Hemorrhoids and Pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are just one of the delights of pregnancy. Pregnancy also makes you more prone to varicose veins in the legs and vulva. As your uterus grows it increases pressure on pelvic veins and also the very large vein responsible for bringing blood up from the lower extremities. Pressure on these veins impedes the passage of blood from the lower body, this in turn ramps up pressure on those veins found below your uterus and they become swollen and dilated.


Another connection between pregnancy and hemorrhoids is our old friend Mr. Constipation. Constipation is quite common in pregnancy and it can result in hemorrhoids if you push too hard. Take a break and go for a walk.

And finally Progesterone, a hormone which is in abundance during pregnancy, encourages hemorrhoids by causing constipation by slowing down the digestion and by relaxing your veins and permitting them to swell .