Dealing with hemorrhoids during pregnancy is incredibly common. It's often thanks to a "perfect storm" of changes happening in your body as you grow a tiny human. Understanding what’s causing the discomfort is the first step to feeling better. If you are pregnant, make sure to always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication.
Why Pregnancy and Hemorrhoids Go Hand in Hand
Pregnancy basically creates the ideal conditions for hemorrhoids to show up. Think of your veins as little garden hoses. Usually, blood flows through them just fine. But during pregnancy, a few things happen that crank up the pressure.
For starters, your blood volume skyrockets—increasing by as much as 50%—to support your growing baby. All that extra blood puts more strain on your entire circulatory system, including the veins down there.
Then, there are the hormones. Progesterone, the MVP of pregnancy hormones, causes the walls of your veins to relax and become more flexible. Combine those relaxed veins with all that extra blood, and it's much easier for the veins around your anus to swell and turn into hemorrhoids.
The Impact of Uterine Growth
As your uterus gets bigger, it puts a ton of weight on the large veins in your pelvis. This acts like a traffic jam, slowing down blood flow from your lower body back to your heart.
The result is blood pooling in those rectal veins, which leads directly to swelling and pressure. This is exactly why so many people get their first hemorrhoid flare-up in the later stages of pregnancy, when the baby—and your uterus—are at their biggest.
The research backs this up. One study found that 51% of first-time moms dealt with hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy.
In certain populations, up to 85% of pregnancies are affected by hemorrhoids in the third trimester.
The timing of when these symptoms start is also very telling.
Hemorrhoid Onset by Trimester
This table breaks down when pregnant individuals in one study first noticed hemorrhoid symptoms, trimester by trimester.
| Trimester | Percentage of Symptom Onset |
|---|---|
| First Trimester | 16.3% |
| Second Trimester | 26.4% |
| Third Trimester | 57.3% |
As you can see, the third trimester is peak hemorrhoid season, right when uterine pressure is at its max.
Other Contributing Factors
On top of everything else, constipation—another fun and frequent pregnancy complaint—is a major player here. Hormonal changes can slow down your entire digestive system, making stools harder and more difficult to pass.
Straining on the toilet puts a huge amount of pressure on those already-stressed rectal veins, which can easily trigger a new hemorrhoid or make an existing one much worse. We cover this in more detail in our guide on how pregnancy changes your poop.
It’s also worth noting the connection between your pelvic floor and digestive health. Sometimes, issues like hemorrhoids are linked to pelvic floor dysfunction. For those interested in learning more, resources on treating hemorrhoids through pelvic floor rehab can offer some helpful insights.
Identifying the Symptoms of Pregnancy Hemorrhoids
Figuring out if you have hemorrhoids during pregnancy usually starts with noticing something just feels… off. The symptoms can range from mildly annoying to downright painful, but they’re often pretty distinct.
One of the most common complaints is a persistent, frustrating itch in or around your anus. This can come with a general sense of irritation, especially when you’re sitting for a while. For others, the feeling is more like a sharp pain, particularly during or after a bowel movement.
Internal vs. External Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids come in two main varieties, and knowing the difference can help you understand what you’re dealing with.
External hemorrhoids pop up under the skin around the anus. These are often the easiest to spot because you might feel one or more sensitive, firm lumps. They can be itchy, painful, and sometimes they bleed, especially when wiped or irritated.
Internal hemorrhoids form inside the rectum. You usually can't see or feel them, and they are typically painless. Their classic calling card? Painless bleeding when you have a bowel movement.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most frequent sign of internal hemorrhoids is seeing a small amount of bright red blood on your toilet tissue or in the toilet bowl.
When to Call Your Provider
While most pregnancy hemorrhoids are more of a nuisance than a danger, some signs definitely warrant a call to your OB-GYN or provider. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis to rule out other issues and make sure you get the right care.
Give your provider a ring if:
You’re experiencing heavy or continuous bleeding.
The pain is severe, constant, or getting worse.
A lump around your anus becomes extremely painful, which could be a sign of a thrombosed hemorrhoid (one that has a blood clot).
You’ve tried at-home remedies for about a week and are getting no relief.
Knowing what to look for—and when to ask for help—is the first step to managing your health confidently through pregnancy and beyond.
Safe At-Home Remedies for Immediate Relief
When hemorrhoids flare up during pregnancy, you need relief that’s both safe and effective, and you need it now. Thankfully, your first line of defense is right at home. These are the tried-and-true strategies to soothe irritation, calm swelling, and help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
A warm sitz bath is a classic for a reason. Soaking the area in a few inches of warm—not hot—water for 10 to 15 minutes a couple of times a day can feel like a lifesaver. You can use a special basin that fits right over your toilet or just hop in the tub.
We want to acknowledge that when you are in real pain, this is often not enough. That's why Bummed created pregnancy-safe custom compounded prescription creams, including our Sensitive Care and Long-Acting Hemorrhoid + Fissure Rx Creams.
Cool Down and Calm Inflammation
To tackle swelling head-on, a cold compress can do wonders. Just wrap some ice in a clean cloth and gently apply it to the area for about 10 minutes at a time. This helps shrink those swollen veins and gives you some blessed numbness for pain relief.
Witch hazel is another go-to for calming down angry inflammation.
You can find pre-moistened pads or cotton balls soaked in witch hazel at almost any pharmacy. It’s a natural astringent, which means it helps safely reduce both swelling and that maddening itch.
For postpartum recovery, options like cooling pads can also be a huge help in managing discomfort. You can learn more in this guide on essential cooling pad use for recovery.
Make Small Changes to Your Daily Routine
Little tweaks to your habits can make a surprisingly big difference in your comfort level. It’s all about reducing pressure and irritation wherever you can.
Hygiene and Comfort Tips:
Pat, Don’t Wipe: After you go, aggressive wiping is your enemy. It just irritates already-sensitive tissue. Instead, gently pat the area with soft, unscented toilet paper or, even better, use a moist towelette.
Break Up Your Sitting Time: Sitting for long stretches—especially on the toilet—puts a ton of pressure on your rectal veins. If you’re at a desk all day, make a point to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour.
By working these simple practices into your day, you can get a real handle on hemorrhoid discomfort during pregnancy. For a deeper dive, check out our complete guide on how to treat hemorrhoids at home. But remember, if these remedies aren't cutting it, it’s always a good idea to talk to your provider, or get a telehealth consult through a platform liked Bummed.
How Diet and Lifestyle Prevent Hemorrhoids
While fast-acting remedies are great for a flare-up, the best way to handle pregnancy hemorrhoids is to avoid them altogether. That means playing defense. By making a few simple tweaks to your daily routine, you can get ahead of constipation—the number one cause of hemorrhoids—and keep your bottom happy.
Think of it as managing internal pressure. The goal is to keep your digestive system running so smoothly that you never have to strain. Less strain means less pressure on those sensitive veins.
Fuel Up on Fiber and Fluids
Your one-two punch against constipation? Fiber and water. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, making it softer and way easier to pass, while water keeps things moving along. You should aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber every day.
Some great, pregnancy-safe foods to toss in your cart include:
Fruits: Berries, pears, apples (with the skin on!), and oranges.
Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and leafy greens like spinach.
Legumes: Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are total fiber powerhouses.
Whole Grains: Oatmeal, quinoa, and whole-wheat bread.
For a complete grocery list, check out our guide on high-fiber foods for constipation. Just remember to add fiber into your diet slowly to give your body time to adjust—this helps you skip the gas and bloating. And drink plenty of water (at least eight to ten glasses) to help that fiber do its job.
Smart Bathroom Habits
How you go is just as important as what you eat. Straining on the toilet puts a huge amount of pressure on the veins around your anus.
When you feel the urge, go. Don't wait. Holding it in can make your stool harder, which only makes things worse later. But once you're on the toilet, don't linger—that means no scrolling on your phone! Just sitting there for too long also increases that unwanted pressure.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 40% of pregnant women get hemorrhoids, mostly because of constipation and the pressure from a growing uterus. If you’ve had them before, your risk is even higher now, making these habits absolutely essential.
Gentle Movement and Diet Planning
As long as your provider gives you the green light, staying active can do wonders for keeping your digestive system on track. Even a simple 20-30 minute walk each day can help stimulate your bowels and ward off constipation.
A balanced diet is also a non-negotiable during pregnancy. For a little extra help structuring your meals, you might consider looking into a dedicated AI Meal Planner pregnancy guide. These small, consistent changes really are your best defense against hemorrhoids.
When At-Home Care Isn’t Cutting It: Finding Safe Prescription Treatments
So you’ve tried the sitz baths, you’re chugging water, and you’re still in pain. When at-home strategies for hemorrhoids during pregnancy just aren't enough, it’s time to call in for backup. The great news? Powerful, pregnancy-safe prescription relief is available without ever having to put on real pants and sit in a waiting room.
Let's be real, when you're in pain, waiting weeks for an in-person appointment just doesn't fly. Modern telehealth makes getting real care ridiculously simple. At Bummed, we can connect you with a board-certified provider for an online visit, often on the very same day you reach out. You just fill out a quick, secure form about your symptoms, and a provider gets to work on a treatment plan that's right for you.
Personalized Care, Right from Your Couch
Our providers can prescribe custom-compounded medications developed by colorectal surgeons, including our very own Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Carmen Fong. These aren't the one-size-fits-all tubes you grab off the shelf. Think of them as bespoke formulas tailored to your specific pregnancy needs.
This approach means we can combine powerful, proven ingredients to tackle multiple symptoms at once—like pain, swelling, and itching—all in a single, targeted cream. You can learn more about how we formulate a pregnancy-safe hemorrhoid cream that actually works.
The goal is to get you past the temporary, over-the-counter fixes and onto real, lasting relief. Telehealth lets you skip the waiting rooms and get a prescription designed for your body, right now.
Simple, Fast, and Completely Discreet Relief
Because the last thing you need when you're pregnant and uncomfortable is more hassle. Once your provider finalizes your prescription, your treatment is shipped discreetly right to your door. You can start feeling better without ever leaving home.
Plus, our treatments are FSA/HSA eligible, making it a little easier to manage the cost. With ongoing support and direct messaging with your provider, you can feel confident knowing you have a medical expert on your team throughout your entire pregnancy journey.
What to Expect with Postpartum Hemorrhoids
Congratulations, you’ve had the baby! But what about that other little souvenir from pregnancy? The journey with hemorrhoids doesn’t always end right at delivery. For many, the discomfort starts to fade within a few weeks as your body gets back to its new normal.
Once your uterus is no longer putting pressure on everything and your hormone levels begin to even out, those swollen veins finally get a chance to shrink. It’s a huge relief.
But let’s be real: the sheer effort of pushing during labor can sometimes make existing hemorrhoids flare up before they calm down. For some, that lingering pain and swelling can stick around for weeks or even months. It’s so important to be patient with your body’s recovery. In addition, you may have been given constipating meds during birth, whether vaginal labor or a C-section.
The Postpartum Recovery Timeline
While many cases clear up on their own, a frustrating number can persist. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most pregnancy-related hemorrhoids do get better after birth, but it can sometimes take a while—even up to a year. This is especially common if they showed up in your third trimester, when pressure and constipation were at an all-time high.
And the research backs this up. A 2026 study found that while most symptoms resolve, 16% of patients still had long-term issues six months after giving birth. You can read the full research on postpartum hemorrhoid persistence to get a closer look at the data.
Continued Support and Treatment After Birth
The good news? Whether your symptoms disappear quickly or decide to overstay their welcome, you are not out of options. All the effective strategies and treatments you used during pregnancy are still on the table postpartum—and that includes breastfeeding-safe options.
You can keep up with at-home remedies like sitz baths, witch hazel pads, and a high-fiber diet. If those aren’t cutting it, the same prescription treatments that are safe during pregnancy are often safe while breastfeeding, too.
Don’t just suffer through it if your symptoms are severe or not improving. At Bummed, we can connect you with a provider to discuss postpartum-safe prescription options that help you feel in control of your recovery and get back to focusing on your new life.
Frequently asked questions about hemorrhoids during pregnancy
Are Hemorrhoids Dangerous for My Pregnancy?
The short answer? Nope. Hemorrhoids are definitely a pain, but they aren’t a danger to you or your pregnancy. As the Mayo Clinic explains, they’re just swollen veins—a super common side effect of all the pressure and hormonal shifts happening in your body. Think of them as an annoying rite of passage, not a medical threat. That said, if you’re dealing with severe pain or heavy bleeding, always give your provider a call to be safe.
Can I Prevent Hemorrhoids Completely?
Probably not completely, and that's okay. The physical changes of pregnancy—like a growing uterus and relaxed veins—stack the deck against you. But you absolutely have the power to reduce your risk and keep flare-ups from getting worse. The best defense is a good offense. Following the diet and lifestyle advice in this guide—like staying hydrated, eating enough fiber, and avoiding straining on the toilet—is your best defense for keeping hemorrhoids from developing or getting worse. And when all else fails, Bummed offers pregnancy-safe custom compounded prescription creams.
How Long Do They Last After Giving Birth?
For most, things get a lot better within a few weeks postpartum. Once your baby arrives, that immense pressure on your pelvic veins disappears, and the swelling finally gets a chance to go down. But for some, they can stick around. If you’re still struggling with symptoms a month or two after delivery, it’s a good idea to reach out for treatment. Getting relief will help you focus on what really matters—your new life.
When Should I Contact a Provider?
If you’ve been trying at-home remedies for about a week with no improvement, it’s time to call in the experts. You should also get in touch with a provider right away if you have severe or worsening pain, or if you notice any heavy or continuous bleeding. A provider can confirm what’s going on and prescribe treatments that are powerful but still safe for you and your pregnancy. Getting the right care can make a world of difference.
At Bummed, we connect you with board-certified providers for fast, discreet, and effective anorectal care. Get a personalized treatment plan, often with pregnancy-safe options, delivered right to your door. Start your online visit today at bummed.co.
Bummed content is for general education and should never replace professional medical advice that considers your individual health. If you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency department.
Prescription products require an online consultation with a physician who will determine if a prescription is appropriate.