Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy: What’s Safe

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy are extremely common, especially in the third trimester. The growing uterus presses on the veins in the pelvis, pregnancy hormones relax vein walls and slow the bowel, and constipation often follows, sometimes made worse by iron supplements. The reassuring part: pregnancy hemorrhoids usually improve after birth, and most of the safest remedies are simple ones.

Why pregnancy makes hemorrhoids more likely

• Pressure from the uterus on the pelvic veins, increasing as pregnancy progresses.
• Higher progesterone, which relaxes vein walls and slows digestion.
• Constipation, common throughout pregnancy and often worsened by iron tablets.
• More blood volume, which puts extra load on veins.
• Pushing during labour, which can cause or worsen hemorrhoids afterwards.

Relief that’s generally considered safe

What	Why it helps	Notes
Warm sitz baths	Eases pain and spasm	Warm, not hot; see our sitz bath guide
Cold compress	Reduces swelling	Wrapped in a cloth, up to ten minutes
Witch hazel pads	Soothes itching	Widely used; check with your pharmacist
More fiber and fluid	Softer stool, less straining	Psyllium and similar bulk-forming fiber are commonly recommended in pregnancy
Lying on your left side	Takes pressure off pelvic veins	Useful for resting and sleeping

Creams and medicines: ask first

Many over-the-counter hemorrhoid creams are used in pregnancy, but ingredients vary and some aren’t recommended, so ask a pharmacist or your midwife which one suits you. Don’t take stimulant laxatives or any new medicine without advice. If iron supplements are behind your constipation, ask whether a different preparation or dose might help; don’t stop them on your own.

What natural-remedy guides claim about pregnancy

Some natural-remedy guides, including the member copy of one paid program that we read, describe certain herbs and essential oils as suitable during pregnancy. Safety for most of these in pregnancy has not been established. The NCCIH says ginkgo may be unsafe during pregnancy, the NCCIH page on horse chestnut says little is known about its safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and the NCCIH page on aloe says aloe taken by mouth may be unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our advice is simple: do not use herbs, supplements or essential oils for hemorrhoids in pregnancy unless your midwife or doctor agrees. See herbal supplements for hemorrhoids, tea tree and essential oils for hemorrhoids and aloe vera for hemorrhoids for the evidence and cautions.

Daily habits that help

• Go when you feel the urge and don’t strain; a footstool helps.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long stretches.
• Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming, if your care team agrees.
• Pelvic floor exercises, which also help recovery after birth.

After the birth

Pushing during delivery can bring hemorrhoids on or make them worse for a few weeks. Our guide to postpartum hemorrhoids covers what to expect and how to cope with a newborn at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will hemorrhoids go away after pregnancy?

Most improve within weeks to a few months after birth as pressure and hormones return to normal.

Can I use Preparation H while pregnant?

Some formulations are commonly used, but check the specific product with your pharmacist or midwife first.

Are hemorrhoids a sign something is wrong with the pregnancy?

No. They’re a common side effect of pregnancy, not a sign of a problem with the baby. Bleeding should still be mentioned so it can be checked.

What to Read Next

• Postpartum Hemorrhoids: Recovery After Birth
• Sitz Bath for Hemorrhoids
• Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own?