Piles During Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms & Safe Treatments (2025)

Piles During Pregnancy - Causes, Symptoms & Safe Treatments (2025)

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for a woman, but it can come with its discomforts and challenges. Piles (also known as hemorrhoids) are one of them.

Piles in pregnancy are not uncommon. The relief is, they are treatable and can be managed with the proper care.

In this guide, you will get to learn why piles occur during pregnancy, how to recognize symptoms early, and the safe methods of controlling the condition without harming your baby.

What Are Piles/Hemorrhoids?

Piles or hemorrhoids are inflamed blood vessels within or around your back passage (anus).

These blood vessels swell up due to extra pressure, and as a result, you experience pain, bleeding, or swelling.

Types of piles:

• Internal Piles: Within the rectum; normally painless, but can cause bleeding.
• External Piles: Outside the anus or around the anal opening; can be painful, particularly on sitting or passing stool.

Read More: [Symptoms of Piles in Women](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

How Common Are Piles in Pregnancy?

Piles during pregnancy are quite common. You're not alone if you're experiencing this issue.

Almost 1 out of 3 pregnant women get piles at some point, particularly in the later months (second or third trimester).

It's possible that some develop them for the first time, and others have had piles previously and notice them to become worse during pregnancy.

There is nothing to be embarrassed about; it's a common complaint that occurs due to all the changes your body is undergoing while carrying a baby.

However, piles during pregnancy can be treated safely, and in many cases, they go away after delivery.

What Causes Piles During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through a lot of changes, and some of those changes likely cause piles (hemorrhoids) to occur.

Piles occur due to the following reasons:

1. More Pressure in Your Belly

As your baby grows, your womb (uterus) also expands. This adds extra pressure on the veins near the anus (your back passage), which can become swollen, and that's what we refer to as piles.

2. Hormones Slow Things Down

Pregnancy hormones, especially progesterone, help relax your body for your baby's growth. But they also slow down your digestion, which means your stool (poop) moves slowly. This can cause constipation, and straining during constipation can lead to piles.

3. More Blood Flow

During pregnancy, a woman's body produces more blood to support the baby. The increased flow of blood can sometimes lead to swelling of veins, especially in the lower part of the body, including your rectum region.

4. Less Physical Activity

Many women slow down physically during pregnancy (understandably!). But less movement also means slower digestion, which again increases the risk of constipation and piles.

What Do Pregnancy Piles Feel Like?

Piles during pregnancy can range from uncomfortable to painful.

Common symptoms include:

• Itching or irritation around the anus
• Pain or discomfort, normally during or after a bowel movement
• Small lumps or swelling near the anal opening
• Bright red bleeding during passing stool
• Feeling of incomplete evacuation

Symptoms may worsen after long hours of sitting, constipation, or heavy lifting.

Read More: [How Does Piles Look Like?](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

Is It Safe to Treat Piles in Pregnancy?

Yes, safe treatment is possible and important.

You don't need to suffer in silence. In fact, treating piles early can stop them from getting worse and make you feel much more comfortable.

However, not all piles medications or creams are suitable during pregnancy.

And self-medication is not recommended because what might suit a non-pregnant adult is not necessarily safe for your baby.

Also, always seek your doctor's advice even before using home remedies.

Read More: [How to Stop Piles Bleeding at Home?](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

Will Piles Go Away After Delivery?

Mostly, yes, piles resolve themselves after giving birth.

When your baby's born, the pressure in your tummy decreases, your hormones stabilize, and your gut might return to normal. All this allows the dilated veins to decrease in size and heal by themselves.

But here's the thing:

• For some women, piles disappear within a few weeks after childbirth.
• For others, they can take a little longer, particularly if constipation persists.

Regardless of the situation, you should continue the good habits developed during pregnancy:

• High-fiber meals
• Ample hydration
• Active lifestyle

If piles persist after a few months, talk to a specialist.

Long-term treatments like laser surgery can offer permanent relief, with less pain and a fast recovery.

Read More: [How to Prevent Piles with Home Remedies?](/laser-surgery/hemorrhoids-piles)

When Should One Visit a Doctor?

Piles during pregnancy are common, but sometimes, you shouldn't wait it out. A doctor can help you feel better and prevent things from getting worse.

Visit a doctor if:

• You have bleeding every time you pass stool
• The pain is too much to handle
• You feel a big lump that doesn't go away
• You have constant itching or discomfort
• Piles are getting worse even after home care
• You feel very constipated for many days

In such cases, in-clinic evaluation is necessary for the safety of both mother and child.

Is Surgery or Laser Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?

In most cases, surgery is not needed during pregnancy.

However, if you develop complicated piles (e.g., thrombosed piles or uncontrollable bleeding), your doctor may consider safe surgical options in the second trimester, when it's medically advisable.

Otherwise, laser surgery can be safely done after childbirth, when the body has healed, and recovery is faster.

It's always best to consult a piles specialist doctor who can assess your individual condition and guide you on the safest treatment plan based on the stage of pregnancy and severity of symptoms.

Final Advice from Dr. Kapil Agrawal

Piles during pregnancy are nothing to be embarrassed about. They're common and can be treated safely.

If you're having pain, bleeding, or discomfort, don't delay. The earlier you seek help, the easier and faster it is to treat the condition.

Things like eating more fiber, drinking enough water, staying active, and avoiding straining in the toilet can make a big difference. In most cases, piles go away after delivery.

But if they don't resolve, safe and effective treatments are available.

If you live in Delhi or are looking for the best surgeon in the field, you can seek Dr. Kapil Agrawal.

Dr. Kapil Agrawal is one of the best surgeons for piles, hernia, and anorectal problems. He has many years of experience in treating pregnant women.

He gives personal advice and uses the latest treatments, like laser surgery.

Want quick relief from piles during pregnancy? Book a consultation with Dr. Kapil today.

FAQs

Q.1 Can piles harm my baby during pregnancy?

Ans: No. Piles occur in the mother and not the baby. But extremes can interfere with your comfort and daily activities.

Q.2 Are piles common during the first pregnancy?

Ans: Yes. As your baby grows, the pressure on your lower body increases. Hormonal changes and constipation make piles more likely.

Q.3 Which foods can help reduce piles during pregnancy?

Ans: Papaya, soaked raisins, banana, spinach, bottle gourd (lauki), oats, and whole wheat. Avoid spicy food and fried snacks.

Q.4 Can I use over-the-counter creams safely?

Ans: Not all creams are safe. Always consult your doctor before using any topical treatments during pregnancy.

Q.5 Will piles come back in my next pregnancy?

Ans: If you've had piles once, you may be at risk in future pregnancies. Preventive care, early treatment, and a healthy lifestyle help reduce recurrence.

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