some of these may not be suitable in pregnancy.

Before you try anything, remember to talk to your doctor or midwife first.

They will recommend something you can use to relieve your symptoms safely.

Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous?

The hormones which are whipping around your body during pregnancy cause your blood vessels and veins to relax. This can cause hemorrhoids.

As your baby grows, he or she can also put pressure on the veins, which can cause them to bulge and form hemorrhoids.

These do not really pose any danger to your baby, so no need to worry.

Pregnancy hemorrhoids can happen at any time during your pregnancy, but they are more common in the third trimester.

If you become constipated during your pregnancy, you may find that you develop hemorrhoids as a side effect of that condition too.

For that reason, try to avoid constipation.

Talk to your doctor or midwife if you notice you’re having problems with bowel movements.

By avoiding straining, you might be able to avoid hemorrhoids forming in the first place.

The good news is that as soon as your baby is born, you should notice your hemorrhoids get better or disappear altogether.

If they are still problematic, your doctor will be able to offer you options.

Overall, however, hemorrhoids at any time in your life are nothing to be overly concerned about.

They are certainly uncomfortable, but as mentioned, not really dangerous.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2278306/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/faq-20058149
3. https://www.webmd.com/baby/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy
4. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/piles-haemorrhoids-pregnant/
5. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/
6. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hemorrhoids-and-varicose-veins-in-pregnancy.html