Dr. Carmen Fong
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Carmen Fong, MD, FACSn
First of all: if you have postpartum hemorrhoids, welcome to one of the least glamorous parts of having a baby.
You just did something extraordinary, and now your reward is… stinging, swelling, itching, and a weird fear of sitting down.
It’s incredibly common. Hemorrhoids often show up during pregnancy or immediately after delivery because of increased pressure in the anal canal and strain from pushing. And if constipation enters the chat (which it usually does), symptoms can worsen quickly. (That’s confirmed in ACOG’s clinical review of lower GI disorders in pregnancy and postpartum.)
But the good news is: postpartum hemorrhoids are often preventable, and even when they happen, the right habits can make them dramatically easier to manage.
Let’s talk about what actually works, in a way that won’t make you feel like you need to reorganize your entire life.
The #1 Goal: Prevent Constipation Before It Starts
If you want to avoid postpartum hemorrhoids, everything comes back to one thing:
📌 Keep your poop soft.
After delivery, constipation is extremely common. Your body may be dehydrated, especially if you lost blood during labor or are breastfeeding. Hormone shifts, pain meds, reduced movement, and fear of pain can all slow down your gut too. (This is also why postpartum constipation is so common in the first few days after birth.) Cleveland Clinic on postpartum bowel changes.
So your first mission is to stay ahead of it.
📌 Hydration
Aim for 2–3 liters of water per day, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Hydration helps keep stool soft and easier to pass. This advice is echoed in postpartum constipation guidance from major health systems. Kaiser Permanente postpartum constipation guidance.
📌 Fiber
Eat a fiber-rich diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains). Fiber gives stool structure and helps it move through your colon more efficiently. UK NHS resources highlight fiber and fluids as core prevention steps for hemorrhoids.
Fiber supplements: If you need a supplement, that’s fine — but here’s the rule:
Fiber without water can make constipation worse.
Think of it like adding sawdust to cement. If you’re going to add fiber, you must add hydration too. The Harvard fiber fact sheet
📌 Gentle movement
Walking is surprisingly effective postpartum. Movement stimulates the natural contractions of the colon and helps stool move along. Even a slow lap around your house counts.
Dr. Carmen Fong’s “One Poop Commandment” (and Why It Matters Postpartum)
Colorectal surgeon Dr. Carmen Fong has a rule she teaches patients that is especially useful postpartum:
Go when you have to go. And don’t go when you don’t.
This means:
✅ Don’t ignore the urge — delaying bowel movements leads to harder stool
✅ Don’t force it — straining adds pressure to hemorrhoids and worsens swelling
✅ Don’t camp on the toilet — sitting longer than 5 minutes increases pressure in the anal veins and can worsen hemorrhoids
Straining makes symptoms worse. Prevention centers on avoiding constipation and prolonged pushing. If nothing happens after a few minutes, get up. Your body isn’t ready yet. That’s not failure — that’s good pelvic floor hygiene.
What If You Haven’t Pooped in 3–5 Days?
First: you’re not alone. Postpartum bowel hesitancy is incredibly common.
But if you’ve gone 3–5 days without a bowel movement, you can step in gently.
⭐ Start with stool softeners or fiber
Many postpartum clinicians recommend starting with a stool softener (like docusate) to reduce strain and make passage easier.
⭐ Then try an osmotic laxative if needed
If you still aren’t going, an osmotic laxative like polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) can help draw water into the stool and support a bowel movement without harsh stimulation.
⭐ Stimulant laxatives = last resort
Stimulants can cause cramping and shouldn’t be used regularly without provider guidance, especially while breastfeeding.
(And when it comes to breastfeeding safety, LactMed is the gold standard database.)
The Fast-Relief + Long-Term-Healing Approach to Postpartum Hemorrhoids
When hemorrhoids are already inflamed, you need two things:
- Fast relief
- Warm water sitz baths
- Gentle cleansing and patting dry
- Cold packs for swelling
- Clinician-approved topical treatments, like Bummed’s Long-Acting Hemorrhoid and fissure cream
Warm baths and local care are commonly recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort in postpartum hemorrhoids. WebMD postpartum hemorrhoid relief guidance.
- Long-term healing
- Soft stools (hydration + fiber)
- No straining
- Minimal time on the toilet
- Gentle hygiene
Movement
The goal is not just symptom control. It’s preventing recurrence.
Postpartum Hygiene: Gentle Is Better
When you’re postpartum, the area is already irritated, and hemorrhoids make it even more sensitive.
What makes hemorrhoids worse:
- Aggressive wiping
- Scented wipes
- Soaps and cleansers
- Over-cleaning
What helps:
- Rinsing with warm water (bidet or peri bottle)
- Patting dry
- Keeping the area clean without scrubbing
Your anus has its own immune system. It does not need to be power-washed.
The Bottom Line
Postpartum hemorrhoids are common, but they’re not inevitable. Most cases can be prevented or dramatically improved by staying ahead of constipation with simple habits:
- Hydrate (2–3 liters/day)
- Eat fiber-rich foods
- Move gently every day
- Don’t strain
- Don’t sit on the toilet longer than 5 minutes
- Be kind to your butt during hygiene
And most importantly: don’t ignore your own needs while caring for a newborn. You matter too.
If symptoms are severe, persist longer than a couple of weeks, or include heavy bleeding, reach out to a clinician
If you’re unsure which treatment is right for your symptoms, you can always take our quiz for personalized guidance.
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.
FAQs: Postpartum Hemorrhoids
Are postpartum hemorrhoids normal?
Yes. They’re very common after pregnancy and delivery due to increased pressure and strain. Constipation often makes them worse. ACOG explanation.
How long do postpartum hemorrhoids last?
Many improve within a few days to a couple of weeks, especially with stool-softening habits and local care. If they persist or worsen, seek medical advice. WebMD postpartum hemorrhoid timeline.
What is the fastest way to relieve postpartum hemorrhoid pain?
Prescription medications with Diltiazem or Nitroglycerin, warm baths (sitz baths), cold packs for swelling, gentle cleansing, and avoiding straining often bring the quickest relief.
What should I do if I’m scared to poop postpartum?
You’re not alone. The key is soft stool: hydration, fiber, stool softener if needed. Straining and delaying both worsen hemorrhoids. Cleveland Clinic postpartum poop advice.
Can sitting too long on the toilet make hemorrhoids worse?
Yes. Prolonged sitting increases pressure in the hemorrhoidal veins and can worsen swelling. If nothing happens within 5 minutes, get up and try again later. NHS causes + strain warning.
When should I call a doctor?
- Bleeding is heavy or persistent
- Pain is severe
- Symptoms do not improve after 1–2 weeks
- You notice a hard painful lump (possible thrombosed hemorrhoid)
References
- ACOG: Hemorrhoids and constipation postpartum
https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2022/06/lower-gastrointestinal-tract-disorders (ACOG) - Cleveland Clinic: Postpartum constipation and stool softeners
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/postpartum-poop (Cleveland Clinic) - Kaiser Permanente: Postpartum constipation and hemorrhoids guidance
https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/article/constipation-and-hemorrhoids-1609756 (My Doctor Online) - NHS: Hemorrhoids overview (causes, prevention, treatment)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/piles-haemorrhoids/ (nhs.uk) - Harvard Nutrition Source: Dietary fiber and hydration guidance
https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/carbohydrates/fiber/ - WebMD: Postpartum hemorrhoid symptom relief
https://www.webmd.com/baby/what-to-do-if-you-have-postpartum-hemorrhoids (WebMD) - LactMed Database: Breastfeeding medication safety resource
https://www.nnlm.gov/BqfLH (nnlm.gov)