Postpartum Hemorrhoids: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Reports suggest that 28% to 48% of women experience postpartum hemorrhoids after delivery.

The majority of women go through hemorrhoids after or during pregnancy for the first time.

Which in most cases, causes some uncertainty when it comes to how to appropriately deal with them.

During this time, your hands are constantly full with your baby’s concerns, so finding an optimal healing solution quickly is essential.

There are several ways to ease your symptoms.

However, if you want to make sure you’re healing properly, understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments is vital.

Types and Symptoms

Despite postpartum hemorrhoids being a very common symptom of the third and fourth trimesters, many women still struggle to discuss the topic, much less handle it.

This is why it may come as a surprise when they find out there are several possible types.

Internal

Internal hemorrhoids, as the name suggests, are placed in the rectum and affect veins that are inside the sphincter.

External

On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are located outside the rectum, underneath the skin, and affect veins that are on the outside of the sphincter.

A mother commonly experiences the same symptoms whether they have one or the other.

However, when it comes to internal postpartum hemorrhoids, bleeding or spotting will also occur along with the rest of these symptoms:

• burning
• discomfort
• itching
• pain during bowel movements
• swelling around the anus

It is also possible to develop thrombosed hemorrhoids. This is when a blood clot is trapped inside the hemorrhoid and causes it to become blue or purple.

Causes of postpartum hemorrhoids after delivery

Postpartum hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are a form of varicose veins, swollen veins, and enlarged veins that develop in and around the rectum.

Due to weakened vein walls, the valves that control blood flow don’t function optimally and create hemorrhoids.

The cause of hemorrhoids after delivery is a result of immense pressure on the veins in the abdomen and pelvic area.

This includes the strain and stress of the birth, hormones, constipation, and the extra weight of the baby’s placement in that area.

All of which cause veins to bulge and get irritated.

With pregnant women having the additional weight of their babysitting on their abdomen and pelvis, this can make it more difficult for the blood to return from the pelvis area.

Many pregnant women also have fewer than three bowel movements a week, which can be attributed to:

• Less movement
• Diet changes during pregnancy
• Iron – increase of iron in supplements
• Hormonal changes and the impact on the digestive system
• The simple fact of less room for the mother’s intestines with the growing baby

After delivery:

• Pain medications can slow digestion
• Dehydration (blood loss, producing breast milk, and exhaustion)
• Mother’s fear of making a bowel movement due to a c-section incision, or an episiotomy (surgical cut between the vagina and anus)
• If you have hemorrhoids when you’re pregnant, you’ll likely experience postpartum hemorrhoids.

Treatment for postpartum hemorrhoids

How long do hemorrhoids last?

For the most part, hemorrhoids do go away on their own by the 6-week mark postpartum.

If your body reacts positively to treatments, it is possible for swelling and pain to decrease within a few days.

As far as treatment goes, your doctor may prescribe a stool softener to make bowel movements less painful.

You can also make use of postpartum hemorrhoid treatment at home with the tips listed below.

Home Remedies for postpartum hemorrhoids

Ice

Wrap an ice pack or a cold pack in a cloth and apply for about 10 minutes for immediate pain relief. Repeat this as much as needed.

Sitz Bath

Generally, a warm bath can help soothe flare-ups. However, warm water and a sitz bath promote blood flow to the perineal area. Sitz bath aids in faster healing, and it can relieve pain as well.

Stay Clean After Bowel Movements

Use a squirt bottle with warm water to gently clean the area. Instead of using toilet paper, opt for an unscented alcohol-free wet wipe or a damp towel.

Witch Hazel on cotton balls can also cool and soothe the hemorrhoids.

You can buy over-the-counter wipes that are presoaked (check your local pharmacy).

You can also add some witch hazel when you soak it in your tub.

Tip – store your witch hazel in the refrigerator for cool-to-the-touch relief.

Eating Fiber-Rich Foods for Healthy Bowel Movement

A high-fiber diet that includes a lot of fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and other foods, can prevent constipation and promote better and softer bowel movement since fiber-rich foods are natural stool softeners.

Softer bowel movement is going to reduce the pain from hemorrhoids.

Postpartum constipation and pregnancy constipation are common for many women, and eating a high fiber diet will help deal with them.

Hydration

Always be mindful of staying hydrated.

This is a huge component at this time.

Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Drink when your baby feeds.

If water isn’t cutting it, try electrolyte fluids, coconut water, Pedialyte, teas, and nut milk.

Extra Tips

• Avoid sprays, deodorants, or douches in the groin area
• Avoid strenuous exercise and other activities that cause friction to avoid straining the area
• Take pain medication as needed, for pain relief and to soothe pain and rectal itching, as well as to reduce swelling
• Try over-the-counter topical treatment options, such as hemorrhoid creams, ointments, numbing spray, numbing agents and suppositories for temporary relief (talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider beforehand)
• Try stool softeners and fiber supplement
• Sit on a pillow or donut cushion to avoid increased pressure and pain
• Avoid tight clothing and rough fabrics to relieve pressure and avoid painful swelling
• Avoid regular toilet paper and opt for the moistened one
• Try easy postpartum exercises
• Avoid sitting for long periods as this increases pressure on the veins in your anus

When To Call A Doctor

Most hemorrhoids aren’t life-threatening and are most commonly treatable at home with the aforementioned remedies.

However, if the pain is severe and doesn’t respond to home care, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider that will be able to provide medical advice and help with other parts of postpartum care.

The healthcare provider will be able to assess the issue and provide advice diagnosis or treatment.

In the worst-case scenario, it will need to be removed with an incision under local anesthesia by your healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Postpartum hemorrhoids are a common symptom that up to 48% of mothers experience, usually for the first time.

Hemorrhoids after delivery can be internal, external, and thrombosed.

Predominantly, they are caused by a rush of hormones, internal pressure, and constipation.

Women can expect the hemorrhoids to heal on their own with the help of various treatments by the 6th week postpartum.

If the pain is unbearable and doesn’t respond to home care, speak to your doctor.