How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is beautiful. It’s powerful. It’s life-changing. And sometimes… it’s uncomfortable—especially when it comes to your bottom. If you’re dealing with hemorrhoids during pregnancy or postpartum, first of all: you are not alone. In fact, up to 85% of pregnant women experience hemorrhoids at some point.
Our own Chief Medical Officer, Carmen Fong MD, literally wrote the book on pregnancy, constipation, and hemorrhoids.
Good news? You don’t have to suffer silently. There are safe, science-backed solutions — and Bummed is right behind you with personalized, prescription treatments designed to help you find relief, fast.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about getting rid of hemorrhoids during pregnancy—safely, comfortably, and confidently.
Why are Hemorrhoids so Common in Pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids are veins inside your anus. Everyone is born with them. During pregnancy, all sorts of things team up to make them more likely to flare up:
- Increased pressure from your growing uterus
- Hormonal changes that relax your veins
- Constipation (thanks, prenatal vitamins, supplements, and hormones!)
- Straining during bowel movements
- Inactivity due to being fatigued or uncomfortable during pregnancy
All of this adds up to inflammation, pain, itching, burning, and that telltale “something’s not right back there” feeling.
Blame it on biology: your body is doing a ton of work. As your uterus expands, it puts extra pressure on the veins in your pelvis and lower body. At the same time, progesterone (the pregnancy hormone MVP) relaxes your blood vessels to increase blood flow to baby— but also makes hemorrhoids prone to swelling.
Constipation in pregnancy affects approximately 11 to 40 percent of women (up to 85 percent in some populations).
Straining to poop can make hemorrhoids worse, or even cause new ones.
Bottom line: Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are incredibly normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to just grin and bear it.
How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids When Pregnant: Safe, Effective Strategies
Here’s your hemorrhoid-fighting game plan—because sitting shouldn’t feel like an extreme sport.
1. Keep Things Moving (Yes, We’re Talking About Poop)
The less you strain, the better your bottom will feel. Try these constipation-busting moves:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water (up to 3 liters per day, or as many as 12 – 13 standard glasses of water).
- Eat fiber-rich foods: Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, and beans. You also might want to add a daily fiber supplement to your diet, with both soluble and insoluble fiber. Here are our favorite pregnancy-safe brands.
- Get moving: Gentle exercise (like walking) helps your digestive system stay active.
- Don’t delay bathroom breaks: When you gotta go, go. Holding poop in makes constipation worse.
2. Treat Hemorrhoids With Prescription Relief (That’s Actually Made for You)
Here’s the real game changer: Over-the-counter creams and wipes can help a little, but many pregnant women need more powerful, targeted relief.
That’s where Bummed’s prescription hemorrhoid treatments come in. They are:
- Doctor-formulated (that includes OBGYNs) and science-backed
- Specifically designed for sensitive, pregnant bodies
- Fast-acting relief from pain, itching, and swelling
Most of Bummed’s core prescription products — like the Long-Acting Hemorrhoid & Fissure Rx Cream and the Sensitive Care Hemorrhoid & Fissure Rx Cream — are safe for use during pregnancy (but we always recommend checking with your healthcare providers first).
No awkward pharmacy runs. No “Is this even safe?” No Googling at 2 am. Just personalized, effective care you can trust.
3. Soothe With Simple, At-Home Care
You can also support healing with some easy home remedies:
- Sitz baths: Soak your bottom in warm water in your bathtub for 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
- Cold compresses: Apply a wrapped ice pack to the area to reduce swelling for about five minutes a day.
- Keep it clean: Gently cleanse the area with water only or a Bummed-approved cleanser after every bowel movement — but skip harsh soaps or aggressive wiping.
- Get some support! Instead of a donut pillow, sit on a memory-foam type pillow that provides your anus, hips and back with support.
4. Sleep Smart
Sleep is important to overall butt and gut health, and of course, good for a growing baby, too! Little adjustments in how you sleep can go a long way:
- Sleep on your (left) side: This takes pressure off your rectal veins because your baby isn’t compressing your large blood vessels, like the aorta and vena cava.
- Sleep while you can! Sleep in pregnancy is difficult, but not as difficult as after the baby is born! Use a C pillow between your knees or under your growing belly for comfort, take a doctor-approved supplement, or try calming tea or meditation before bed.
Small changes = big comfort wins.
5. When to Call Your Doctor
While most pregnancy hemorrhoids are just an annoying part of the journey, sometimes they need extra attention. Reach out to your OB-GYN if:
- You notice heavy bleeding
- Pain is severe or getting worse
- Hemorrhoids don’t improve with home care
- You develop fever or chills
Remember: there’s no shame in asking for help. Your comfort and health matter, too.
Post Partum Party
Congratulations! You had your baby, now what? Your butt isn’t thanking you for it. Good news is, a lot of hemorrhoid symptoms will improve or resolve after childbirth, because of the drop in intraabdominal pressure, weight, and hormones. Even those Grade I tears will heal. So there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
However, for those symptoms that don’t resolve, or if you’re someone who had symptoms of hemorrhoids prior to pregnancy that worsened during pregnancy, it’s time to try Bummed.
How Bummed is Helping Pregnant People
At Bummed, we believe relief shouldn’t feel out of reach — and it definitely shouldn’t feel embarrassing. We created science-backed, doctor-formulated hemorrhoid solutions because traditional treatments just weren’t cutting it — especially for women (and especially during pregnancy).
Pregnancy is hard enough. You don’t have to suffer through hemorrhoids, too. With a little care, smart strategies, and Bummed’s pregnancy-safe prescription products, you can find real relief and get back to enjoying all the best parts of growing your tiny human.
We offer:
- Prescription products that are more effective than standard meds or OTC
- Easy, online access to personalized treatment plans
- Shame-free, judgment-free care from doctors who get it
- More affordable options than standard meds, so you’re not stuck choosing between relief and your budget
We’re not your dad’s hemorrhoid cream — we’re a new era of anorectal care. And we’re right behind you, every step (and sit) of the way.
Not sure what you need? Take our quiz to determine the best treatment for you.
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.
