Postpartum Hemorrhoids: A Pain in the Butt

One of the most common complaints after childbirth and during postpartum is hemorrhoids. Around 48% of women end up with symptoms of hemorrhoids in the first six weeks postpartum. That’s almost half new mothers! Hemorrhoids are nothing to be ashamed of, they’re a very common problem. Many women suffer in silence because of embarrassment. Don’t do that, try these natural remedies or ask your doctor or midwife what you can do to ease your pain.

What Are Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are sore, swollen veins (also known as varicose veins) found in your rectum. They can be internal or external, varying from the size of a pea to the size of a grape. In some cases, internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding, as well as itching and tender pain when you sit. Postpartum hemorrhoids can range from irritating to extremely painful, but the good news is, hemorrhoids aren’t usually serious and can be treated at home.

What Causes Postpartum Hemorrhoids? 

Constipation. Often times, hemorrhoids that show up postpartum are due to constant pressure. Constipation can put pressure on your rectum, which can lead to straining, which can make smaller hemorrhoids worse. During pregnancy, your digestion shows dow, which can be a cause of constipation. try drinking lots of fluids and move, move, move!

Hormonal Shifts. Hormonal shifts that happen during pregnancy and after can affect the frequency of hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, progesterone can cause your veins to relax. After pregnancy, your hormones shift again, which can either cause constipation or diarrhea, resulting in hemorrhoids.

Straining During Childbirth. Hemorrhoids can also be the result of straining when giving birth. If there was a lot of hard pushing and pressure, you are much more likely to experience swollen veins down there. Some women also experience hemorrhoids after a C-section. This is because of how low their baby was sitting in their pelvis before the baby was born. When the baby sits low, it can put a lot of pressure on your pelvic region.

Home Remedies for Hemorrhoids

While hemorrhoids can sometimes go away on their own, you can try these remedies to ease your symptoms and speed up the healing process.

• Lay down as much as you can. Lying on your side can take the pressure off of your bottom, therefore, easing the pressure off of your hemorrhoids. 
• Sitz baths. You may already be using a sitz bath after you give birth. Sitz bath are when you sit and soak your bottom in warm water and Epsom salts. You can do this 2 to 4 times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Some women buy basins at the drugstore for this purpose, but you can also use your bathtub.
• Eat plenty of fiber. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help keep your stools soft and everything moving smoothly. You don’t want anything to get stopped up as that can increase the chance of you having more hemorrhoids in the future. 
• Ice. Wrap ice or a cold pack in a cloth and apply to the area for about 10 minutes. You can also use padsicles in early postpartum, which will do the essentially the same thing. The cold will allow for immediate relief from any pain and swelling in the area.
• Witch hazel. Witch hazel can be used to cool and soothe the area. You can apply it with a cotton ball or simply purchase tucks pads. When you clean the area, do it gently. Instead of using dry, scratchy toilet paper, pat the area clean with a wet wipe. Be thorough and gentle. You can also use a peri bottle filled with warm water.
• Pelvic floor exercises. When your pelvic floor is too relaxed, it can put extra pressure on your sphincter muscles. Keeping the area toned can help relieve that pressure and ease your symptoms. Talk with your doctor or Midwife about when it’s safe for you to start those exercises. 
• Ask about over-the-counter treatments. Sometimes you just need a little bit of relief. There are over-the-counter creams, sprays, and ointments designed to provide short-term relief. Only use a product approved by your doctor or Midwife, especially if you have had an episiotomy or tear. Don’t forget to ask how long you should use the treatment for, most should only be used for about a week. 
• Chamomile tea. Chamomile tea is safe when breast-feeding (not when pregnant). Chamomile relaxes the body and promotes healing. Both of these things can help ease your symptoms. Sometimes, hemorrhoids are result of extra tension in your pelvis. Fully relaxing your body can help give some temporary relief.

When to Call a Doctor 

If your pain is considerable and persists (despite home treatments), call your doctor or Midwife. As a new parent, hemorrhoids are the last thing you want to deal with. A medical professional may have some extra suggestions that will help speed up your healing! They will also be able to tell you if there is something else going on or if you have a thrombosed hemorrhoid (which requires medical attention).

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