Hemorrhoids are swollen veins around the anus or lower rectum. During pregnancy, they are common because of constipation, increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure from the growing uterus. They can cause itching, soreness, burning, swelling, pain when pooping, or bright red bleeding after a bowel movement. Cleveland Clinic notes that pregnancy hemorrhoids are usually manageable with at-home care and often improve after birth. (Cleveland Clinic)
How to Deal With Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
1. Keep Stool Soft
The biggest goal is to avoid hard stools. Hard stools make hemorrhoids worse because they force you to strain.
Focus on:
• Drinking enough water
• Eating fruits and vegetables
• Adding beans, lentils, oats, and whole grains
• Taking short walks if cleared by your provider
• Asking your OB-GYN about stool softeners if needed
Constipation and straining are major triggers, and conservative care usually starts with fiber, fluids, stool softeners when appropriate, and better toilet habits. (PMC)
2. Do Not Strain on the Toilet
Straining puts direct pressure on rectal veins. This can make hemorrhoids swell more and hurt more.
Try this:
• Go when you feel the urge
• Do not force it
• Keep your feet on a small stool
• Lean slightly forward
• Breathe out instead of holding your breath
• Leave the bathroom if nothing happens after a few minutes
Do not sit on the toilet scrolling on your phone. Long sitting increases pressure.
3. Use Warm Sitz Baths
A warm sitz bath can reduce pain, itching, and irritation. Sit in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, especially after a bowel movement.
You can use:
• A bathtub with shallow warm water
• A sitz bath basin that fits over the toilet
Do not use very hot water. ACOG recommends soaking in a warm, not hot, tub a few times a day for pregnancy hemorrhoid relief. (ACOG)
4. Apply Cold Packs for Swelling
Cold can help reduce swelling and numb soreness.
Use:
• Ice pack wrapped in cloth
• Cold compress
• Chilled witch hazel pads
Apply for short periods. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Mayo Clinic recommends cold compresses or witch hazel pads to ease hemorrhoid discomfort in pregnancy. (Mayo Clinic)
5. Try Witch Hazel Pads
Witch hazel pads can help with itching, soreness, and swelling. Many pregnant people use them after bowel movements or after sitz baths.
Use gently. If they burn or irritate your skin, stop using them and ask your provider what to use instead. ACOG lists witch hazel pads as one option for pain and swelling relief. (ACOG)
6. Wipe Gently
Rough wiping makes hemorrhoids more irritated.
Try:
• Unscented wipes
• Soft toilet paper
• Rinsing with a peri bottle
• Patting dry instead of rubbing
Avoid scented wipes, strong soaps, or alcohol-based products around the area.
7. Avoid Sitting Too Long
Sitting for long periods increases pressure on the veins around the anus and rectum.
Try:
• Standing breaks
• Short walks
• Lying on your side
• Sitting on a cushion if needed
• Changing positions often
Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding sitting for long periods because it increases pressure on rectal and anal veins. (Mayo Clinic)
8. Move Daily if You Can
Gentle movement supports digestion and helps prevent constipation. It also reduces pressure from staying still too long.
Helpful movement includes:
• Short walks
• Light stretching
• Prenatal-safe movement
• Gentle household movement
• Standing breaks from desk work
Do not do anything that worsens pelvic pressure, bleeding, or pain.
9. Eat More Fiber Slowly
Fiber helps stools stay softer and easier to pass. Add fiber slowly so you do not worsen gas or bloating.
Good options include:
• Psyllium husk powder
• Oatmeal
• Apples
• Pears
• Berries
• Lentils
• Beans
• Chia seeds
• Whole grain bread
• Brown rice
• Vegetables
Drink more water when increasing fiber. Fiber without enough fluid can make constipation worse.
10. Ask Before Using Hemorrhoid Creams
Some over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams or suppositories may be safe in pregnancy, but do not assume every product is okay.
Ask your OB-GYN, provider, or pharmacist before using:
• Hemorrhoid creams
• Suppositories
• Numbing creams
• Laxatives
• Stool softeners
• Herbal remedies
Pregnancy changes what is safe, especially if you have bleeding, other medications, or a high-risk pregnancy.
11. Use a Pillow if Sitting Hurts
If sitting is painful, use a soft cushion. Some people use a donut pillow, but for others it can increase pressure around the hemorrhoid. Try different support and keep what actually feels better.
You can also sit slightly tilted to one side or lie on your side when resting.
12. Do Not Ignore Constipation From Iron
Prenatal vitamins with iron can worsen constipation for some people. Do not stop iron on your own, especially if you are anemic.
Ask your provider about:
• Taking iron at a different time
• Switching iron type
• Adding stool softener
• Checking ferritin or CBC
• Increasing dietary fiber
The goal is to treat constipation without leaving iron deficiency untreated.
13. Reduce Pressure When You Cough or Lift
Coughing, heavy lifting, and straining can worsen hemorrhoids.
Try:
• Support your belly when coughing
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Exhale during effort
• Ask for help with heavy tasks
• Treat constipation early
• Avoid holding your breath
Pressure management matters because hemorrhoids worsen when rectal veins are repeatedly strained.
14. Watch Bleeding Carefully
Bright red blood on toilet paper after a bowel movement can happen with hemorrhoids, but bleeding should still be mentioned to your provider.
Call sooner if:
• Bleeding is heavy
• Blood is mixed into stool
• Stool looks black or tarry
• Pain is severe
• Bleeding keeps happening
• You are unsure if bleeding is rectal or vaginal
CDC lists vaginal bleeding during pregnancy as an urgent warning sign, so if you are not sure where the blood is coming from, call your OB-GYN or labor and delivery. (CDC)
15. Know When Hemorrhoids Need Medical Care
Call your OB-GYN or provider if you have:
• Severe rectal pain
• Heavy bleeding
• A hard painful lump near the anus
• Fever or chills
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage
• Pain that does not improve
• Constipation that lasts several days
• Hemorrhoids that make it hard to sit, walk, or poop
A hard, very painful lump can be a thrombosed hemorrhoid, which means a clot has formed inside the hemorrhoid. This should be checked.
Quick Daily Routine for Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
Morning
Drink water before caffeine.
Eat a fiber-rich breakfast.
Take a short walk if you can.
Avoid delaying bowel movements.
During the Day
Do not sit for long stretches.
Change position often.
Eat fiber with meals.
Keep drinking water.
Avoid straining.
After a Bowel Movement
Rinse or wipe gently.
Pat dry.
Use witch hazel pads if they help.
Use a cold pack if swollen.
Do a warm sitz bath if sore.
Evening
Elevate your feet if swollen.
Take a warm sitz bath.
Prepare fiber-rich snacks for the next day.
Ask your provider about stool softeners if constipation continues.
What to Avoid
• Straining
• Sitting on the toilet too long
• Scrubbing with toilet paper
• Scented wipes or harsh soaps
• Long periods of sitting
• Ignoring constipation
• Starting creams or laxatives without asking
• Heavy lifting when symptoms are flaring
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are common, but they can be very uncomfortable. The best approach is to keep stool soft, avoid straining, use warm sitz baths, apply cold packs, wipe gently, move regularly, and ask your provider before using medications.
Call your OB-GYN or provider if pain is severe, bleeding is heavy, constipation is not improving, or you are unsure whether bleeding is rectal or vaginal. Early care can keep hemorrhoids from becoming more painful.
