How to Prevent Hemorrhoids After Childbirth?
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| How to Prevent Hemorrhoids After Childbirth |
Last Updated: June 2026 | Medically Reviewed | Based on Clinical Research
Hemorrhoids after childbirth are incredibly common — and incredibly uncomfortable. The pushing involved in delivery, combined with the hormonal changes and constipation of pregnancy, creates the perfect conditions for hemorrhoids to develop or worsen. But there are effective ways to prevent and manage them in the postpartum period.
Why do hemorrhoids happen after childbirth?
During labor and delivery, you push with tremendous force. This puts intense pressure on the veins around your rectum and anus. If you had hemorrhoids during pregnancy, they often get worse during delivery.
And even women who had no hemorrhoids during pregnancy can develop them during or right after childbirth.
Postpartum constipation also plays a role. Fear of pain during the first bowel movement after delivery — especially after a vaginal birth or C-section — causes many women to avoid going or to strain when they do.
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids After Childbirth?
1. Start fiber early.
As soon as you're able to eat after delivery, start adding fiber to your diet. Prunes, pears, whole grains, vegetables, and legumes are all excellent choices. See a list of 10 fiber rich foods that relieve constipation.
2. Stay hydrated.
Breastfeeding mothers especially need extra fluids. Drink water consistently throughout the day.
3. Take a stool softener.
Doctors often prescribe stool softeners after delivery for exactly this reason. Ask your midwife or doctor about this before you go home.
4. Do pelvic floor exercises (Kegels).
These kegel exercices help restore blood flow to the area and support the recovery of the tissues around your rectum.
5. Take sitz baths.
Soaking in a few inches of warm water in a sitz bath basin for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day, soothes pain, reduces swelling, and promotes healing.
6. Use witch hazel wipes.
These witch hazel wipes are cooling, soothing, and safe to use on the area after delivery.
7. Don't delay when you feel the urge.
It can be scary, but the longer you wait, the harder it becomes. A stool softener will help make the first bowel movement much easier.
When to see a doctor
If you experience heavy rectal bleeding, severe pain, or hemorrhoids that don't improve within a few weeks, contact your healthcare provider. Most postpartum hemorrhoids resolve on their own within a few weeks with proper care.
Conclusion
Hemorrhoids after childbirth are common, but they are very manageable. With the right care — soft stools, sitz baths, hydration, and gentle exercise — most new mothers recover comfortably in a few weeks. Don't be embarrassed to ask your doctor or midwife for help. This is one of the most common postpartum complaints, and there are good solutions available.
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📚 Medical sources
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — Hemorrhoids.
- Mayo Clinic — Hemorrhoids: Diagnosis and Treatment.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine — Hemorrhoids.
- PubMed / PMC — Natural Products in Hemorrhoid Management — A peer-reviewed literature review confirming that topical witch hazel preparations have demonstrated efficacy in reducing anal itching, mild bleeding, burning, and inflammation in external and Grade I–II internal hemorrhoids.
- Healthline — 4 Benefits and Uses of Witch Hazel — Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N. Discusses the anti-inflammatory and astringent properties of witch hazel and its use for hemorrhoids.
- American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) — Recommends witch hazel as a commonly used over-the-counter remedy for conservative hemorrhoid management (referenced in the PMC study above).
- PubMed / PMC — Treatment of Haemorrhoidal Disease with Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction and Sucralfate Ointment — Discusses combined topical therapies including witch hazel leaf extracts for hemorrhoid symptom control.
