Pregnancy And Hemorrhoid Cream: Safe Or Not?

Hemorrhoids are a common issue during pregnancy, affecting 25% to 35% of pregnant women, and even up to 85% in certain populations. They are varicose veins in or around the rectum, causing itching, pain, and bleeding. While they usually improve after giving birth, they can be treated during pregnancy with dietary changes, such as increasing fibre intake and fluid consumption, and using over-the-counter remedies like witch hazel, baking soda, and stool softeners. Topical treatments like Preparation H and TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads can also provide relief. However, it is important to consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoid creams that are safe during pregnancy

Haemorrhoids, or piles, are a common condition during pregnancy, affecting around 35% of expectant mothers. Thankfully, there are many over-the-counter treatments available to help relieve discomfort and pain. Here are some hemorrhoid creams that are considered safe to use during pregnancy:

Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream

This cream contains lidocaine, which provides instant relief by numbing the affected area. It also contains phenylephrine and witch hazel, which help to ease itching and burning. This cream does not come with an applicator, so it must be applied by hand.

Germoloids Cream, Ointment, and Suppositories

Germoloids products are formulated with a local anaesthetic that provides fast relief from pain and itching. They also have astringent and antiseptic properties, which help to reduce swelling and protect sore skin from infection. These products are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads

Soaked in witch hazel, these pads provide instant relief from irritation, reducing inflammation and soothing painful, sore hemorrhoids. They can be used on their own or in conjunction with other treatments, such as witch hazel wipes.

Anusol HC

Anusol HC is another hemorrhoid cream that can be used to treat piles during pregnancy. It is often recommended by healthcare professionals and can be purchased over the counter.

It is always best to consult your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before using any medication during pregnancy, as they can provide personalised advice and guidance.

How to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are a common issue during pregnancy, affecting around 50% of pregnant women. They are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that can cause pain, itching, and bleeding. While they often resolve after giving birth, they can be uncomfortable and even painful. Here are some ways to prevent hemorrhoids during pregnancy:

Dietary Changes

Eat a diet rich in fiber, including plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, and avocados. This will help keep your stools soft and regular. Drinking plenty of water and other fluids is also essential, as it helps to soften stools and prevent constipation. Avoid iron supplements if possible, as these can make constipation worse. Instead, opt for food-based prenatal vitamins that are more easily absorbed by the body.

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods. Taking regular breaks to move around can help reduce pressure on the rectal veins.
• Exercise regularly, even if it's just taking a walk or doing some light cardio. This improves blood flow and can help prevent hemorrhoids.
• If you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, don't delay. Holding it in can make constipation worse and increase pressure on the rectal veins.
• Try not to strain during bowel movements. Passing stools should be relatively effortless if your diet is rich in fiber and fluids.
• Kegel exercises can help improve muscle tone and circulation in the rectal area, reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight within the recommended range during pregnancy. Excess weight can put more pressure on the rectum.
• When sleeping, reading, or watching TV, lie on your side to take the pressure off the rectal veins.

Medication

If you're already constipated, talk to your doctor about taking a fiber supplement or a stool softener like Colace (Docusate). These can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.

Topical Treatments

Witch hazel pads or wipes can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Coconut oil, pure aloe vera, and arnica can also be applied topically to soothe pain and inflammation.

Remember to always consult your doctor before taking any medication or using topical treatments during pregnancy, as some ingredients may not be safe for pregnant women.

Hemorrhoid treatments to avoid during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are a common issue during pregnancy, affecting around 30% to 40% of pregnant people. They are typically easy to manage with home treatments and often go away after giving birth. However, certain treatments should be avoided during pregnancy. Here are some hemorrhoid treatments to avoid:

• Over-the-counter medications: While some over-the-counter creams and suppositories are generally safe during pregnancy, always consult your healthcare provider before using any of these products. Do not use any medications during the first trimester if possible. If you must take something, opt for medications that are deemed safe for this period, such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Tylenol.
• Laxatives: While constipation is a common issue during pregnancy and can worsen hemorrhoids, the use of laxatives should be approached with caution. Only take laxatives that have been approved by your healthcare provider.
• Straining during bowel movements: Instead of straining, focus on relieving constipation through dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing fiber and fluid intake, and regular exercise.
• Prolonged sitting or standing: Hemorrhoids are caused by increased pressure on the pelvic area. To relieve this pressure, avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. Instead, lie on your side to take the pressure off the affected veins.
• Ignoring bleeding: Rectal bleeding caused by hemorrhoids is usually harmless. However, it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you notice any bleeding during a bowel movement, as some causes may be serious.

In summary, while hemorrhoids during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, they are typically harmless and manageable. By making dietary and lifestyle changes, and following your healthcare provider's recommendations, you can effectively treat and prevent hemorrhoids during this time.

Hemorrhoid symptoms during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins on or near the anus, and they can be extremely unpleasant during pregnancy. They are, however, a common occurrence, with around 30% to 40% of pregnant people experiencing them. The good news is that they usually resolve after giving birth, and there are ways to manage and treat them at home.

Symptoms of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy:

• Pain during bowel movements.
• Itching around the anus.
• Intense pain if an internal hemorrhoid falls outside the anus (prolapsed hemorrhoid).
• Rectal bleeding, which can show up on the toilet paper after wiping or in the stool. This is usually harmless, but it is important to contact your healthcare provider if you notice any bleeding.

Causes of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy:

• The growing fetus puts pressure on the pelvic area and the lower part of the digestive tract (bowel). This added weight presses on the veins in the anal region, making it harder for them to move blood, leading to swelling.
• Increased blood volume during pregnancy means veins have to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
• Constipation is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that slow digestion and the extra weight of the fetus, which can all contribute to hemorrhoids.
• Straining during bowel movements, from carrying extra pregnancy weight, or from sitting or standing for long periods.

Treatment and Prevention of Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy:

• Relieve constipation by increasing fiber intake, drinking plenty of water, and taking laxatives or stool softeners approved by your healthcare provider.
• Apply home remedies such as aloe vera, coconut oil, or witch hazel to reduce pain and itching.
• Use a donut-shaped pillow when sitting to reduce pressure on the pelvic area.
• Avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods, and try to lie on your side to take the pressure off the pelvic region.
• Soak in a warm sitz bath or a few inches of warm water in a regular bathtub to improve blood flow and relax strained muscles around the anus.
• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Keep the anal area clean and dry using moist towelettes or baby wipes, and gently pat the area dry after bathing or a bowel movement.
• Ask your doctor about topical hemorrhoid creams or medicated wipes that are safe to use during pregnancy.

Hemorrhoid causes during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are a common issue during pregnancy, affecting around 30% to 40% of pregnant people. They are typically caused by a combination of increased pressure on the veins in the pelvic region and changes in hormone levels.

As the fetus grows, it puts pressure on the pelvic area and bowel, affecting the veins in the rectum and anus. This increased pressure can cause the veins to swell, leading to hemorrhoids. The weight of the fetus can also slow down blood flow, causing blood to pool and further contributing to swelling.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, specifically an increase in the hormone progesterone, can also play a role in the development of hemorrhoids. Progesterone causes the walls of veins to relax, making them more prone to swelling. Additionally, the increased blood volume during pregnancy can enlarge veins and increase the likelihood of hemorrhoids.

Constipation is another common issue during pregnancy that can contribute to hemorrhoids. Hormonal changes slow down digestion, making it easier for waste to get stuck in the bowel. This extra weight can put additional pressure on the veins in the anus, making it harder for them to move blood and further increasing the risk of hemorrhoids. Straining during bowel movements can also lead to hemorrhoids.

Other factors that can contribute to hemorrhoids during pregnancy include carrying extra pregnancy weight, and sitting or standing for long periods of time.

Frequently asked questions