How To Relieve Hemorrhoid Pain After Delivery

It’s no wonder many pregnant women worry about how to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery!

In this article, we will go over some of the things you can do to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery, as well as give you some tips on preventing them.

During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus puts pressure on the veins around the rectum and anus.

The increased blood flow leads to swelling of those veins. This swelling is typically temporary and goes away after birth; however, some women can develop hemorrhoids that don’t heal properly and continue to cause problems. Up to half of all pregnant women get hemorrhoids during their pregnancy.

How to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery

It is estimated that half of all women have at least one episode of this uncomfortable condition during pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not dangerous and will usually go away after pregnancy.

However, it is still important to have them treated because they can cause pain, itching, and discomfort.

Hemorrhoids can be painful and uncomfortable but there are many different ways on how to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery.

Here are some tips on how to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery:

• Soften your stool by eating high-fiber foods or increasing your intake of water. This will help reduce painful bowel movements.
• Take a warm sitz bath, which is an effective way to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery. You do this by sitting in a shallow tub of warm water for 15-20 minutes, up to three times per day.
• Make sure you are getting enough vitamin C! Vitamin C will help your body produce more collagen, which will help strengthen your veins.
• Avoid straining on the toilet by taking a break every few minutes if you are experiencing heavy bleeding or straining. Try to wait until after bowel movements before you get out of bed or sit down for extended periods of time.
• Physical activity can also be another way on how to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery. Taking walks and doing Kegels (pelvic floor exercises) will help strengthen your pelvic muscles and improve circulation to the area, which can help relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery.

Preventing Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy

• Add fiber to your diet by eating whole grains, nuts, vegetables, and fruit. Make sure you drink plenty of water when adding fiber to your diet, as it can make you constipated.
• Get in the habit of contracting your pelvic floor muscles when not on the toilet. This will help strengthen the area and reduce pressure on swollen veins.
• Sitting on special hemorrhoid cushions or pads can also help relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery.
• Try using witch hazel pads or suppositories to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery. You can buy these at most pharmacies.
• Wearing cotton undergarments is better than wearing synthetic materials. Cotton will allow your skin to breathe and it wicks away moisture, which can help reduce irritation and swelling.
• Don’t hold your breath while straining. This can put excess pressure on the veins in your rectum and increase hemorrhoid pain.
• If you have tried to relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery and have noticed that your rectum is prolapsed, it’s time to see a doctor. Prolapsed rectum occurs when the muscles of the anus lose their tone because of excess pressure on them during pregnancy. 
• Taking an oat bran fiber supplement can also help reduce swelling and relieve hemorrhoid pain after delivery.
• If you are constipated, try prune juice or drink a cup of hot tea with one tablespoon of olive oil before bedtime. Both can help relieve constipation and increase bowel movements.  
• Do your best not to get stressed out. Stress can increase muscle tension in the pelvic area, which can lead to hemorrhoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hemorrhoids last after giving birth?

Hemorrhoids will usually go away after pregnancy, but it can take a few weeks to a month or two for them to fully heal. It depends on a variety of factors, including how much pressure was on the area during delivery. However, with treatment, it can usually be prevented or treated.

Is it normal to have hemorrhoids after pregnancy?

Yes, many women who deliver vaginally will develop hemorrhoids. Immediately after labor and delivery, you can expect to see some blood on the toilet tissue when wiping. This is common as there has been a lot of strain during birth. You may also notice that your bowel movements are more difficult than before pregnancy, which is due to pressure on the veins in your rectum. Other symptoms include pain, itching, and discomfort.

What helps with postpartum hemorrhoid pain?

There are a variety of ways to treat hemorrhoid pain after delivery including using suppositories, witch hazel pads, and keeping the area clean. The sooner you notice that you have hemorrhoids, the better chance you have of preventing them from being worse. Eating fiber, drinking plenty of water, and taking a sitz bath can also help with hemorrhoid pain.

Can postpartum hemorrhoids be permanent?

No, if you have suffered from postpartum hemorrhoids, they will usually heal within a couple of weeks to a month. However, if you continue to put pressure on the area such as by straining when having a bowel movement or holding your breath while pushing during labor and delivery, you can cause permanent damage. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about options such as surgery.