🍑😖 What’s the Deal with Postpartum Hemorrhoids?!
Ah, postpartum recovery—a beautiful, magical time filled with baby snuggles, hormones that make you cry at insurance commercials, and…hemorrhoids.
Yep, we’re going there. Because if you’re dealing with the unexpected joy of what feels like a cluster of angry grapes setting up camp in your rectum, you are far from alone.
Postpartum hemorrhoids are incredibly common, yet they don’t get nearly enough attention. So, let’s talk about them—what they are, why they happen, who’s more at risk, and most importantly, how to make them go away.
What Are Postpartum Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can be internal (inside the rectum) or external (under the skin around the anus).
Postpartum hemorrhoids are simply hemorrhoids that develop during pregnancy or after childbirth. They are often the result of increased pressure in the lower rectum due to pregnancy weight, pushing during labor, or postpartum constipation.
Are They Different From Regular Hemorrhoids?
Not really—structurally, postpartum hemorrhoids are the same as the hemorrhoids anyone (pregnant or not) can get. However, the key difference is why they form and how long they stick around after delivery.
Pregnancy-related hemorrhoids often develop due to:
Increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus
Hormonal changes (hello, progesterone slowing down digestion)
The intense straining and pushing during labor
How Common Are Postpartum Hemorrhoids?
If you’re feeling like one of the unlucky few, take a deep breath—you’re in very good company.
📊 Up to 85% of pregnant and postpartum people experience hemorrhoids to some degree.
📊 38% of people report them after a vaginal delivery specifically.
📊 Nearly half of all women will experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy, with many lingering postpartum.
They are extremely common, but the severity varies from person to person. Some people just get mild discomfort, while others are dealing with full-blown painful swelling and bleeding.
Are Some Women More Prone to Getting Them?
Yes. Some risk factors make you more likely to develop postpartum hemorrhoids, including:
✅ Chronic constipation or straining (if you’ve struggled with this pre-pregnancy, you may be more susceptible)
✅ Genetics (if your mom got them, there's a good chance you will too)
✅ Long pushing phase during labor (the harder and longer you push, the more pressure you put on those veins)
✅ Being overweight or carrying extra pregnancy weight
✅ A high-hormone pregnancy (progesterone slows digestion and increases the likelihood of constipation)
Does Your Delivery Type Impact Your Risk?
Vaginal Delivery vs. C-Section
Vaginal Delivery: Higher risk of postpartum hemorrhoids due to the intense straining and pressure of pushing.
C-Section: Lower risk, but not zero. The pressure from pregnancy itself, plus post-surgical constipation, can still lead to hemorrhoids.
Epidural vs. Unmedicated Birth
Epidural: While an epidural doesn’t directly cause hemorrhoids, it can lengthen labor and pushing time, which does increase the risk.
Unmedicated Birth: If pushing is prolonged or extremely intense, hemorrhoids can still form. However, shorter pushing phases may reduce the risk.
What Do Postpartum Hemorrhoids Look Like?
👀 If you’re brave enough to check in a mirror, you might see:
Small, swollen lumps around the anus (external hemorrhoids)
Bluish or purplish veins that appear engorged
A grape-like or pea-sized cluster of tissue
Red streaks or blood in the toilet from irritated veins
If they’re internal, you won’t see them, but you might feel:
Rectal pressure or a sense of "fullness"
Pain or burning when you poop
Bleeding after wiping
Can You Get Rid of Them on Your Own?
Yes! Most postpartum hemorrhoids resolve on their own within a few weeks with home treatment. However, some can linger for months if left untreated.
Home Remedies That Work:
🔹 Sitz Baths – Sitting in warm water for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day, can reduce swelling and pain. Bonus: It also helps with perineal healing!
🔹 Witch Hazel – Soothing, anti-inflammatory, and magical. Dab witch hazel (alcohol-free) onto a cotton pad and apply to the affected area.
🔹 Ice Packs – Reduce swelling and numb the pain with cold compresses.
🔹 Stool Softeners – Keeping your bowel movements soft prevents straining. Colace (docusate sodium) is safe for postpartum and breastfeeding.
🔹 High-Fiber Diet – Load up on fiber (fruits, veggies, whole grains) and drink plenty of water to keep things moving smoothly.
🔹 Avoid Straining – No pushing like you're trying to break a world record in the bathroom. Relax, breathe, and let it happen naturally.
🔹 Hemorrhoid Creams or Wipes – Over-the-counter creams like Preparation H or Tucks Medicated Pads can help soothe itching and discomfort.
When Do You Need Medical Intervention?
🚨 See a doctor if:
Your hemorrhoids don’t improve after several weeks of home care
You experience severe pain or uncontrolled bleeding
You notice prolapsed hemorrhoids (when internal hemorrhoids push through the anal opening and won’t go back in)
You develop signs of infection (redness, pus, fever)
Treatment Options Beyond Home Care:
1️⃣ Prescription Medications – Stronger steroid creams or suppositories can help shrink them.
2️⃣ Minimally Invasive Procedures –
Rubber Band Ligation (cuts off blood supply, making them fall off)
Sclerotherapy (shrinks them with an injection)
Infrared Coagulation (uses heat to shrink the veins)
3️⃣ Surgery (Hemorrhoidectomy) – Rarely needed, but if hemorrhoids are severe, persist for months, or cause extreme discomfort, surgical removal might be necessary.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Postpartum hemorrhoids might not be a glamorous topic, but they are normal, common, and treatable. If you’re dealing with them, know that it’s just another inconvenient side effect of bringing life into this world (along with leaky boobs and night sweats).
The good news? They won’t last forever.
And if you ever feel embarrassed or hesitant to talk about them—just remember, millions of postpartum moms are sitting on a donut pillow right now thinking the exact same thing. You’re in good company.
💜 Have questions or need support? Drop them in the comments!
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