Skip to main content

What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Anal Health

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort while defecating or when you sit for long periods? You may have hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which can be a concern for pregnant women. Anal health issues during pregnancy are common, as hormonal shifts can increase your risk of developing them. 

Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the anus and rectum. When hemorrhoids become swollen, they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, irritation, and itching. These enlarged veins can be hidden inside your rectum or found under the skin around your anus.

Anal fissures are small tears in the lining of the anus. Because the anus is thin and sensitive, even a tiny tear can lead to pain, itching, and bleeding.

Although pregnancy increases your risk for these ailments, it doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to combat your symptoms. Below, Betsy Clemens, MD, shares what you need to know about anal health issues during pregnancy. 

Risk factors for hemorrhoids and anal fissures

When you’re pregnant, your progesterone levels increase. As a result, blood volume increases. This may be the reason why many pregnant women have inflamed hemorrhoids.

Sitting down for prolonged periods can lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Pressure from your uterus on your anus and rectum is another contributing factor. 

Anal fissures are usually caused by trauma to the anal canal. This trauma can be due to constipation, IBS, or Crohn’s disease. Because pregnant women are more likely to suffer from constipation, they’re more likely to develop anal fissures. However, these fissures can also appear after childbirth. 

How to lower your risk for hemorrhoids and anal fissures 

Although you can’t control all of the risk factors associated with hemorrhoids and anal fissures, you can employ a few strategies to lower your chances of developing them. You may benefit from:

If you suffer from constipation while you’re pregnant, don’t rely on laxative pills because some can cause uterine contractions and dehydration. 

Getting professional help 

Women often see an improvement in their anal health after giving birth. But this doesn’t mean you should ignore the pain and discomfort while you’re pregnant or delay treatment because you’re embarrassed.

If you notice blood in your stool, or if you experience pain, itchiness, or a burning sensation near your anus, contact Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri, to schedule an appointment. You may also request a call back via our online form. Our team specializes in anorectal disorders and can help diagnose and treat your symptoms with great care and compassion.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Recovering from Anal Fissure Surgery

Recovering from anal fissure surgery takes time, but you can get through it following many of the same medical treatments you followed before your procedure. Find out more about anal fissure surgery and what to expect during recovery.

Is Your Soap Causing Anal Itchiness? Try This Instead

Keeping your anal area clean is essential for overall health. But you don’t want to scrub the sensitive area with soap, especially if you have anal itchiness. Find out how soap causes anal itching and what you can use instead to keep things clean.

The Link Between STDs and Anal Discomfort

Anal pain and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are complex subjects to discuss, but not symptoms or conditions you should ignore. Learn more about the link between STDs and anal discomfort to get the necessary care.

Why You Should Never Ignore Blood in Your Stool

Bowel habits aren’t something you regularly discuss, but you need to talk with your health provider when you have blood in your stool. Learn what blood in your stools might mean and why you should never ignore it.