haemorrhoids (piles).
last revised · reviewed 2026-07-05
Haemorrhoids — swollen veins around the back passage, also called piles — affect up to 4 in 10 pregnant women, most often in the third trimester. Pregnancy pressure and constipation are the drivers; treating the constipation, plus simple local care, relieves most cases, and they usually shrink after birth.
what it feels like
Itching, aching, or soreness around the anus, discomfort when sitting or after a bowel movement, sometimes a small tender lump you can feel, and occasionally bright red blood on the toilet paper. Straining makes all of it worse.
why it happens
The growing uterus presses on the veins of the pelvis, slowing blood return from the rectal area, while progesterone relaxes the vein walls themselves. Add pregnancy constipation and the straining it causes, and the cushioned veins around the anus swell into piles.
what helps
- Prevent constipation first — fibre, fluids, and daily movement keep stools soft and remove the main aggravator
- Don't strain or linger on the loo; a footstool under your feet improves the angle
- Cold relief: an ice pack wrapped in a cloth eases swelling and pain
- Keep the area clean with water; pat rather than rub dry, or use fragrance-free moist wipes
- Sleep and rest on your side rather than your back to reduce pelvic vein pressure
- Pelvic floor exercises improve circulation in the area
- Ask your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist about haemorrhoid creams suitable for pregnancy — many standard ones aren't recommended, so check before buying
when to call your midwife or doctor
- Bleeding that is more than light streaks on paper, or blood mixed into the stool — call your midwife or doctor
- Severe pain, or a hard, very painful lump — a thrombosed pile needs prompt assessment
- Piles that don't improve after a week or two of self-care
- Any rectal bleeding you're unsure about — always worth checking rather than assuming
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call — no midwife has ever minded a careful question.
common questions
Why does pregnancy cause haemorrhoids?
Three things stack up: the uterus presses on pelvic veins and slows drainage from the rectal area, progesterone relaxes vein walls, and pregnancy constipation adds straining. The veins around the anus swell under the combined load — most often in the third trimester.
Do pregnancy haemorrhoids go away after birth?
Usually, yes — most shrink and settle within weeks of delivery as pressure and hormones return to normal, especially if constipation is kept at bay. Persistent or troublesome piles after the postnatal period can be treated, so mention them to your doctor.
What can I safely use for piles while pregnant?
Cold compresses, careful hygiene, and treating constipation are safe and effective for everyone. For creams and suppositories, ask your pharmacist, midwife, or doctor for a pregnancy-suitable product rather than picking one off the shelf — several common ingredients are not recommended in pregnancy.
read it in context
Haemorrhoids (piles) tends to show up around these weeks of pregnancy:
related symptoms
- Frequent urination
Needing to wee more often is one of the earliest pregnancy signs, driven by increased blood flow to the kidneys and hormonal changes.
- Sciatica
Sciatica in pregnancy is pain that shoots from the lower back or buttock down the back of one leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.
- Mucus plug
The mucus plug is a thick seal of jelly-like mucus that blocks the cervix throughout pregnancy, and losing it — the 'show' — means the cervix is beginning to soften and open.
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