I am pregnant and have hemorrhoids: what should I do?

Are you pregnant and have you just felt a small swelling on one or both lips of your vulva? Is it unpleasant, does it burn, does it itch? It is very possible that you are dealing with a vulvar varicose vein . Very taboo due to their location, they nevertheless affect a good number of pregnant women and for good reason; they have hormonal origins.

As founders of an e-concept store dedicated to female intimacy, we have made it our mission to break the taboos surrounding pathologies that affect women: that is why it seemed essential to us to tell you about them. Symptoms, causes, diagnosis: discover everything you need to know about vulvar varicose veins.

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Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: why are they more common?

While hemorrhoids affect 80% of men and women at some point in their lives, pregnancy is THE time when many women are confronted with hemorrhoids. In fact, a third of women experience hemorrhoids while pregnant. Before we dwell on the causes that lead to an increase in hemorrhoids during pregnancy, let's review some basics about this condition.

What are hemorrhoids or hemorrhoidal crisis?

We speak of “hemorrhoidal crisis” or, more familiarly, “hemorrhoids”, when the hemorrhoidal veins located in the anal area are inflamed. They dilate excessively, swell and become inflamed creating intimate discomfort, itching, sharp pain and blood in the stool.

There are two types of hemorrhoids:

• Internal hemorrhoids: when inflamed, the hemorrhoidal veins become varicose veins which line the inside of the anus, upstream of the annexation of the anus to the rectum;
• External hemorrhoids: External hemorrhoids form downstream of the junction between the anus and the rectum, on the surface of the anus. They are often prominent and form a painful lump consisting of a blood clot (this is called hemorrhoidal thrombosis). This ball has the same color as the skin and is located on the edge of the anus.

What causes hemorrhoids?

The causes of hemorrhoids are:

• Constipation / chronic constipation: constipation is the primary cause of the appearance of hemorrhoids. It causes pushing efforts that can lead to inflammation of the hemorrhoidal veins. Chronic constipation (linked to digestive diseases, digestive disorders, etc.) is all the more a cause of hemorrhoids as it causes repeated pushing efforts;
• Genetics: It seems that hemorrhoids are genetic or at least more likely to occur in people from the same family;
• Repeated sitting position/sedentary lifestyle: people who, through their work and/or leisure activities, are required to sit regularly are at greater risk of developing hemorrhoids;
• Food: the recurring consumption of certain foods, particularly acidifying foods (such as coffee, alcohol, meat or dairy products) and spicy foods, can be harmful and irritating.

Why are there more risks of having hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

In pregnant women, hemorrhoids often appear around the sixth month of pregnancy and the phenomenon can worsen until childbirth; it is estimated that 20% of women have hemorrhoids at the time of childbirth. It is therefore extremely common to suffer from this pathology!

There is a greater risk of suffering from hemorrhoids during pregnancy due to physiological and hormonal changes:

• Increased blood volume: Increased blood volume during pregnancy, especially in the pelvic area, puts more pressure on the veins;
• Increased uterine size: as the fetus grows, the volume of the uterus increases and compresses the pelvic veins, slowing venous return and promoting dilation of the anal veins;
• Hormonal changes: High levels of progesterone during pregnancy relax vein walls, making the veins more likely to dilate and form hemorrhoids;
• Constipation during pregnancy: Common in pregnant women, digestive disorders and constipation increase pressure on the anal veins when trying to pass stools;
• Decreased physical activity: With the pain and discomfort associated with pregnancy, it is common for many pregnant women to decrease their physical activity and sit more often. This can also lead to the risk of hemorrhoids.

💡 Did you know? If you have already suffered from hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you will be more likely to develop them during your pregnancy because the latter will add an additional risk factor. It may therefore be interesting to put in place small gestures to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids during pregnancy.

Having hemorrhoids while pregnant: what are the risks?

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are benign , for both the mother-to-be and the baby-to-be. The only risk of untreated hemorrhoids for the mother-to-be during pregnancy and after delivery may be that the hemorrhoids become chronic, causing permanent intimate discomfort.

Furthermore, hemorrhoids related to pregnancy and childbirth usually disappear within a few weeks after delivery , as your body recovers from childbirth.

Last point on the risks associated with hemorrhoids during pregnancy: the presence of hemorrhoids does not prevent vaginal delivery .

Symptoms of Hemorrhoidal Crisis During Pregnancy and When to Worry

The symptoms of a hemorrhoidal attack during pregnancy are the same as those of a hemorrhoidal attack outside of pregnancy:

• Itching (also called “pruritus”) in the anal area;
• Sharp pain, during defecation and when clothes rub against it;
• Swellings in the anal region, both in sensation and touch;
• Appearance of a slightly hard ball around the anus: it is generally small, hard and the same colour as the skin or a little darker. It is caused by a blood clot (hemorrhoidal thrombosis) which causes the vein to swell;
• Bleeding (light and very red) in the stool.

When to worry?

We explained it to you beforehand: there is no real danger in having hemorrhoids when pregnant, neither for you nor for your baby. However, we recommend that you “worry” (in other words, consult your doctor) if these symptoms are making your life miserable and causing you discomfort.

How to treat hemorrhoids while pregnant?

Apart from time, there is no real solution to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy. In addition to consulting a doctor, we will tell you the steps to take to relieve hemorrhoidal crises during pregnancy.

Consult a doctor if symptoms occur

If hemorrhoids are making your life miserable, we recommend that you first make an appointment with your doctor. On the one hand, he will confirm with you that hemorrhoids are indeed the cause of your discomfort and on the other hand, depending on the type of hemorrhoid (internal or external), he may prescribe different treatments:

• Laxatives: to prevent constipation and aggravating pain when passing stools;
• Corticosteroid creams: to calm inflammation of the veins and make them go down;
• Make an appointment with a specialist: in the case of hemorrhoidal thrombosis, certain blood clots require the observation and intervention of a proctologist.

Relieve hemorrhoids while pregnant

Once you have consulted a doctor, unfortunately, treatment will not be immediate and the intimate discomfort will persist. Here are our solutions to relieve the pain and itching associated with hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

• Apply a greasy cream: in addition to the corticosteroid creams prescribed by your doctor, you can apply a greasy cream every day that will envelop your intimate area and protect it from the friction of clothing. 🌈 At Gapianne, our favorite is the Baume Q from the Baûbo brand, a greasy cream dedicated to irritated anuses . 100% natural and organic, and made in France 🇫🇷, this balm was designed from ingredients that reduce itching and soothe. We really like the presence in the composition of Witch Hazel 🌳, known for its astringent and vasoconstrictor properties.



• Promote impeccable personal hygiene: Hemorrhoids are not linked to poor hygiene. However, in the event of severe irritation and bleeding, it is essential to promote good personal hygiene to prevent the risk of infection.

• In the toilet, favor the use of wipes. 🌈 On Gapianne, we have selected for you the organic and biodegradable intimate wipes of the brand My Lubie. 99.6% natural 🌱, these wipes are flushable in the toilet and allow you impeccable hygiene when you are away from home.

• In the shower, wash yourself with clear water or opt for an intimate soap. 🌈 At Gapianne, we really like the solid intimate cleansing soap bar from the Baûbo brand. 100% natural, made in France 🇫🇷, organic 🌱 and gynecologically tested, this soap was designed specifically for your vulva. As a bonus, it is solid which limits packaging!

• Wear non-tight underwear: Tight clothing is a pain when you are going through a hemorrhoidal crisis, the worst being thongs. Our advice: opt for cotton or linen panties, noble materials that breathe and will avoid irritating and unpleasant friction.

How to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Hemorrhoidal crises are linked to different factors. While some do not depend on you (volume of your uterus, venous activity), you can act on others to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids and avoid suffering from them as much as possible.

Anticipating digestive disorders

As we have mentioned, constipation is the main cause of hemorrhoids appearing outside of and during pregnancy. However, digestive disorders and constipation are strongly linked to pregnancy. You can limit these by reducing the foods that create digestive discomfort for you and taking food supplements to help you.

🌈 On Gapianne, we have selected for you the probiotic cure for the intestinal flora of the Miyé brand. Made in France 🇫🇷 and vegan 🌱, it is suitable for pregnant women. In addition to promoting good transit, it will protect your intimate flora thanks to its probiotics.

Take your time in the toilet

Beyond constipation, another cause of hemorrhoids may be that you don't take your time when you're on the toilet. Pushing hard to evacuate stools quickly can be a source of discomfort. Learn to take your time , your butt will thank you 🚽.

💡 And, to make it easier to pass stools, consider keeping a small stool in your toilet. Elevating your feet when you're on the toilet helps with the evacuation of stools.

Take care of your behind

The buttocks are often seen as a taboo place. However, just as it is important to moisturize your vulva, it is important to take care of your behind, whether in terms of the hygiene you give it or the hydration you offer it.

Adopt a good intimate hygiene routine. In the shower, squat down, spread your legs a little and clean yourself well, with your fingers or a clean glove. You can clean yourself with clear water or with a pH-neutral soap. 🌈 At Gapianne, we really like the intimate cleanser from the Wumi brand. 100% natural, made in France 🇫🇷 and organic 🌱, this cleanser foams delicately and smells fresh. It is suitable for cleaning your vulva and anus and is suitable for pregnant women.

Apply a nourishing cream daily.

As it is important to take care of your vulva, you must take care of your behind. Applying a greasy cream envelops your intimacy and protects you from friction and irritation related to clothing. 🌈 At Gapianne, our favorite is the Baume Q from the Baûbo brand, a greasy cream dedicated to irritated anuses . 100% natural and organic, and made in France 🇫🇷, this balm was designed from ingredients that reduce itching and soothe. We really like the presence in the composition of Witch Hazel 🌳, known for its astringent and vasoconstrictor properties.