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By Hemorrhoid.com | November 17, 2025
Most people don’t realize that the normal, healthy changes of pregnancy can be the start of years of hemorrhoid pain. Finding safe and effective natural remedies for hemorrhoids during pregnancy is essential for comfort, but many don't know where to start. This incredibly common issue affects up to 40% of expectant mothers, driven by the very processes that help your baby grow.
I once watched a friend break down in tears because she thought her pregnancy hemorrhoids would never go away. She felt isolated and embarrassed, not realizing how incredibly common her experience was.
It’s a frustrating but very typical part of pregnancy. Knowing the “why” behind them can make the whole experience feel less mysterious and put you on the right path to gentle, effective relief.
At their core, hemorrhoids are just swollen veins in the rectal area. Pregnancy creates the perfect environment for these veins to become irritated and swollen.
Pregnancy doesn’t just give you a baby bump… it creates the perfect storm for hemorrhoids.
The combination of physical pressure from a growing baby, the vein-relaxing effects of hormones, and the high likelihood of constipation is why so many moms-to-be run into this issue. As your uterus expands, it puts immense pressure on the veins in your lower body, slowing blood flow and causing it to pool. At the same time, the hormone progesterone relaxes vein walls, making them more likely to bulge.
Add pregnancy-related constipation to the mix, and the straining from difficult bowel movements becomes the final trigger. It’s not something you’ve done wrong… it’s just a natural result of the amazing work your body is doing. To understand this in more detail, see our guide on what causes hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
When discomfort hits, you need relief that’s fast, effective, and completely safe for you and your baby. The good news is that some of the best natural remedies for hemorrhoids during pregnancy are simple topical treatments you can use right at home.
These methods focus on calming inflammation, shrinking swollen tissues, and providing that much-needed soothing feeling without harsh chemicals.
Witch hazel is a natural astringent, meaning it helps contract and shrink tissues. This is exactly what makes it one of the most popular and effective topical treatments out there.
Gently pat the affected area with a pre-moistened witch hazel pad after each bowel movement. For an extra cooling kick, keep your witch hazel pads in the refrigerator for powerful, immediate relief from burning and itching.
We all know aloe vera is a superstar for soothing sunburns, and those same anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for irritated hemorrhoids.
When you’re picking a product, look for 100% pure aloe vera gel. Make sure there’s no added alcohol, fragrances, or colors, which can make irritation worse. Just apply a small amount directly to the hemorrhoid for a cooling effect. Our guide on using witch hazel for hemorrhoids during pregnancy offers more advice on finding trusted, soothing products.
Never underestimate the simple power of a cold compress. Applying cold to the area helps constrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and temporarily numbs nerve endings to relieve pain.
To take action:
This method is incredibly safe, costs nothing, and can be a real lifesaver when you need to quickly bring down painful swelling.
When you’re pregnant and dealing with hemorrhoids, water is one of your best friends. Using warm and cold therapies can make a world of difference for pain, itching, and swelling by calming inflammation and getting blood flowing properly again.
A sitz bath is a shallow, warm soak that targets your perineal area. It’s a wonderfully simple way to cleanse and comfort irritated tissue, especially after a bowel movement.
The key is to keep the water comfortably warm, not hot, and soak for about 15 to 20 minutes a couple of times a day. You can add Epsom salt for extra anti-inflammatory benefits, but avoid harsh soaps or bubble baths. For all the details, read our complete guide on how to take a proper sitz bath for hemorrhoids.
While warm water is great for soothing, cold therapy is your go-to for shrinking swollen veins and numbing pain on the spot.
Not sure which one to use? Here's a quick comparison to help you choose the right water therapy based on how you're feeling.
| Therapy Type | Primary Benefit | Best For | How-To Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm Sitz Bath | Soothing, muscle relaxation, improved blood flow | General discomfort, itching, and post-bowel movement soreness | Keep the water warm, not hot, and soak for 15-20 minutes. |
| Cold Compress | Numbing pain, reducing acute swelling | Intense swelling, throbbing pain, and immediate relief | Wrap ice in a cloth and apply for no more than 15 minutes at a time. |
Alternating between warm and cold creates a powerful one-two punch against pregnancy hemorrhoids.
While soothing creams and sitz baths bring immediate comfort, lasting relief really starts from the inside. The single most powerful way to manage hemorrhoids during pregnancy is to prevent the constipation and straining that cause them in the first place.
Your diet is your absolute best line of defense. Making a few smart choices can soften your stools, making trips to the bathroom much easier and putting far less pressure on those sensitive veins.
Fiber adds bulk and softness to your stool, helping it move smoothly through your digestive tract. Aim for 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day.
To take action, weave more of these foods into your meals:
All that wonderful fiber needs water to work its magic. Without enough fluids, fiber can actually backfire and make constipation worse.
Your body's fluid needs skyrocket during pregnancy, so staying hydrated is more important than ever. You should be drinking at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
Sometimes, you might need a little extra help. Prunes and prune juice contain sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol with a mild laxative effect.
If you need more consistent support, fiber supplements with psyllium are often recommended because they are considered very safe during pregnancy. You can read more about expert recommendations for managing hemorrhoids during your pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
A few small shifts in your daily routine can make a world of difference. These simple lifestyle tweaks are powerful natural remedies for hemorrhoids during pregnancy because they tackle the root causes… strain and poor circulation.
How you sit on the toilet really matters. Straining is one of the biggest culprits behind hemorrhoids.
Try propping your feet up on a small stool to get your knees higher than your hips. This position mimics a natural squat, which helps straighten out the colon and allows everything to pass more easily with way less effort.
Also, don't linger on the toilet. Prolonged sitting puts direct pressure on the veins down there.
Being stuck in a chair for hours is rough on your circulation. Make a conscious effort to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour to get your blood moving and relieve that constant pressure.
Gentle exercise also works wonders.
One of the easiest changes you can make is adjusting how you sleep. Lying on your back can allow your growing uterus to press on a major vein, worsening swelling.
Switching to your left side takes the pressure off this vein. This improves blood flow and can significantly reduce hemorrhoid swelling while you rest.
When you’re pregnant, every new symptom can bring questions. Let's tackle some of the most common concerns we hear about hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
This is a critical question. While you might see dozens of options on the pharmacy shelf, it is absolutely essential to talk to your OB/GYN before using any medicated cream. Some products contain ingredients that aren't always recommended during pregnancy. This is why gentle, natural remedies for hemorrhoids during pregnancy like witch hazel or pure aloe vera are usually the best place to start.
There’s some good news here. For most women, hemorrhoids that pop up during pregnancy either vanish or become much more manageable in the weeks after delivery. Once your baby is born, that intense pressure on your pelvic veins is relieved, and your hormones start to stabilize, creating the perfect conditions for healing.
Most pregnancy-related hemorrhoids can be managed at home, but a few symptoms are red flags. It’s time to call your doctor right away if you experience:
You can’t guarantee you’ll be hemorrhoid-free next time, but you can stack the odds in your favor. From day one of your next pregnancy, make these habits a priority:
Remembering my friend who felt so alone… her relief wasn't just physical when she started using these simple, natural approaches. It was emotional. She finally felt in control again, proving that small, consistent actions are the key to managing this common pregnancy challenge.
For comprehensive care that combines nature and science, Hemorrhoid.com offers a full range of solutions to provide gentle, effective relief. Our products, like the Revivol-XR 20-in-1 Sitz Bath Salts and soothing creams, are designed with your comfort and safety in mind. Explore our complete collection at https://hemorrhoid.com.
