Women and pregnancy - treatment of haemorrhoids for women during pregnancy

Haemorrhoids are extremely common during pregnancy. In fact, for many women, pregnancy and childbirth is when they develop haemorrhoids for the first time. Around one in three women will get haemorrhoids during pregnancy so if you are suffering, you’re not alone.

What are haemorrhoids?

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen blood vessels in and around the anus that stretch and become swollen under pressure. In their mild form they remain inside the anus causing discomfort. External haemorrhoids appear as dark red swellings around the anus, which can be extremely painful.

The most common symptoms of haemorrhoids are:

• Pain and soreness around the anus, particularly when going to the toilet.
  Itching and irritation around the anus.
• Small blood deposits on tissue paper after going to the toilet.
• A bulging or dragging sensation inside the anus.
• Occasional mucous discharge.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above, the likelihood is that you've got haemorrhoids. Information about how you can treat haemorrhoids is given on this website.