Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: why they appear and how to treat them

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can appear as a result of increased body weight, pressure placed on the pelvic region or constipation, for example, with their appearance being more common from the second trimester of pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be cured through the consumption of fiber, water and sitz baths, but in some cases it may be useful to apply an ointment or use laxatives according to the obstetrician’s advice.

Normally, they disappear with treatment but sometimes they are more difficult to cure and can remain until delivery. External hemorrhoids during pregnancy do not prevent normal labor and do not justify a cesarean section, but this decision depends on the woman’s desire and the obstetrician’s opinion.

Why do hemorrhoids appear during pregnancy?

Having hemorrhoids during pregnancy is normal due to the increase in body weight and pressure exerted on the pelvic region, constipation and the increase in the amount of blood circulating through the pregnant woman’s body, which causes the veins in the anal region to dilate and become swollen. , causing hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy can appear in any trimester of pregnancy, but they are more common from the second trimester of pregnancy onwards, as the increase in weight and the pressure exerted on the pelvis is greater. However, they tend to disappear postpartum after about 3 months.

Main symptoms

Pregnancy hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and can cause some symptoms, the main ones being:

• Pain in the anal region, especially when evacuating, walking or sitting;
• Itching in the anus;
• Presence of bright red blood around the stool or on toilet paper after cleaning the anal area;
• Appearance of a protrusion in the anus, in the case of external hemorrhoids.

If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should consult her obstetrician so he can assess the anal region and recommend appropriate treatment.

How the treatment is carried out

As hemorrhoids most often occur due to constipation, it is important to treat this situation, in addition to taking measures to alleviate hemorrhoid-related pain.

Treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy must be indicated by the obstetrician, who may recommend the use of analgesic medications, such as paracetamol, laxatives and ointments with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Discover the main ointments recommended for hemorrhoids.

In some cases, the doctor may also recommend the use of a microenema, which is a type of suppository that must be inserted into the anus, having a faster effect and not being absorbed by the body. The most recommended are those composed of glycerin, which facilitate the elimination of feces.

Surgery for hemorrhoids during pregnancy should only be performed if all treatment alternatives are insufficient, if the situation is unbearable for the woman and if the baby is not at risk.

Home treatment

Home treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be done with sitz baths with warm water to relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, such as pain in the anal region when sitting and having a bowel movement, itching in the anus region and one or more puffiness in the anal region.

To perform a sitz bath, simply put some warm water in a basin, approximately 37 ºC, and then sit for around 20 minutes, ensuring that the hemorrhoids are completely in the water. Check out other home remedy options for hemorrhoids.

See more about home treatment for hemorrhoids in the following video:

Care during treatment

During treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy, women must take certain precautions, the main ones being:

• Do not use toilet paperalways cleaning the anal region with wet wipes or warm water and neutral soap after urinating or defecating;
• Don’t remain sitting for too longespecially on the toilet or standing;
• Drink about 2 liters of water per day;
• Eat foods rich in fibersuch as vegetables, fruits, cereals, beans, chickpeas or wholemeal bread, for example;
• Do not eat foods with pepper and avoid too many condiments or fried foods;
• Use a pillow with an opening in the center when sitting.

Furthermore, it is recommended that women practice physical activity such as walking, yoga or water aerobics, for example, as long as this is approved by the obstetrician.