Hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after childbirth

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after childbirth

Hemorrhoids can occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. Hemorrhoids are harmless, but can be very bothersome and painful.

Hormonal changes, constipation and increased blood pooling due to the growing uterus can lead to hemorrhoids in pregnancy. Read more about constipation during pregnancy here. Hemorrhoids are dilations of blood vessels in the rectal opening, and they can occur both on the inside or outside of the sphincter. Hemorrhoids are harmless and usually disappear on their own. If you get some bright, red blood on the toilet paper when you wipe, it could be hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are common in pregnant women and/or after childbirth. The most common symptoms associated with hemorrhoids are bleeding and pain. Pregnant women get hemorrhoids more often than the rest of the population, probably because of several things;

• More venous stasis

• Constipation

• Hormonal factors (progesterone that affects bowel movement and smooth muscle in the anal canal)

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Hemorrhoids after childbirth

Hemorrhoids can also occur after childbirth. If the expulsion time takes a long time, the child has a high birth weight, birth after week 40 or if the birth is traumatic, it can increase the chance of hemorrhoids after birth. During the examination after birth, the doctor/midwife will tell you whether you have developed hemorrhoids in connection with the birth.

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Good advice for preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after birthA sluggish stomach increases the risk of hemorrhoids. Avoiding hard stools is therefore an important preventive measure against getting hemorrhoids. It is a good idea to think about this early in pregnancy, and preferably after the birth.

• Drink plenty of fluids

• Eat fiber-rich foods (alternatively, fiber and fruit can be tried)

• Be physically active

• Avoid heavy lifting

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Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancyDuring pregnancy, it is important not to use medication unnecessarily. If you are pregnant and suspect that you have hemorrhoids, you should see a doctor/midwife for an examination. If the hemorrhoid is painful and bothersome, treatment with ointment or suppositories can be tried. Alcon Anal and Scheriproct can be used during pregnancy, but for as short periods as possible. The recommended processing time in the package insert must not be exceeded. 

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Treatment of hemorrhoids after childbirth and during breastfeeding

• Lactulose mixture to prevent hard stools may be appropriate for a short period after birth. The advice to prevent hemorrhoids is also beneficial to follow if you have had a hemorrhoid.

• Cooling and repositioning ("putting the hemorrhoid in place") often provide pain relief. If this is applicable, you will receive training on this at the maternity ward.

• Any over-the-counter ointments or suppositories, such as Alcos Anal or Scheriproct, can be used if needed.

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When should you contact a doctor for hemorrhoids during pregnancy?

Contact a doctor/midwife if you suspect you have a haemorrhoid. 

Sources: Helsebiblioteket, Helsenorge.no, Babyverden.no