Pregnancy brings about many changes in the body, some anticipated and others more surprising. One such issue that may catch you off guard is piles, or haemorrhoids. These occur when veins in the rectal area become swollen due to factors like hormonal changes, constipation, or the growing uterus pressing on pelvic veins.
While piles are quite common during pregnancy, they can cause itching, pain, and bleeding that disrupt daily comfort. The good news is that most cases can be managed effectively with a few simple adjustments and safe treatments. Keep reading to learn why piles develop during pregnancy, how you can find relief, and what treatment options are available after childbirth.
Why Piles Are Common During Pregnancy
Pregnancy triggers several physical and hormonal changes that increase pressure on the rectal veins, making piles more likely to occur. These changes affect circulation, digestion and muscle tone, which together contribute to the development of haemorrhoids.
Increased Pressure on Rectal Veins
As your uterus expands, it presses against the veins in your pelvis and rectum. This pressure slows blood flow and causes the veins to swell, leading to haemorrhoids. It’s a natural response to the physical demands of carrying a baby, but it can be uncomfortable.
Hormonal Changes
Progesterone, a hormone that rises during pregnancy, relaxes the walls of blood vessels. While this is necessary for pregnancy, it also makes the veins more likely to expand and swell. At the same time, progesterone slows digestion, often causing constipation, which further increases the risk of piles.
Constipation and Straining
Hormonal shifts and iron supplements commonly lead to constipation. Straining while passing stool puts added pressure on the rectal veins, worsening existing haemorrhoids or causing new ones to form.
Increased Blood Volume
Pregnancy naturally increases your total blood volume to support your baby’s growth. This can enlarge veins throughout the body, including those in the rectal area, making them more prone to swelling.
Symptoms of Piles During Pregnancy
Piles can vary in type and severity. Internal piles develop inside the rectum and usually cause bleeding during bowel movements but little to no pain. External piles form under the skin around the anus, often resulting in discomfort, swelling, or itching.
Common symptoms include:
- Bright red bleeding during or after bowel movements
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Swelling or a tender lump near the anus
- Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
- Mucus discharge or a feeling of incomplete bowel movement
If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Pregnant women experiencing persistent bleeding or pain should seek medical evaluation to rule out other conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
Managing Piles During Pregnancy
In most cases, piles can be managed at home with a few lifestyle adjustments. These habits not only help ease discomfort but also prevent symptoms from worsening.
Dietary Changes
Include plenty of fibre in your meals through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Fibre keeps stools soft and supports regular bowel movements. Staying hydrated throughout the day also makes a significant difference in preventing constipation.
Regular Physical Activity
Light exercise, such as walking or prenatal yoga, helps improve circulation, supports digestion, and reduces pressure in the rectal veins. Gentle movement can also go a long way in easing symptoms and maintaining comfort.
Good Toilet Habits
Avoid sitting on the toilet for extended periods, as this can increase pressure on the rectal veins and worsen symptoms. Respond promptly when you feel the urge to pass stool instead of delaying it, which can worsen constipation and straining.
Soothing Relief
Applying a cold compress or soaking in a warm sitz bath can help reduce swelling and soothe irritation. These simple measures can offer much-needed relief after a long day.
Consult a Doctor Before Using Medications
Some topical creams or suppositories can help relieve pain and itching, but not all are suitable for use during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor before applying any medication, as what works for others may not be safe for you. Your doctor can recommend products that are both effective and pregnancy-safe, ensuring you get relief without compromising your or your baby’s wellbeing. If symptoms persist despite these measures, it may be time to seek advice from a piles specialist for safe and personalised treatment options.
Treatment Options After Pregnancy
Piles that develop during pregnancy often improve on their own after childbirth, once hormone levels stabilise and pressure on the veins decreases. However, if symptoms persist, several safe treatment options are available to restore comfort.
Banding (Rubber Band Ligation)
This minimally invasive procedure involves placing a small rubber band around the base of the haemorrhoid. The band cuts off blood flow, causing the pile to shrink and fall off naturally within a few days.
Sclerotherapy
This involves injecting a special solution into the haemorrhoid, causing it to harden and shrink. It is commonly used for smaller internal piles and can be done quickly in a clinic.
Ultrasound-Guided Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation
Using ultrasound, a surgeon locates and ties off the arteries feeding the haemorrhoids. This reduces swelling and discomfort while preserving healthy tissue.
Haemorrhoid Energy Transfer (HET)
HET uses gentle heat energy to treat internal piles. The method promotes healing and provides symptom relief with minimal downtime.
Laser Piles Surgery
For severe or recurring cases, laser treatment can precisely remove or reduce haemorrhoidal tissue. This technique typically allows for quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.
While many women find that piles improve with lifestyle adjustments and conservative care, it is important to seek medical advice if discomfort or bleeding persists. At Ho Kok Sun Colorectal, we provide comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatment plans to help new mothers manage piles safely and regain comfort in their postpartum recovery. To learn more about managing piles safely during and after pregnancy, book a consultation with Ho Kok Sun Colorectal today.
About Dr Ho Kok Sun
Dr Ho Kok Sun
Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore), M Med (General Surgery) (Singapore)
FRCS (General Surgery) (Edinburgh), FAM (Singapore)
Dr Ho Kok Sun has dedicated more than a decade to the management of piles and haemorrhoids, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. He is the past President of the ASEAN Society of Colorectal Surgeons and the Society of Colorectal Surgeons (Singapore), and a founding member of the Eurasian Colorectal Technologies Association.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Ho has been actively involved in training medical students and residents and has contributed extensively to medical literature through journal publications and book chapters. He believes that every patient’s treatment should be individualised, focusing on safety, comfort and long-term results.
