Haemorrhoids during pregnancy

Charmingly referred to as varicose veins of the anus, these little bundles of swollen veins can make their appearance in the final trimester, due to your increased weight, the pressure from your uterus, and constipation.    

The sensitive tissue inside the rectum is full of veins that gather and turn into small swellings that may or may not protrude from the anus when pressure is applied to that area. They’re usually painless but may be slightly itchy or even bleed when stools are passed. The good news is they should ease up after your baby is born.

??How to combat hemorrhoids

- Drink lots of water to bulk up your stools so they’re softer and easier to pass.

- Eat lots of fiber-rich whole grains and fruit and vegetables to help food move more easily through your digestive tract. Prune juice is also good for constipation.

- Keep up those Kegel exercises, as these will help with any circulation issues in that area.??

- Wash your rectum after a bowel movement to keep the area clean and help prevent swelling and itching. ?

- Don’t stand up or sit down for long periods of time, and sleep on your side to avoid putting pressure on your rectal veins.??

- Take a sitz bath with baking soda added to the water or add baking soda to your bathwater.

- Apply a gauze pad soaked in witch hazel to reduce swelling.

- Ask your caregiver or pharmacist for a soothing cream you can use while pregnant.??

If you have any unanswered questions, use our answers page to gain wisdom and advice from other moms or our resident experts on this or any other issues you may have during your pregnancy.