Hemorrhoidsoccur when vascular tissue in the anus or rectum becomes swollen and irritated.
They are not usually serious, but they can cause itching, pain, and bleeding.
Hemorrhoids affect up to 40% of pregnant people.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Typically, symptoms are managed during pregnancy, and the hemorrhoids often clear up after delivery.
Read on to learn why hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy and how to treat them.
Verywell / Ellen Lindner
Symptoms of Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy
Symptoms of hemorrhoids depend on their location.
They are usually most noticeable in the third trimester.
External Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy
External hemorrhoids are located under the skin around the anus.
Symptoms from minor external hemorrhoids tend to ease within a few days.
External hemorrhoids, and less often internal hemorrhoids, can become thrombosed.
Athrombosed hemorrhoidoccurs when ablood clotforms inside the hemorrhoid.
This blocks blood flow, causing a sudden and severe swelling.
The swelling is painful and often causes a lump that may be bluish in color.
Internal Hemorrhoids in Pregnancy
Internal hemorrhoids are located inside the anus.
It is usually a small amount of blood, but can look like more when mixed with toilet water.
Minor internal hemorrhoids are usually painless, but ones that are prolapsed may be painful or uncomfortable.
Aprolapsed hemorrhoidis when the hemorrhoid comes down through the anal opening.
Pregnancy Hemorrhoid Treatment
Usually, hemorrhoids that occur during pregnancy gradually resolve after giving birth.
Treatment during pregnancy typically focuses on symptom relief rather than cure.
Home Treatments
Home remediesare the most common treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
These procedures can include:
Never attempt these procedures yourself.
They are usually minor and resolve after birth.
They can cause pain or itching in the anal area or rectal bleeding.
Occasionally, medical procedures or surgery may be performed in more serious cases.
A Word From Verywell
If you are experiencing hemorrhoids during pregnancy, don’t worry.
They are common and will most likely resolve on their own after you give birth.
If your hemorrhoids are causing you concern or discomfort, speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hemorrhoids are generally most noticeable in the third trimester.
They tend to get worse right after delivery, then gradually get better during the postpartum period.
External hemorrhoids look like swollen lumps under the skin around the anus.
They may be bluish in color.
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