If you’re pregnant and seeing bright red blood on the toilet paper, feeling pain or itching around your anus, or noticing a swollen bump near your bottom, you may have haemorrhoids (also called piles). These are common during pregnancy and usually not dangerous.
This blog will explain exactly why haemorrhoids happen in pregnancy, how to tell whether you have them (versus other anal issues), and what you can safely do to relieve symptoms.
You’ll also find guidance on safe treatments, what symptoms to watch out for, and when you must see a doctor. By the end, you’ll feel more confident and better able to manage or prevent haemorrhoids without endless searches.
What Are Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids (or piles) are swollen or distended veins in or around the anal canal and rectum. They resemble varicose veins that occur in the legs, but are located around the lower bowel.
There are two main types: internal & external haemorrhoids
- Internal haemorrhoids: These lie inside the rectum and are usually not visible externally. They may not cause pain unless they prolapse (push out through the anus).
- External haemorrhoids: These are under the skin around the anus. Because that skin is sensitive and has many nerve endings, external haemorrhoids tend to cause pain, itching, and discomfort.
Sometimes a haemorrhoid can become thrombosed (a blood clot forms inside it), causing a sudden, sharply painful lump.
Why Do Haemorrhoids Occur in Pregnancy?
Several changes during pregnancy make haemorrhoids much more likely:
1. Hormonal Changes
Progesterone levels rise throughout pregnancy. This hormone relaxes the smooth muscles of blood vessel walls. While this is helpful for supporting pregnancy, it also makes veins more likely to stretch, swell, and become engorged.
2. Increased Blood Volume
Your body produces significantly more blood to nourish the growing baby. The extra volume puts added pressure on veins, particularly those in the rectal and pelvic regions.
3. Pressure from the Growing Uterus
As the uterus enlarges, it presses on the pelvic veins and the lower digestive tract. This slows blood return from the rectal area, which causes pooling and swelling in haemorrhoidal veins.
4. Constipation
Pregnancy hormones slow down digestion, and iron supplements can make stools harder. Constipation is common, and passing hard stools forces you to strain. This strain puts extra pressure on already swollen rectal veins.
5. Straining During Bowel Movements
Frequent straining, whether from constipation or spending too long on the toilet, adds sudden bursts of pressure that can enlarge or worsen haemorrhoids.
6. Reduced Physical Activity
Many women become less active later in pregnancy. Prolonged sitting or standing without movement can reduce circulation and worsen venous pooling in the lower body.
7. Pre-existing Vein Issues
If you’ve had varicose veins or haemorrhoids before pregnancy, you’re more prone to them recurring or worsening due to the added pressure and hormonal changes.
Is It Normal to Have Haemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
Yes, haemorrhoids are a very common issue in pregnancy. In fact, studies show that around one in three pregnant women will experience them at some point, most often during the third trimester when the uterus is heaviest.
They can also develop in the weeks after childbirth, especially if you had a long or difficult labour. While they can be uncomfortable, they’re considered a normal side effect of pregnancy changes and usually improve after delivery with proper care.
Haemorrhoid Symptoms During Pregnancy
Pregnancy haemorrhoids can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. According to the NHS, the most common signs of haemorrhoids during pregnancy include:
- Itching, soreness, or a dull ache around the anus, which may worsen after sitting for long periods.
- Pain during bowel movements, especially when passing hard stools.
- Bright red bleeding, often seen on toilet paper or in the toilet bowl after a bowel movement.
- Swelling or small lumps around the anus that may feel tender.
- Mucus discharge following a bowel movement.
- A lingering sensation of incomplete emptying, where you feel the need to go again even after passing stool.
These symptoms happen because increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure from the growing uterus make rectal veins swell and become irritated.
Also Read: Fastest Way to Get Rid of Haemorrhoids During Pregnancy
How Can I Avoid Getting Haemorrhoids When I’m Pregnant?
You can’t always prevent haemorrhoids in pregnancy, but there’s a lot you can do to slow down the risk. The goal is to keep your bowels moving smoothly and reduce pressure on your rectal veins.
1. Eat a high-fibre diet
Incorporate a lot of vegetables, fruits, whole grains & legumes into your diet. Strive for at least 25-30 grams of fibre daily to ensure stools remain soft and regular.
2. Stay well hydrated
Drink enough water throughout the day. Good hydration prevents constipation and helps fibre do its job.
3. Don’t delay bowel movements
Go to the toilet when you feel the urge. Holding it in makes stools harder and more difficult to pass.
4. Avoid straining and long toilet time
Straining puts sudden pressure on the rectal veins. Try not to sit on the toilet for long periods, as this also increases pressure.
5. Keep active
Gentle exercise like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga improves circulation and stimulates bowel function. Even short daily walks can make a difference.
6. Change positions often
Avoid sitting or standing for too long at a time. Rest with your legs elevated when possible to improve blood flow.
7. Manage weight gain
Follow your doctor’s guidance on healthy pregnancy weight gain. Extra weight adds pressure to pelvic and rectal veins.
8. Ask about safe stool softeners if needed
If constipation continues despite lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend a stool softener or fibre supplement that’s safe during pregnancy.
9. Take warm baths
Soaking in a shallow warm bath (or sitz bath) for 10-15 minutes can relax anal muscles, improve blood flow, and ease pressure on rectal veins. Doing this regularly may help prevent haemorrhoid flare-ups.
By focusing on these habits early in pregnancy, you can reduce your chances of developing haemorrhoids or at least keep them from becoming severe.
How Are Haemorrhoids Diagnosed During Pregnancy?
Haemorrhoids are very common in pregnancy, so doctors are familiar with identifying them based on your symptoms. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of symptom review and a physical examination:
1. Visual Inspection
External haemorrhoids can often be seen during a simple examination of the anal area. Your provider looks for swelling, lumps, or discolouration around the anus.
2. Digital Rectal Exam
For internal haemorrhoids, your doctor may gently insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any swollen veins or lumps. This helps determine the size, location, and severity of the haemorrhoids.
3. Anoscopy or Sigmoidoscopy
In some cases, a small, lighted instrument called an anoscope or sigmoidoscope is used to view inside the rectum. These procedures are quick, safe during pregnancy, and provide a clear picture of internal haemorrhoids.
What Medications Are Used to Treat Haemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
When lifestyle changes and home remedies aren’t enough to relieve haemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend certain medications.
1. Fibre Supplements and Stool Softeners
Constipation is a major trigger for haemorrhoids. Your doctor may recommend a pregnancy-safe fibre supplement (like psyllium) or a mild stool softener to keep stools soft and reduce straining. This is often the first step before any topical or medicinal treatment.
2. Topical Treatments
- Soothing creams and ointments: Non-medicated creams, petroleum jelly, or products containing witch hazel can reduce itching, burning, and swelling.
- Mild medicated creams: In some cases, low-strength hydrocortisone or anaesthetic ointments may be prescribed, but only under medical supervision to ensure safety for both mother and baby.
3. Pain Relief
Mild pain or discomfort can often be managed with paracetamol (acetaminophen), which is generally considered safe during pregnancy. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen unless specifically advised by your doctor.
4. Laxatives
In cases of severe constipation, your doctor might suggest a pregnancy-safe laxative to ease bowel movements and reduce haemorrhoid irritation.
When to See a Doctor Immediately?
You must get medical attention if:
- Bleeding is heavy, frequent, or doesn’t subside.
- You feel dizzy, weak, or have signs of anaemia (pallor, lethargy).
- Constant, severe pain not improved by home measures.
- Pus, foul discharge, or signs of infection.
- Large lumps or prolapsed tissue that can’t be pushed back.
- New, unexplained changes in bowel habits or stool appearance.
- Fever accompanying rectal symptoms.
Don’t assume bleeding is just from haemorrhoids; other conditions may be responsible, and early diagnosis is safer.
Final Thoughts
Haemorrhoids in pregnancy are uncomfortable but usually harmless, and with the right care, they can be managed effectively. Understanding why they happen, recognising the symptoms, and following preventive steps like eating more fibre, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining can make a big difference.
Safe treatments are available if symptoms become severe, but it’s always best to consult your doctor before using any medication. Most haemorrhoids improve after childbirth, so while they can be frustrating, they are temporary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I treat haemorrhoids while pregnant?
Focus on easing constipation with high-fibre foods, plenty of fluids, and gentle exercise. Warm sitz baths and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing can also bring relief.
2. Can haemorrhoids harm my baby?
No. Haemorrhoids are uncomfortable for you, but don’t harm your baby. They usually improve with simple treatments.
3. What do pregnancy haemorrhoids look like?
External haemorrhoids appear as swollen, sometimes bluish lumps around the anus. Internal ones are hidden unless they slip outside.
4. Should I push a haemorrhoid back in?
If it slips out, you can gently push it back with clean hands and a little lubricant. If it’s painful or hard, see your doctor.
5. When should I see a doctor about haemorrhoids?
Get medical help if you have heavy or ongoing bleeding, severe pain, large clots, or symptoms that don’t get better with home care.
