Pregnancy brings countless changes—some joyous, others less so. One of the most common discomforts experienced during this time is hemorrhoids. Up to 35% of pregnant women may deal with these swollen rectal veins, especially during the third trimester. At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we understand how important it is to manage this condition safely and effectively while protecting both mother and baby.
What Causes Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy?
Hemorrhoids occur during pregnancy due to:
Increased pressure from the growing uterus
Hormonal changes that relax blood vessels
Constipation, common in pregnancy
Straining during bowel movements
These factors lead to swollen veins in the rectal and anal region, causing pain, itching, and bleeding.
Safe and Effective Ways to Manage Hemorrhoids
1. Prioritize a High-Fiber Diet
A diet rich in fiber reduces constipation and straining. Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in daily meals. Combine this with proper hydration—aim for 8–10 glasses of water per day. Fiber supplementation has proven both safe and effective during pregnancy (Fiordaliso et al., 2023).
2. Try Sitz Baths
Soaking the anal area in warm, salty water (Sitz baths) 2–3 times daily has shown superior effectiveness compared to topical creams. A clinical trial found complete symptom relief in 100% of patients using Sitz baths during pregnancy (Shirah et al., 2017).
3. Use Topical Treatments with Caution
Some anti-hemorrhoid creams may provide short-term relief, but not all have been rigorously studied for pregnancy. Experts advise cautious use of topical treatments, particularly in early trimesters (Jesmani et al., 2020).
4. Seek Medical Attention for Severe Cases
For advanced cases involving persistent bleeding or thrombosis, procedures such as hemorrhoidectomy may be considered. These are safe in select patients and offer immediate symptom relief without significant risk to mother or fetus (Ryu, 2022).
How the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay Can Help
At the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we offer:
Expert diagnosis and treatment tailored to pregnant women
Non-invasive and surgical options backed by science
Compassionate care that prioritizes maternal and fetal safety
Don't suffer in silence—let our board-certified colorectal specialists guide you through a safe recovery.
Works Cited
Fiordaliso, M., De Marco, F. A., D'alessandro, V., Risio, D., Panaccio, P., & Liberatore, E. (2023). Treatment of haemorrhoids in pregnancy: A retrospective review. Annali italiani di chirurgia, 94, 274–280. link
Jesmani, E., Zagami, S. E., & Kordi, M. (2020). A review of Non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments of Hemorrhoid in pregnancy. link
Ryu, H.-S. (2022). Treatment of Hemorrhoid in Unusual Condition—Pregnancy. The Ewha Medical Journal. link
Shirah, B., Shirah, H., Fallata, A. H., Alobidy, S. N., & Al Hawsawi, M. M. (2017). Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Sitz bath vs. ano-rectal cream. Women and Birth, 31(4), e272–e277. link