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Hemorrhoids and constipation in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025

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Very often during pregnancy women experience unpleasant feelings from a double problem: hemorrhoids and constipation. Why do they occur, what to do about it and how to avoid it?
Quick Facts About Hemorrhoids and Constipation During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins at the end of the colon in the anus. They sometimes protrude from the anus (called external hemorrhoids). They can also be located on the inside of the lower intestine (called internal hemorrhoids). Bleeding, itching, and pain are common symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids occur during pregnancy because the enlarged uterus puts extra pressure on a large vein (the inferior vena cava) that drains into the veins of the colon.
Constipation is also a common problem during pregnancy, causing less frequent and more strained bowel movements. The bowels usually move more slowly during pregnancy, and iron supplements in vitamins can also cause constipation.
Causes of hemorrhoids and constipation in pregnant women
Poor digestion causes hemorrhoids indirectly if you are constipated. You tend to strain when you have difficulty passing stool, which puts pressure on the veins and eventually leads to hemorrhoids. Anal infections and sitting for long periods of time are common causes of this condition.
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For the treatment of itching or pain associated with hemorrhoids
Wipe the anus thoroughly after each bowel movement. Gently wipe from the front to the back. Baby wipes are usually softer than toilet paper. If you use toilet paper, use only soft, uncolored, unscented toilet paper.
Take a warm bath or sitz bath. Warm water can help reduce or soothe hemorrhoid symptoms. Add baking soda to the water to help relieve itching.
Apply ice compresses.
Avoid sitting for long periods of time, especially on hard chairs.
Tell your doctor right away about any problems if you have constipation or hemorrhoids.
Doctors may recommend that you
Prescription and over-the-counter medications that can be applied to hemorrhoids to relieve itching and pain.
You can take a stool softener (plasticizer) to prevent deformation of the rectum.
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Why is rectal cleansing necessary?
When it comes to discussing constipation, colon cleansing options, and the problems that can cause constipation if your digestive tract isn't working properly, you've probably heard about the possibility of treating hemorrhoids, but you don't really know what it is? For many people, the symptoms of constipation and hemorrhoids don't tell you the worst that can happen if you don't cleanse your colon of waste.
For the most part, constipation and hemorrhoids can cause similar symptoms, especially in pregnant women. The blood vessels in or around the anus fill with excess blood. This causes them to swell. This in itself is usually not a problem. However, when there is pressure on the blood vessels, you have a problem. Constipation, and the straining that comes with it, is one example of pressure that is completely unnecessary. This is why it is so important to do a colon cleanse if your body is unable to cleanse itself.
Pain and bleeding are common symptoms of hemorrhoids. The pressure on the blood vessels can be very irritating to the tissue around them, causing pain. If you are constipated, you know that this pressure is there, plus you strain and try to push the stool out of your anus.
If the pressure is strong and there is also strain, the blood vessels can even burst, causing bleeding from the hemorrhoids. If you do anything to help your colon clear out waste, the rupture can happen again and again, causing regular bouts of bleeding and pain. This is why many pregnant women find it necessary to cleanse their colon.
Colon Cleansing Options to Choose From
How to choose the colon cleanse options that are best for you? At first, you may simply think that you want to stop constipation and relieve hemorrhoid symptoms. Of course, you want relief. That's a given. However, depending on which colon cleanse method you choose, you may experience different cleansing effects.
If you take enemas as a rectal colon cleanse, it may only clean out the lower part of the colon. However, if you have fecal retention further down the digestive tract, you will still have health problems.
Instead, you can opt for an oral colon cleanse. In this case, rectal methods not only cleanse the colon of waste, but also remove any other waste that is stuck throughout the digestive tract. These are usually supplements in the form of capsules, liquids, or tablets. They move from the stomach through each section of the digestive tract to remove any waste that is clogging the digestive tract throughout the body.
If you decide to go the oral route of colon cleansing, there is one more thing you may want to consider. Why not do more than just cleanse your colon of waste from your body? Is that even possible? Many colon cleansing solutions involve additional methods. One of the most popular is the use of oxygen. Oxygen is the body’s natural healer and can make you feel better as your body cleanses.
Oxygen can be obtained using a hardware method of exposure in a hospital setting. One of these methods of exposure is the launch of oxygen through the rectum using a special tube.
Treatment
Hemorrhoids and constipation can be cured, although they are recurring if you continue to experience pain due to poor digestion, which leads to constipation. There are topical treatments for this. Most hemorrhoid creams contain corticosteroids, which can soothe the pain and itching and reduce swelling. You can also get relief by taking sitz baths in warm water, as advised by your doctor. Take stool softeners as well, so that stool can pass through the rectum more easily, because straining from hard stools and constipation will prevent hemorrhoids from being cured.
Removal of hemorrhoids and constipation
You may need medical intervention if the hemorrhoids' bumps and sores don't heal. Infrared coagulation shrinks internal hemorrhoids. Stubborn hemorrhoids can be removed surgically, although doctors generally reserve this intervention for very severe and painful cases. The surgery cuts off the blood supply and is less invasive than surgery, although doctors warn that hemorrhoids and constipation have a higher recurrence rate than other methods.
How to Prevent or Relieve Constipation and Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
- Eat high-fiber foods (lots of whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains).
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Do not strain during bowel movements.
- Increase the amount of exercise you do every day.
Conclusions
Improving your digestion helps to remove persistent hemorrhoids and prevents them from returning. Keep your digestive system running like clockwork – this can be achieved by eating a high-fiber diet and drinking plenty of water every day. Also, for hemorrhoids and constipation, pregnant women are advised to eat a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which contain fiber, they swell and soften the stool so that the woman does not strain and so that hemorrhoids do not develop or worsen. Drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day, which also prevents poor digestion.