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

Hemorrhoids are a common yet taboo condition that affects more than 80% of the population at some point in their lives. During pregnancy, a third of women are affected, and 20% are affected during childbirth. Indeed, pregnancy promotes the appearance of hemorrhoids, which can persist afterward and affect your self-confidence and intimate comfort. As an e-concept store dedicated to female intimacy, particularly pregnancy, we wanted to gather all the necessary information about the taboo subject of hemorrhoids during pregnancy. How does pregnancy increase the risks? How can hemorrhoids be prevented during pregnancy? How can they be relieved, and should you be concerned? We answer all your questions and much more.

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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 experience hemorrhoids. In fact, one-third of women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy. 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?

A hemorrhoidal crisis, or more commonly, hemorrhoids, occurs when the hemorrhoidal veins in the anal area become inflamed. They become excessively dilated, swollen, and inflamed, causing intimate discomfort, itching, severe 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 lump is 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 hemorrhoids. It causes straining that can lead to inflammation of the hemorrhoidal veins. Chronic constipation (linked to digestive diseases, digestive disorders, etc.) is even more of a cause of hemorrhoids as it causes repeated straining;
• 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 more at risk of developing hemorrhoids;
• Diet: 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: with the growth of the fetus, the volume of the uterus increases and compresses the pelvic veins, slowing venous return and promoting dilation of the anal veins;
• Hormonal changes: High progesterone levels during pregnancy relax vein walls, making 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 evacuate 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 increase the risk of hemorrhoids.

💡 Did you know? If you've already suffered from hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you'll be more likely to develop them during your pregnancy because it adds an additional risk factor. It may therefore be worthwhile to take small steps 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 unborn baby. The only risk of untreated hemorrhoids for the mother-to-be during pregnancy and after delivery is that the hemorrhoids may become chronic, causing ongoing 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 pains, during defecation and when clothes rub against each other;
• Swellings in the anal area, both in sensation and touch;
• Appearance of a slightly hard lump around the anus: it is generally small, hard and the same color 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?

As we've explained above, there's no real danger in having hemorrhoids while pregnant, either for you or your baby. However, we recommend you "be concerned" (in other words, consult your doctor) if these symptoms are making your life miserable and causing you discomfort.

How to treat hemorrhoids while pregnant?

Aside from time, there's no real solution for treating hemorrhoids during pregnancy. In addition to consulting a doctor, we'll share with you the steps you can take to relieve hemorrhoidal flare-ups 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. They will confirm with you that hemorrhoids are indeed the cause of your discomfort, and depending on the type of hemorrhoid (internal or external), they may prescribe different treatments:

• Laxatives: to prevent constipation and aggravating pain when passing stools;
• Corticosteroid creams: to calm inflammation of the veins and reduce their swelling;
• 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've consulted a doctor, unfortunately, treatment won't be immediate, and intimate discomfort will persist. Here are our solutions for relieving 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 daily that will envelop your intimate area and protect it from rubbing against 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 of Witch Hazel 🌳 in the composition, known for its astringent and vasoconstrictor properties.

• Maintain impeccable personal hygiene: Hemorrhoids are not related to poor hygiene. However, in cases of severe irritation and bleeding, it is essential to maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the risk of infection.

• When using the toilet, opt for wipes. 🌈 In Gapianne, we've selected organic and biodegradable intimate wipes from the My Lubie brand for you. 99.6% natural 🌱, these wipes are flushable and provide impeccable hygiene when you're away from home.

• In the shower, wash yourself with clear water or opt for an intimate soap. 🌈 At Gapianne, we really love 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's solid, which limits packaging!

• Wear loose-fitting underwear: Tight clothing is a pain when you're experiencing a hemorrhoidal crisis, the worst being thongs. Our advice: opt for cotton or linen panties, high-quality materials that breathe and prevent irritating and unpleasant friction.

How to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Hemorrhoidal attacks are linked to several factors. While some are beyond your control (the size of your uterus, venous activity), you can influence others to prevent the appearance of hemorrhoids and avoid suffering from them as much as possible.

Anticipate digestive disorders

As we've mentioned, constipation is the main cause of hemorrhoids both during and outside of pregnancy. However, digestive problems and constipation are strongly linked to pregnancy. You can limit these by reducing foods that cause digestive discomfort and taking dietary supplements to help.

🌈 In Gapianne, we've selected for you the Miyé brand's probiotic treatment for intestinal flora . Made in France 🇫🇷 and vegan 🌱, it's suitable for pregnant women. In addition to promoting good bowel movements, 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 stool quickly can be a source of discomfort. Learn to take your time , your butt will thank you 🚽.

💡 And, to make bowel movements easier, consider keeping a small stool in your toilet. Elevating your feet while using the toilet helps with bowel movements.

Take care of your behind

The buttocks are often seen as a taboo area. However, just as it's important to moisturize your vulva, it's also important to take care of your backside, both in terms of hygiene and hydration.

Adopt a good intimate hygiene routine. In the shower, squat down, spread your legs slightly, and clean yourself thoroughly, using your fingers or a clean glove. You can clean yourself with plain water or 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 lathers gently and smells fresh. It's suitable for cleaning your vulva and anus and is suitable for pregnant women.

Apply a nourishing cream daily.

Just 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 caused by 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 of Witch Hazel 🌳 in the composition, known for its astringent and vasoconstrictor properties.