Hemorrhoids are a painful condition that affects millions of men and women. Hemorrhoids refer to a condition where the veins in the lower rectum and around the anus are swollen, dilated and inflamed (similar to varicose veins in legs). This can result in pain, itching, irritation, burning and sometimes bleeding – this indicates a flare-up. Learn more about hemorrhoids.

There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids occur inside the rectum and external hemorrhoids develop under the skin around the anus. Learn more about internal and external hemorrhoids. * Harvard Health Publications. “Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.” Harvard Women’s Health Watch, 2004.

Hemorrhoids are chronic, meaning they don’t go away entirely and there is no cure. Hemorrhoid flare-ups, however, come and go. With proper care and lifestyle changes, you can get relief from hemorrhoid flare-ups and help reduce the risk of them reoccurring.

Hemorrhoids are caused by pressure in the hemorrhoid veins. There are several reasons pregnancy may cause extra pressure. For one, a pregnant woman’s enlarged womb increases pressure in the hemorrhoid veins. Secondly, a pregnant woman’s blood supply actually increases during pregnancy, raising the pressure within her veins. Lastly, a pregnant woman’s hormones tend to relax the anal and rectal area’s supporting muscles as the baby presses more and more on the veins below it. All these can create extra pressure that triggers hemorrhoids to flare up or form. Add to all of this the fact that pregnancy often causes constipation (a trigger of hemorrhoids), it is no wonder why expectant mothers get hemorrhoids. If you had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you’re more likely to get them again while pregnant. They may also develop or flare up with the increase of pressure caused by straining during labor.