Hemorrhoids are mostly reported from men, but there are also plenty of women who suffer from really painful hemorrhoids in the rectal and anal regions and swollen blood vessels in those same areas when they are pregnant. In fact, during pregnancy, a hemorrhoid is a very common condition.

You would be surprised to know that half of the women who get pregnant every year suffer from hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually develop in pregnant women during the third trimester.

But there is really no cause to worry. After the delivery of the baby, there appears a marked improvement in hemorrhoids. And besides, a hemorrhoid is a treatable case and with a few lifestyle changes or dietary changes, the symptoms of pregnant hemorrhoids can improve.

Causes of pregnant hemorrhoids

The anus and the vagina are weighed down by the weight of the baby and this leads to the creation of pressure on the vessels of blood that are situated in this region. Because of this extra pressure, the anal or rectal region will develop hemorrhoids while the vulva or the legs will develop varicose veins.

Other causes of hemorrhoids may be constipation or hormonal changes.
When a pregnant woman is giving birth to her baby, it puts severe pressure on the hemorrhoidal veins. This also leads to the development of hemorrhoids. Constipation also leads to hemorrhoids because it puts strain and pressure while trying to pass bowel.

Symptoms of pregnant hemorrhoids

Both pregnant women and normal women who suffer from hemorrhoids experience the same kind of symptoms. There are two kinds of hemorrhoids – internal hemorrhoids and external hemorrhoids.

Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids in pregnant women

Pregnant women suffering from internal hemorrhoids will often see their stool covered in bright red blood. They may also find blood in the bowl of the toilet and blood on their toilet paper.

At other times a vague feeling of anal discomfort and a feeling of fullness after passing stool will be the other symptoms of internal hemorrhoids, but usually do not cause any pain.

Symptoms of external hemorrhoids in pregnant women

External hemorrhoids can cause pain, a lot of pain at times. Other symptoms are bleeding and anal itching.