Hemorrhoids
Swollen veins in rectum and anus causing pain, itching, and bleeding. Common in third trimester and worsened by constipation.
Sources: ACOG, NIH | Last updated: March 2026
📅 When It Occurs
Can occur any time but most common in third trimester
📊 How Common
Affects 25-35% of pregnant women
Overview
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in and around your rectum and anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus), causing pain, itching, discomfort when sitting, and sometimes bleeding with bowel movements.
They're extremely common during pregnancy and postpartum. The combination of increased blood volume, pressure from your growing uterus, constipation, and straining during bowel movements creates perfect conditions for hemorrhoids to develop.
While painful and embarrassing, hemorrhoids are very common and treatable. They often improve significantly or resolve completely after delivery, though prevention and early treatment are ideal.
📆 By Trimester
First Trimester
Can occur but relatively uncommon
Second Trimester
May begin developing as pressure increases
Third Trimester
Most common as weight and pressure reach maximum
🔍 What Causes It?
- •Increased blood volume and blood flow
- •Growing uterus putting pressure on pelvic veins
- •Constipation and straining during bowel movements
- •Progesterone hormone relaxing vein walls
- •Prolonged sitting or standing
- •Pushing during labor (postpartum hemorrhoids)
💡 Relief Strategies
- ✓Prevent constipation - drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods
- ✓Don't strain during bowel movements - don't force it
- ✓Use a stool to elevate feet while on toilet to improve position
- ✓Take warm sitz baths 3-4 times daily
- ✓Apply ice packs wrapped in cloth to reduce swelling
- ✓Use witch hazel pads (Tucks pads) for soothing relief
- ✓Apply hemorrhoid cream safe for pregnancy (ask doctor)
- ✓Keep anal area clean and dry
- ✓Wear cotton underwear
- ✓Avoid sitting for long periods - take breaks to walk
- ✓Sleep on your side to reduce pressure
- ✓Do Kegel exercises to improve circulation
🛍️ Comfort Products That May Help
Comfort and preparation products other expecting parents find helpful at this stage. These are convenience picks, not medical advice — always follow your provider's guidance.
Donut Cushion Seat
A ring cushion that makes sitting more comfortable during late pregnancy and recovery.
Check Price on Amazon →Pregnancy-Safe Fiber Supplement
A gentle daily fiber option many moms use to stay regular and comfortable.
Check Price on Amazon →Motivational Water Bottle
Staying hydrated eases many pregnancy aches; a time-marked bottle makes it easy.
Check Price on Amazon →Amazon Associates Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. These recommendations are editorially chosen comfort and preparation products and are not medical advice.
⚠️ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- ⚠Severe pain not relieved by home treatment
- ⚠Excessive bleeding with bowel movements
- ⚠Large, protruding hemorrhoid that won't go back in
- ⚠Signs of infection (fever, increased pain, pus)
- ⚠Blood clot in hemorrhoid (appears as blue or purple lump)
- ⚠No improvement with home care after one week
Related Symptoms
📅 Explore by Trimester
Learn how this symptom and others change throughout your pregnancy journey: