Treatment of hemorrhoids during pregnancy and after childbirth

During pregnancy, physiological changes occur in a woman’s body that may contribute to the development of hemorrhoids. The main reason is increased pressure on the blood vessels of the pelvis and the rectum.

Among the most common factors in the development of the disease, doctors identify:

• enlargement of the uterus, which gradually compresses the blood vessels of the pelvis;
• slowing of venous blood outflow;
• hormonal changes that affect vascular tone;
• a tendency to constipation;
• reduced physical activity.

Sometimes hemorrhoidal nodes appear already at the beginning of pregnancy. For example, hemorrhoids in early pregnancy may be associated with hormonal changes in the body and alterations in bowel function.

After the birth of a child, the situation may also become more complicated. During labor, a woman strains strongly, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. As a result, postpartum hemorrhoids may occur, which manifest as enlargement or prolapse of the nodes.

Sometimes patients also report hemorrhoids after a cesarean section, which may be associated with impaired blood circulation in the pelvis, limited mobility during the postoperative period, and changes in bowel function.

After the birth of a child, the manifestations of the disease may intensify. Women often notice external hemorrhoids after childbirth, when the nodes are located near the anal opening and may cause discomfort during movement, sitting, or hygiene procedures.

In some cases, severe hemorrhoids develop after childbirth — the nodes increase significantly in size, swelling appears, and pronounced pain occurs, which makes sitting or defecation difficult. In such a situation, it is important to consult a proctologist to assess the condition and choose the optimal treatment strategy.

The treatment strategy during pregnancy is always selected individually. The main goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms, improve venous outflow, and prevent the progression of the disease.

In most cases, conservative treatment is used, which may include:

• dietary correction and prevention of constipation;
• maintaining an adequate drinking regimen;
• use of topical medications (suppositories, ointments);
• moderate physical activity.

Removal of hemorrhoids during pregnancy is performed only in exceptional situations when serious complications or severe pain syndrome occur.

In most cases, the condition can be stabilized with conservative methods, while more active treatment methods are considered after childbirth.

The presence of hemorrhoids is usually not a contraindication to natural childbirth. In most cases, women with this condition can give birth naturally. The method of delivery is determined individually, taking into account the course of pregnancy, the general condition of the woman, and the presence of possible complications.

During childbirth, especially in the pushing stage, pressure in the blood vessels of the pelvic area increases. During this period, hemorrhoidal nodes may temporarily enlarge or swell. After the birth of the child, such changes usually gradually decrease.

To reduce the risk of developing or worsening hemorrhoids during pregnancy, it is important to follow simple preventive recommendations. They are aimed at improving blood circulation in the pelvic area and normalizing bowel function.

The main recommendations include:

• a diet with a sufficient amount of fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole-grain products);
• adequate water intake during the day;
• regular moderate physical activity (walks, special exercises for pregnant women);
• avoiding prolonged sitting or standing without breaks;
• establishing a regular bowel movement routine without excessive straining;
• maintaining hygiene of the anal area and using soft toilet paper.

An important element of prevention is also regular medical consultations. During pregnancy management, specialists can notice the first signs of the problem in time and provide recommendations for prevention or treatment.

After childbirth, hemorrhoids may worsen in many women. Therefore, hemorrhoids in a breastfeeding mother are quite a common problem. The treatment strategy in such cases is selected taking into account breastfeeding, so all medications must be used according to the doctor’s recommendation.

The main treatment methods include:

• use of topical medications (rectal suppositories, ointments, or gels) that reduce inflammation, pain, and itching;
• use of medications allowed during breastfeeding;
• dietary correction to prevent constipation;
• normalization of bowel movement routine and adequate fluid intake;
• moderate physical activity after the body has recovered.

If conservative therapy does not provide sufficient effect or the nodes are significantly enlarged, treatment of hemorrhoids after childbirth using modern minimally invasive techniques may be applied. Such procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and do not require hospitalization.

Common methods of hemorrhoid treatment during lactation include:

• infrared photocoagulation — exposure of infrared radiation to the base of the hemorrhoidal node, which leads to disruption of its blood supply and gradual reduction;
• latex ring ligation — a special ring is placed on the base of the internal node, which blocks the blood supply, as a result of which the node gradually dies off;
• laser treatment of hemorrhoids — a modern method during which the laser coagulates the vessels of the node and reduces its volume.

Such procedures are usually performed without general anesthesia and may also be used during breastfeeding. The possibility of performing them is determined individually after consultation with a proctologist.

In more complex cases or when complications develop, surgical treatment of hemorrhoids may be recommended. The intervention method is selected depending on the stage of the disease, the location of the nodes, and the general condition of the patient.

Timely consultation with a doctor helps reduce symptoms, prevent complications, and restore comfort in everyday life.

The cost of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the selected treatment strategy. In some cases, conservative methods are sufficient, while in others minimally invasive procedures may be used.

At the “Oxford Medical” clinic in Kyiv, patients have access to modern medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of proctological diseases. You can ознакомиться with the prices in advance here. The doctor will provide more precise information about treatment options and cost during the consultation. You can schedule an appointment at a convenient time by phone or through the online booking form.