Pregnancy is for most people a time filled with joyful moments – but unfortunately also some less pleasant surprises, such as hemorrhoids. These small annoying lumps are a fairly common companion during pregnancy. A hemorrhoid is essentially a varicose vein that has chosen to settle near the rectum, and when it moves outside the sphincter muscle, it’s called a hemorrhoid. They can be painful, itchy and in some cases bleed a little – especially if the stool is hard.
Why do you get hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the growing uterus increases pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic area, making them extra prone to hemorrhoids. If you also experience constipation, which is often caused by iron supplements, it can worsen the situation. It’s an almost perfect recipe for the irritating little lumps that many pregnant people unfortunately experience.
Hemorrhoids in pregnancy – what symptoms should you watch for?
Typical symptoms of hemorrhoids during pregnancy are pain, itching and irritation around the rectum. You may also feel incomplete emptying after a bowel movement, and notice a little fresh blood with the stool. These symptoms are completely normal, but can of course be uncomfortable.
Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy – good advice
Fortunately there are several things you can do yourself to treat and relieve hemorrhoids during pregnancy:
💦 Avoid constipation: Drink plenty of water, eat a fiber-rich diet, and get regular exercise. A walk or a glass of prune juice can work wonders.
🚽 Delay your toilet visit: Avoid straining too much, and only go to the toilet when you really need to.
💆♀️ Relieve with rest: Lie down during the day to relieve pressure on the rectum.
🦵🏼 Venous pump exercises: These exercises help the blood circulate and can reduce swelling and discomfort.
👉🏼 Gently push the hemorrhoid back: Although it can feel a bit uncomfortable, it can provide temporary relief.
🧴 Use a soothing ointment: Consider using an ointment to care for the area, such as our Repair-salve, which effectively helps against redness, itching and irritation.
💊 Consult your doctor, who may prescribe medication in the form of a cream or suppositories for you.
Pregnant and hemorrhoids – when do they typically occur?
Hemorrhoids can appear already early in pregnancy, but they typically become more pronounced as pregnancy progresses and pressure on the pelvic area increases. If you experience severe pain, bleeding or if the hemorrhoids become very troublesome, you should always contact your doctor or midwife for advice.
Remember the humour – you are not alone!
The most important thing is to remember that hemorrhoids during pregnancy are both common and normal. You are absolutely not alone, and many women around you have likely experienced the same. Try to take it with a smile and know that it’s only temporary, and that hemorrhoids typically disappear again after birth.
