Postpartum Hemorrhoids: 5 Tips and Treatments You Can Try at Home

Postpartum hemorrhoids can be a real pain. They’re a common issue that many women deal with in the later stages of pregnancy and/or after childbirth. Up to 40% of women have hemorrhoids and anal fissures as a result of pregnancy and delivery. Fortunately, there are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments and remedies you can try at home.  

What causes postpartum hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are veins inside the rectum and around the anus. You don’t typically notice them until they become enlarged, swollen, or painful. This is common after pregnancy and known as “postpartum hemorrhoids.” 

While they’re called “postpartum” hemorrhoids, these veins can also become inflamed or swollen during pregnancy. Postpartum hemorrhoids often appear in the last few weeks of pregnancy or just a few days after delivery. If they appear during pregnancy, the most common cause is constipation. If they occur after delivery, usually the cause is prolonged pushing during labor.

5 tips for dealing with postpartum hemorrhoids at home

Having a baby is a lot of work, and dealing with postpartum hemorrhoids may seem overwhelming. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about the hemorrhoid symptoms that you’re experiencing. They can confirm the diagnosis and find a treatment plan for you.

Fortunately, you can manage most cases of hemorrhoids after pregnancy in the comfort of your home. Here are five tips you can use to treat postpartum hemorrhoids.

1. Treat constipation 

Constipation is a common cause of hemorrhoids, especially during pregnancy. It’s easy to become constipated while you’re pregnant because of:

• Fluid shifts in your body that help your growing baby

• Hormonal changes of pregnancy

• Iron supplements

• Decreased physical activity

• Limited space in the abdomen because of your growing baby

It’s easy to see why constipation happens in pregnancy. But you can also become constipated after delivery. Breastfeeding or taking pain medications are common reasons for postpartum constipation.

An easy way to treat constipation and improve your hemorrhoids is to increase your water and fiber intake. If that doesn’t help, medications — like stool softeners or laxatives — may work. Be sure to let your provider know if you’re having trouble moving your bowels. They can guide you on the best treatment plan.

2. Use warm soaks

A sitz bath is a small plastic tub filled with warm water that you soak in to soothe your bottom. Healthcare providers often recommend it to help ease the pain and discomfort from hemorrhoids and childbirth.

To be most effective, you’ll typically need to soak for up to 15 minutes. You can do this as many times as needed for comfort throughout the day.  

Talk to your provider before using a sitz bath if you just had a vaginal birth. This is especailly true if you got any stitches near your vaginal and anal areas. You may have a waiting period before you can safely soak.

3. Get moving

Being physically active may be the last thing on your mind right after having a baby. But exercise is good for you — and your hemorrhoids. Staying active helps to make your bowel movements more regular. This will lessen your straining with bowel movements and improve constipation. 

Ask your provider which activities are best for you and how soon you can start exercising after delivery. Some examples of light exercise can be taking a walk around the block or walking the stairs in your home. Swimming is another type of exercise that is a good aerobic activity. 

But you have to be careful. Some activities may make your hemorrhoids worse. Exercises like heavy weightlifting might worsen your hemorrhoids.  

4. Avoid straining

If you developed your hemorrhoids right after birth, they’re likely due to the delivery process. The straining involved in a vaginal delivery can cause hemorrhoids in some cases. 

Try to limit prolonged sitting or straining. This may include straining during a bowel movement or exercise. Try to be intentional about moving around and taking breaks when you’ve been sitting for more than 30 minutes. It can also help to manage constipation and limit the amount of time you spend on the toilet.

5. Try over-the-counter treatments

There are many OTC hemorrhoid treatments that can relieve your symptoms. These include creams and medicated wipes that you can apply to the hemorrhoids and suppositories that you insert into the anus. 

This may provide temporary relief of your symptoms, but there’s not much evidence that they improve the hemorrhoids.

Talk with your provider to see if OTC treatments are a good option for you.

How long do postpartum hemorrhoids last?

It depends. And it will vary from person to person. As your body gets back to normal after birth, sometimes postpartum hemorrhoids will go away on their own. Following the dietary and lifestyle changes above can help decrease your symptoms or even get rid of the hemorrhoids altogether. 

But, if you are still having symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your healthcare provider. In some cases you’ll need to see a specialist for surgical treatment options. Because postpartum hemorrhoids often resolve with time after childbirth, most surgeons will wait at least 8 to 12 weeks before recommending any surgeries.

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Written by:

Valerie Emuakhagbon, MD

Valerie Emuakhagbon, MD, is a board-certified colorectal surgeon. A native of Dallas, Texas, she completed the six-year BA/MD program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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