Pregnancy is one of the most rewarding journeys in a woman’s life, yet it brings several physical changes and challenges. One common issue many pregnant women experience is piles, also known as hemorrhoids. These swollen veins around the rectum and anus can cause discomfort, itching, bleeding, and difficulty during bowel movements. While piles can occur at any age, the chances increase significantly during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts and increased pressure on the pelvic region.
In this detailed guide, we explain How Pregnancy Can Lead to Piles and Ways to Prevent It, practical lifestyle tips, treatment options, and when to consult experts at Laserqure, Hyderabad’s leading centre for advanced laser piles treatment.
Why Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Piles
Understanding why piles occur during pregnancy helps you manage and prevent them better. Several physiological changes make women more prone to this condition.
1. Increased Pressure on Pelvic Veins
As pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus puts additional pressure on the pelvic veins. This pressure causes blood to pool in the rectal area, making the veins swollen and sensitive. Reduced blood circulation around the pelvis is one of the leading reasons pregnant women develop piles.
2. Hormonal Changes Slow Down Digestion
During pregnancy, hormones—especially progesterone—help relax muscles to support fetal growth. However, this relaxation also affects the digestive tract, slowing down bowel movements. Slow digestion often leads to constipation, which is a major trigger for piles.
3. Constipation and Straining During Bowel Movements
Constipation is extremely common during pregnancy. When stool becomes hard and dry, women tend to strain more while passing stools. This straining increases venous pressure in the rectum, causing piles or worsening existing symptoms.
4. Increased Blood Volume
A pregnant woman’s body produces nearly 50% more blood to support fetal development. This increased blood volume also puts more pressure on blood vessels, including those in the rectal region, causing hemorrhoidal veins to swell.
5. Prolonged Sitting or Standing
Many pregnant women feel weak, tired, or experience swelling in the legs. This leads to prolonged sitting or standing. Both habits reduce blood circulation in the lower body and increase the chances of developing piles.
How to Prevent Piles During Pregnancy
Although piles are common in pregnancy, they can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes. Below are the most effective ways to stay healthy and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids.
1. Eat a High-Fibre Diet
A fibre-rich diet softens the stool and prevents constipation. Include these foods daily:
- Whole grains – oats, brown rice, millets
- Vegetables – spinach, broccoli, carrots
- Fruits – apples, pears, oranges
- Legumes – lentils, chickpeas, beans
Aim for 25–30 grams of fibre every day.
2. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration keeps stool soft, making bowel movements smooth and strain-free. Fresh fruit juices, coconut water, and herbal teas also help.
3. Exercise Regularly (
Pregnancy-safe exercises improve overall digestion and boost blood circulation. Useful activities include:
- Light walking
- Prenatal yoga
- Pelvic floor exercises
Always check with your gynecologist before starting any new routine.
4. Avoid Straining in the Toilet
Straining is one of the biggest triggers of piles. To avoid this:
- Do not force bowel movements
- Use a footstool to elevate your legs
- Go to the toilet when you feel the urge
- Consider doctor-approved stool softeners if needed
5. Avoid Sitting or Standing for Long Hours
Take short breaks in between. If sitting, stand up and walk for a few minutes every hour. If standing, keep shifting your weight from one foot to another.
6. Maintain a Healthy Toilet Routine
Avoid sitting on the toilet for too long. This puts extra pressure on the rectal veins. Make your bowel routine short, comfortable, and relaxed.
7. Sleep on Your Left Side
This reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava and improves blood circulation. It also prevents excess strain on the rectal veins.
8. Cold Compress and Warm Sitz Baths
A cold compress reduces inflammation and swelling.
A warm sitz bath (sitting in warm water for 10–15 minutes) relieves itching and discomfort.
These remedies are safe during pregnancy and offer quick relief.
Best Treatment Options for Piles During Pregnancy
If your piles do not improve with preventive measures, early treatment ensures faster recovery and prevents complications.
1. Home Remedies for Piles Relief
You can try:
- Aloe vera gel
- Witch hazel pads
- Unscented wet wipes
- Loose cotton underwear
- Avoiding spicy and oily foods
These soothe irritation and reduce inflammation.
2. Pregnancy-Safe Medications
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Topical ointments
- Anti-inflammatory creams
- Suppositories
- Stool softeners
Never take over-the-counter medicines without consulting your doctor.
3. Advanced Non-Surgical Laser Piles Treatment at Laserqure
If your condition becomes severe or extremely painful, Laserqure offers cutting-edge laser treatment that is:
- Painless
- Quick (10–20 minutes)
- No cuts, no stitches
- Minimal bleeding
- Very fast recovery
Laser treatment is safe even for postpartum mothers and helps treat piles effectively without traditional surgery.
When to See a Piles Specialist?
Seek medical help immediately if you notice:
- Excessive pain during bowel movements
- Bleeding
- A painful lump around the anus
- Severe constipation
- No relief from home remedies
Laserqure’s piles specialists in Hyderabad provide advanced diagnosis and tailor-made treatment options for pregnancy-related hemorrhoids.
Conclusion
Understanding How Pregnancy Can Lead to Piles and Ways to Prevent It is essential for every expecting mother. Hormonal shifts, increased pelvic pressure, constipation, and lifestyle factors contribute to this condition. However, with early prevention—hydration, a fibre-rich diet, mild exercise, and good toilet habits—piles can be easily managed.
If symptoms continue or worsen, advanced laser piles treatment at Laserqure ensures quick, painless, and safe recovery.
Laserqure – Hyderabad’s trusted centre for painless piles, fissure, and fistula treatment.
Book your consultation today for expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are piles common during pregnancy?
Yes. Due to increased pelvic pressure, hormonal changes, and constipation, many women develop piles during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.
2. Can piles go away after delivery?
Mild piles often improve after childbirth, especially once constipation reduces. However, severe piles may require treatment at a specialized centre like Laserqure.
3. Is laser piles treatment safe after pregnancy?
Yes. Laser treatment is minimally invasive, painless, and safe for postpartum women. It offers quick recovery without cuts or stitches.
4. What foods help prevent piles during pregnancy?
Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes prevent constipation and reduce piles risk.
5. Can sitting for long hours worsen piles?
Yes. Sitting for long periods reduces blood flow to the rectum, increasing swelling and discomfort associated with piles.
6. What is the safest home remedy for piles in pregnancy?
Warm sitz baths and cold compresses provide safe and effective relief from swelling and itching during pregnancy.
7. Does straining during bowel movements cause piles?
Yes. Straining puts excessive pressure on rectal veins, making them swollen and painful.
8. When should I consult a piles specialist?
Seek medical help if piles cause bleeding, severe pain, or persistent discomfort despite home remedies.
9. Can constipation during pregnancy be prevented?
Yes. Drinking enough water, eating fibre-rich food, staying active, and maintaining regular toilet habits prevent constipation.
10. Why choose Laserqure for piles treatment?
Laserqure offers painless laser procedures, experienced surgeons, quick recovery, and advanced technology, making it a preferred centre for piles, fissure, and fistula treatment.
