Can You Get Hemorrhoids During Labor?

 Faith Ohuoba Profile Photo
By Dr. Faith Ohuoba | Updated on Jun 26, 2024
Image for article Can You Get Hemorrhoids During Labor?

You may or may not develop hemorrhoids during the labor process. During the delivery of your baby, a hemorrhoid isn’t necessarily being pushed out too. Oftentimes, it’s during pregnancy or after giving birth that you may notice hemorrhoids, thanks to the pressure of the uterus combined with constipation (which is common both during pregnancy and in the first week after giving birth). 

If you do end up with postpartum hemorrhoids, the goodie bags of postpartum supplies in hospitals will help. You’ll likely have witch hazel pads and Dermoplast to soothe them. 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the increase in progesterone that happens during pregnancy causes constipation1 . Combine that with the uterus compressing the bowels, and that’s a recipe for hemorrhoids. The increased pressure in the anal canal results in the development of hemorrhoids, and they can be painful, burning, or even itchy

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. Jennifer Ray, and Jennifer LaBundy"Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders"American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsJun 1, 2022https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2022/06/lower-gastrointestinal-tract-disorders.


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Updated on Jun 26, 2024

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Can You Get Hemorrhoids During Labor?

 Faith Ohuoba Profile Photo
By Dr. Faith Ohuoba | Updated on Jun 26, 2024
Image for article Can You Get Hemorrhoids During Labor?

You may or may not develop hemorrhoids during the labor process. During the delivery of your baby, a hemorrhoid isn’t necessarily being pushed out too. Oftentimes, it’s during pregnancy or after giving birth that you may notice hemorrhoids, thanks to the pressure of the uterus combined with constipation (which is common both during pregnancy and in the first week after giving birth). 

If you do end up with postpartum hemorrhoids, the goodie bags of postpartum supplies in hospitals will help. You’ll likely have witch hazel pads and Dermoplast to soothe them. 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the increase in progesterone that happens during pregnancy causes constipation1 . Combine that with the uterus compressing the bowels, and that’s a recipe for hemorrhoids. The increased pressure in the anal canal results in the development of hemorrhoids, and they can be painful, burning, or even itchy

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Jennifer Ray, and Jennifer LaBundy"Lower Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders"American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsJun 1, 2022https://www.acog.org/clinical/journals-and-publications/clinical-updates/2022/06/lower-gastrointestinal-tract-disorders.


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