Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Treatment
It is important to tell your healthcare provider if you experience what you think are
hemorrhoids. There are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Your healthcare provider will be able to look for these conditions and recommend treatment based on what is found.
In most cases, treatment for hemorrhoids during pregnancy is focused on:
- Relieving hemorrhoid symptoms
- Relieving pressure within the hemorrhoidal veins by increasing fiber and fluids
- Modifying bowel habits.
Specific treatment options for hemorrhoids during pregnancy may include:
- Ice packs (for external hemorrhoids) applied for 10 to 15 minutes three or four times a day.
- Warm baths four or five times a day for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Increased fluids and fiber in the diet.
- Stool softeners. Stool softeners are often combined with prenatal vitamins, but you do not want your system to become reliant on them.
- Over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams and ointments to help with itching or inflammation. Check with your healthcare provider about which brands are safe during pregnancy.
- A compress soaked in witch hazel.
- A pain reliever such as Tylenol®.
In addition, your healthcare provider may suggest a bulk stool softener or a fiber supplement, such as psyllium (Metamucil®) or methylcellulose (Citrucel®). Make sure to avoid laxatives during pregnancy.
As part of
hemorrhoid treatment during pregnancy, it is also important to set aside a certain time each day to have an unhurried bowel movement without vigorous wiping or rubbing. Patting, using a soft, moist pad (or even rinsing in the shower), can be used as an alternative to wiping.
Also, make sure to avoid straining during any bowel movement or lingering on the toilet for long periods of time.
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