Circulation & Breathing
Haemorrhoids (Piles) in Pregnancy
Swollen veins around the back passage that are common in pregnancy — usually manageable at home, but new or heavy bleeding always needs checking.
Written and fact-checked by the ParentVibes editorial team against WHO, NHS, ACOG and peer-reviewed guidance. Not yet reviewed by a named clinician.
Quick facts
- When most common
- 3rd trimester and after birth
- Main triggers
- Constipation, straining, pelvic pressure
- Typical symptoms
- Itching, discomfort, bright red blood on wiping
- Usual outcome
- Often improve within weeks after delivery
- See a doctor if
- Heavy bleeding, severe pain or a hard lump
Itching, soreness or a little bright red blood after passing a stool can be one of the less-talked-about parts of pregnancy — but haemorrhoids (piles) are extremely common, particularly as your bump grows and towards the end of pregnancy. They can feel embarrassing to mention, but your midwife or doctor will have heard it all before and can help.
This guide covers why piles happen in pregnancy, what eases them safely, and importantly, when rectal bleeding or pain needs to be checked rather than assumed to be haemorrhoids.
What are haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids are swollen, engorged veins in and around the back passage (anus and lower rectum) — essentially varicose veins in that area. They can be internal (inside the back passage, often painless but can bleed) or external (visible or felt as a lump around the anus, which can be itchy, sore or painful, especially if a clot forms inside one — known as a thrombosed pile).
They are common at any stage of pregnancy but become more likely in the third trimester, as the growing womb presses on pelvic veins and slows blood return, and are also common in the days and weeks after a vaginal birth because of the pushing involved in labour.
Very common and rarely serious
Haemorrhoids affect a large proportion of pregnant people at some point, most often from the third trimester onward. They're uncomfortable but not dangerous, and usually settle with simple measures and time.
What causes haemorrhoids in pregnancy?
A combination of hormonal, mechanical and digestive changes makes haemorrhoids more likely as pregnancy progresses.
Pressure from the growing womb
As your baby grows, your womb presses on the veins in your pelvis and lower body, slowing blood flow and causing veins around the back passage to swell.
Rising progesterone
Progesterone relaxes vein walls throughout the body, including around the rectum, making them more prone to swelling, and also slows bowel movements, contributing to constipation.
Constipation and straining
Pregnancy commonly causes constipation, and straining to pass a hard stool increases pressure on rectal veins, which is one of the most significant contributors to piles.
Increased blood volume
Higher overall blood volume in pregnancy adds extra pressure through the venous system, including the veins around the back passage.
Pushing during labour
The bearing-down effort of a vaginal birth puts intense, temporary pressure on pelvic and rectal veins, which is why piles are also very common in the postnatal period.
You may be more prone if…
- You had haemorrhoids before this pregnancy or with a previous one
- You're prone to constipation
- You spend long periods sitting or standing
- You're further along in pregnancy (third trimester)
When haemorrhoids are normal
Mild haemorrhoids are a common, manageable part of later pregnancy. These features are reassuring:
- Itching, mild soreness or a feeling of fullness around the back passage.
- A small amount of bright red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl, clearly linked to passing a stool.
- A soft lump you can feel that isn't growing, isn't intensely painful, and settles between bowel movements.
- Symptoms that ease with warm baths, softer stools and less straining.
| Usually normal haemorrhoids | Needs medical attention | |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | Small amount, bright red, only with wiping or in the bowl | Heavy bleeding, clots, or bleeding not clearly linked to a bowel motion |
| Pain | Mild soreness or itching | Severe, constant pain, especially with a hard lump |
| Lump | Soft, comes and goes, reduces after a bowel motion | Hard, very tender, doesn't go back in (possible thrombosed pile) |
| Other symptoms | None | Fever, feeling generally unwell, or bleeding from elsewhere too |
Don't assume — get new bleeding checked once
If this is the first time you've noticed rectal bleeding in this pregnancy, it's worth mentioning to your midwife or doctor even if you're fairly sure it's piles, simply so it's confirmed and other causes are ruled out.
Warning signs — get medical help now
Most rectal bleeding in pregnancy is from haemorrhoids, but not all of it is — and it should never simply be assumed without a check, especially the first time. Contact your doctor or midwife urgently, or go to your nearest emergency department, if you have:
Seek urgent medical care if you have
- Heavy rectal bleeding, or bleeding with clots.
- Bleeding that doesn't seem to be clearly coming from a pile, or that continues between bowel movements.
- Severe or worsening pain around the back passage.
- A hard, very tender lump that has suddenly appeared and doesn't ease (possible thrombosed haemorrhoid).
- Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell alongside rectal symptoms.
- Ongoing or heavy bleeding alongside dizziness, faintness or a racing heart.
Never assume all rectal bleeding in pregnancy is 'just piles' — it should be confirmed by your doctor or midwife, particularly if it's new, heavy, or accompanied by pain. If you notice reduced or absent baby movements at any point, contact your maternity unit the same day.
A thrombosed pile needs prompt care
A hard, blue-purple, very painful lump at the anus can be a thrombosed haemorrhoid (a clot inside the vein). It's not usually dangerous but can be very painful and is best assessed and treated promptly by a doctor.
Self-care & home remedies
Most pregnancy haemorrhoids improve with simple measures aimed at softening stools and reducing pressure on the area.
Prevent constipation
- Eat plenty of fibre — wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and pulses.
- Drink plenty of water through the day.
- Stay as physically active as you comfortably can; gentle walking helps bowel movements.
- Don't delay going to the toilet when you feel the urge, and avoid straining.
Soothe the area
- A warm bath a few times a day can ease itching and discomfort.
- Gently pat (rather than rub) the area dry, or use unscented, alcohol-free wipes.
- Applying a cold compress wrapped in a cloth for short periods can reduce swelling.
- Ask your pharmacist about pregnancy-safe topical treatments for piles — don't use any product without checking first.
Reduce pelvic pressure
- Avoid sitting or standing for very long periods; take breaks to lie on your side.
- Try not to sit directly on hard surfaces for long stretches; a soft cushion can help.
- Do pelvic floor exercises regularly, as good pelvic floor tone supports circulation in the area.
Ask about a fibre supplement or stool softener
If diet and fluids alone aren't enough, your doctor or midwife can advise on a pregnancy-safe fibre supplement or stool softener — don't buy laxatives over the counter without checking first.
When to consult a doctor
Book a non-urgent chat with your doctor or midwife if:
- You notice rectal bleeding for the first time in this pregnancy.
- Haemorrhoids are painful, itchy or uncomfortable enough to affect daily life or sleep.
- Self-care measures haven't improved things after a week or two.
- You're not sure whether a symptom is a haemorrhoid or something else.
- You'd like advice on safe treatments, as some over-the-counter creams aren't recommended in pregnancy.
Keep a note of your symptoms
Tracking bowel habits and any bleeding helps you describe things accurately at your next appointment.
Open the Pregnancy TrackerFrequently asked questions
Are haemorrhoids in pregnancy dangerous to my baby?
No, haemorrhoids don't harm your baby. They're a local issue with the veins around the back passage, caused by pressure and pregnancy hormones, and are uncomfortable for you but not a risk to your pregnancy.
Is bright red blood after wiping always a haemorrhoid?
It's the most common cause, but not the only one, so new rectal bleeding should still be mentioned to your midwife or doctor, especially the first time it happens, to confirm the cause and rule anything else out.
Will haemorrhoids go away after I give birth?
Many haemorrhoids that appear in pregnancy improve within a few weeks after delivery as pressure from the womb is relieved, though pushing during labour can also cause or worsen them temporarily.
What can I safely use to treat piles in pregnancy?
Warm baths, good hydration, fibre and gentle hygiene measures are safe for everyone. For creams or suppositories, check with your pharmacist, doctor or midwife first, as not all over-the-counter products are recommended in pregnancy.
Can I prevent haemorrhoids in pregnancy?
You can reduce your risk by preventing constipation — eating enough fibre, drinking plenty of fluids, staying active and avoiding straining on the toilet — though some people develop them despite doing everything right, simply because of pregnancy pressure and hormones.
When is a haemorrhoid an emergency?
Seek prompt medical care for heavy bleeding, bleeding that doesn't seem to be from a pile, severe pain, a hard tender lump that won't settle, or fever alongside these symptoms — these need assessment rather than home treatment alone.
Your next steps
Track your pregnancy
Log symptoms week by week, get personalised tips, and see how your pregnancy is progressing.
Open Pregnancy TrackerPregnancy week-by-week
Follow your baby's growth and your body's changes from week 1 to 40 in plain language.
Explore the guideFind a gynaecologist
Have a personal concern? Book with a trusted obstetrician or gynaecologist near you.
Find a doctorRelated pregnancy symptoms
Helpful resources
Sources
- NHS — Pregnancy: common symptoms & concerns
- ACOG — Pregnancy resources (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists)
- WHO — Maternal health & pregnancy care
- NHS — Piles (haemorrhoids) in pregnancy
- ACOG — Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Next review due: 6 January 2027.
Medical disclaimer
This page is general information about a common pregnancy symptom and does not replace personal medical advice. Every pregnancy is different. If you have severe pain, heavy bleeding, a bad headache with vision changes, reduced or absent baby movements, breathing difficulty, fever, or you feel something is seriously wrong, contact your doctor or midwife or go to your nearest emergency department straight away. When in doubt, always get checked — it is never a waste of anyone's time.
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