Pregnancy is (for most) a time filled with joyful moments, but also some less exciting surprises - like hemorrhoids. Yep, these little troublemakers are unfortunately a pretty common companion during pregnancy. A hemorrhoid is basically just a varicose vein that has decided to settle near the rectum, and they become particularly common when you're expecting. If they protrude outside the anal sphincter, they are classified as hemorrhoids, and they can sting, itch, and even bleed a little - especially if your digestion isn’t cooperating and your stool is hard.
So why do hemorrhoids appear during pregnancy? Your growing uterus increases pressure on the veins in the pelvic area, making them more prone to swelling. If you’re also dealing with constipation - often caused by iron supplements - it creates the perfect recipe for these annoying and not-so-glamorous little lumps.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to manage hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
💦 Avoid constipation: Drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods, and keep your body moving. A short walk or a glass of prune juice in the morning can work wonders.
🚽 Don’t rush to the toilet: Avoid straining and only go when you really need to.
💆♀️ Lie down during the day: This helps relieve pressure on the rectum.
🦵🏼 Try circulation-boosting exercises: These help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
👉🏼 Gently push the hemorrhoid back in: Yes, it sounds unpleasant, but it can actually provide relief - at least temporarily.
🧴 Use a good soothing cream: Our Repair balm is great for relieving redness, itching, and irritation.
And most importantly: Laugh about it! Getting hemorrhoids during pregnancy is neither embarrassing nor unusual. Chances are, someone in your circle has gone through the same thing. Try to take it with a smile and remember - they won’t last forever!
