Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: causes and effective remedies

Why do hemorrhoids occur during pregnancy and how long do they last? What symptoms do they have and above all what are the best remedies and those to avoid?

What are hemorrhoids?

In common parlance, the term hemorrhoids is used as a synonym for what in medical jargon is defined as “hemorrhoidal disease” , i.e. the dilatation of particular venous structures located in the anus .

Unfortunately, it is a very frequent condition during pregnancy: it is estimated that around 30-50% of expectant mothers suffer from it .

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy can be internal or external.  They usually appear especially in the third  trimester  and tend to resolve themselves a few weeks after delivery.

In this article we will explore what are the causes , symptoms and above all the most effective remedies for this annoying disorder.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: the causes

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy are basically caused by the physical stresses and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

In particular, we can divide the causes into:  mechanical, hormonal and hereditary .

1. Mechanical causes

During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges  and the  blood flow to the pelvic area increases , accentuating the pressure at the level of the venous structures of the anus and causing them to dilate .

Added to this is the typical constipation of sweet expectation. In fact, the pushes to evacuate increase the pressure on the hemorrhoids, aggravating them, while the hardness of the stools has an irritating effect.

Furthermore, sometimes hemorrhoids can occur during labor , especially in the case of forced and prolonged thrusts .

2. Hormonal causes

The high levels of estrogen and progesterone relax the muscles of the blood vessels, favoring the dilation of the venous walls and the stagnation of blood.

3. Hereditary factors

If the family members suffer or have suffered from hemorrhoids, it is easier for the expectant mother to face this ailment.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: how long do they last

Fortunately, in most cases, hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy go away on their own after delivery .

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: symptoms

The typical symptoms of hemorrhoids in pregnancy are itching , burning and pain. In addition, in some cases there may also be bleeding during or after a bowel movement .

If you suffer from one or more of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately , especially if you are bleeding or have never suffered from hemorrhoids in the past. In this way, you will be able to receive a certain diagnosis and determine if any therapies (such as supplements, drugs or local ointments) are necessary .

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: remedies and prevention

Below we present  the best remedies to relieve hemorrhoids in pregnancy , while waiting for the visit with the doctor.

With the exception of the first, all the other tips are also essential for the prevention of this annoying problem.

1. Take baths or compresses with warm water

Warm water is one of the best remedies to find instant relief from hemorrhoids . Fill the tub, bidet or basin with warm water, without bubble bath or soap, and soak the sore area for about 15 minutes. Repeat several times a day and especially after bowel movements (in this case you can also add a mild cleanser).

To increase the soothing effect, some proctologists suggest adding to the water:

• a few drops of calendula essential oil , to promote healing
• rice starch , for its anti-inflammatory and refreshing effect
• bicarbonate , for the disinfectant action

Instead, avoid too cold water or ice , which while relieving the pain increase the congestion of hemorrhoids and after a momentary relief can aggravate the problem and symptoms. Ice packs or cold water should only be used if the bleeding won’t stop or if the pain is unbearable , while waiting for the medicines prescribed by your doctor to take effect.

2. Fight constipation

Drink often throughout the day and eat a diet rich in fruit and fiber . Also avoid sitting in the bathroom more than necessary and forcing the evacuation of feces, so as not to further accentuate the pressure in the anal region.

Further help against constipation can come from some natural supplements, such as those based on psyllium (or psyllium) . Before taking them, however, always remember to consult your doctor. An excess of fiber, in fact, can cause intestinal cramps or other ailments.

3. Avoid sitting for too long

If you spend many hours at your desk for work, get up every now and then for a short walk : it will help decongest the veins in your anus. You can also use a rubber donut or rolled up towel when sitting to reduce pain .

More generally, remember that moderate physical exercise , performed regularly, improves circulation and venous return, and promotes intestinal transit.

4. Strengthen your pelvic floor with Kegel exercises

To perform the exercises, learn to recognize the pelvic muscles by imagining that you are interrupting the flow of urine: the muscles that contract are the ones to use. Now contract your pelvic muscles for 5-10 seconds and then relax them for another 5-10 seconds , in repeated sets of about five minutes. This simple gymnastics, performed three times a day, will help you improve the tone and blood circulation of the perineal area.

5. Try to sleep on your left side

This position reduces the pressure of the uterus on the vena cava (through which blood returns from the legs to the heart) and improves circulation in the anal area.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: natural remedies

• Aloe vera gel

In reality, there are no scientific studies that prove the effectiveness of aloe vera in case of hemorrhoids. However, pure aloe (not in cream, mixed with other ingredients) has been shown to have positive effects on other inflammatory skin conditions. Furthermore, its use is safe in pregnancy .

• Pregnancy hemorrhoid cream

Among the natural remedies for hemorrhoids in pregnancy, we also find some ointments , which however should always be used only after consulting your doctor:

• witch hazel cream ( hamamelis ) ;

• calendula cream with two drops of Swedish bitters with mother tincture.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy: natural remedies not to be used

You’ve probably heard of many other home remedies for pregnancy hemorrhoids. Our advice is to be wary and, as we have already said, always ask your trusted doctor before adopting any remedy (natural or not).

Below, we present two examples of home remedies not recommended during pregnancy , which despite this are often used by expectant mothers to relieve symptoms without consulting the doctor.

• Apple cider vinegar

According to some, apple cider vinegar can provide immediate relief from hemorrhoids, reducing pain and itching. Repeated use of this remedy, however, can be irritating and aggravate the problem.

• Tea tree

Some scientific studies suggest that tea tree oil could be effective in relieving swelling and itching in the case of hemorrhoids, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, there is not enough data to consider it safe in pregnancy .

Are hemorrhoids in pregnancy dangerous?

No, hemorrhoids in pregnancy are not dangerous, although they can cause a lot of discomfort or pain. Fortunately, however, they resolve within a few weeks after delivery and have no impact on the well-being of the fetus.

In any case, in the presence of severe pain or bleeding , it is always advisable to contact your trusted doctor , who will be able to prescribe more important remedies (such as a cortisone cream or oral medicines ), especially in the event of an acute and very painful episode: in these cases we speak of the so-called ” hemorrhoidal crisis” , an expression of a hemorrhoidal thrombosis (ie the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel).

Furthermore, if the hemorrhoids do not return a few weeks after the birth of the child, it is advisable to consult a proctologist specialist to evaluate the need for any treatments.

How are postpartum hemorrhoids treated?

In the case of persistent hemorrhoids after childbirth , various treatments are possible, which vary according to the severity: for the mildest cases, a pharmacological therapy compatible with breastfeeding may be sufficient (for example based on specific ointments), while the more severe cases severe may require outpatient or surgical treatment .