From my previous work as a midwife, I have extensive experience with hemorrhoids after childbirth and pregnancy (including those caused by birth) as well as during the postpartum period. Basically, any woman can be affected, but pregnancy and childbirth are special risk factors. In this guide, you’ll get tips on how to best prevent hemorrhoids – and if they do appear, which measures help and why medical Kegel balls or glass dilators offer a particularly effective and fast treatment. Especially because body and mind are heavily strained after birth and your attention is on your baby and family, these complaints are perceived as particularly bothersome.

Table of contents:

How do hemorrhoids occur after childbirth and pregnancy?

During pregnancy – especially in the early weeks – many changes in the body take place that can promote hemorrhoids:

Pregnancy hormones cause loosening and increased softness of the tissue, which affects muscles, skin, cartilage, and blood vessels. The circulatory system is particularly affected: blood volume increases by around 40%, while the vessels lose elasticity and expand. This makes it harder for blood to flow back, especially from the lower body. Vein valves no longer close completely, causing blood to pool in the legs. Light exercise can help prevent this. Later in pregnancy, the weight of the baby and uterus increases pressure on the pelvic veins, further hindering blood flow. This promotes edema (fluid retention) and varicose veins. Hemorrhoids are also a type of varicose vein.

Internal hemorrhoids after childbirth (usually grade 1 or 2) are widespread, don’t always cause discomfort, and can regress on their own. Their formation is additionally promoted by hormone-induced slower intestinal activity (peristalsis) and increased fluid absorption in the intestines. Lack of movement in the last weeks of pregnancy often leads to constipation. Iron supplements make the stool harder, so strong straining during bowel movements can trigger external hemorrhoids (grade 2 to 4), which need treatment. See image:

Hemorrhoids caused by childbirth

Even if no hemorrhoids develop during pregnancy, they can appear due to childbirth itself. Unfortunately, birthing people are still often positioned on their backs and instructed to push. Both are medically unnatural and encourage hemorrhoids. It’s far gentler for mother and child to guide the baby out actively (“bearing down”). This technique makes the expulsion phase easier and significantly reduces the risk of hemorrhoids. It should definitely be part of a childbirth preparation course.

Hemorrhoids during postpartum

Postpartum hemorrhoids are particularly stressful for new mothers and families. The early postpartum period (the first ten days after birth) is marked by recovery and healing. The pelvic floor was heavily stressed during childbirth and may be injured. Circulation is often unstable due to blood loss and milk production causing fluid depletion. Adequate fluid intake and a healthy diet are therefore important not only for you but also for your whole family. Constipation, hard stools, and fear of pain when going to the toilet – especially after an episiotomy or tear – can lead to stool retention. All these factors promote the formation or worsening of hemorrhoids during the postpartum period.

How do I recognize hemorrhoids, skin tags, or an anal vein thrombosis?

You can often tell the difference without seeing a doctor. When in doubt, always consult a healthcare professional!

Hemorrhoids are swellings around the anus that feel like small lumps and may cause minor bleeding. They are not always painful. Because cleaning after bowel movements is harder, symptoms like itching, burning, or inflammation can occur.

Anal vein thrombosis appears suddenly as a painful, tense, bluish lump. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor promptly.

Skin tags (mariscae) are soft, skin-colored folds that are usually harmless. They can only shrink through regular massage – our FMS dilators are ideal for this purpose.

How can I prevent hemorrhoids?

Many risk factors can be reduced with simple behavioral measures. These tips not only help you but also promote your family’s health – especially during postpartum and breastfeeding.

Healthy diet:

• Drink 2–3 liters of water or tea daily.
• Eat fiber-rich foods: vegetables, salads, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruit.
• Reduce sugar, sweets, and highly processed foods.
• Prefer whole grain products over white flour products.

Healthy bowel habits:

• Take your time and avoid stress.
• Avoid forceful straining.
• Sitting with raised feet and a rounded back (similar to a squat) relaxes the “levator ani” muscle and makes bowel movements easier. See image:

Proper cleaning of the anus:

• Gently dab dry beforehand if needed, but always clean with water afterward.
• Avoid wet wipes as they disrupt the natural flora. Use single-use washcloths instead.
• Clear water is best. If you use cleaning products, choose mild, pH-neutral ones – and follow up with a soothing ointment.

It’s best to prevent hemorrhoids in advance with these measures. If they have already developed, apply these tips consistently.

Home remedies for hemorrhoids after birth and pregnancy

Even without seeing a doctor, several home remedies can help: creams with witch hazel (hamamelis), natural suppositories, or cooling treatments. Cold compresses (e.g., quark or decongestant nasal spray) and sit baths with oak bark or sea salt are also recommended.

These methods relieve common symptoms such as itching and bleeding. Small hemorrhoids (grade 1 or 2) often retract on their own after childbirth. Grade 3 hemorrhoids need to be repositioned – pushed back gently, either with a finger or with the right tools.

Premium tools: Viball® and FMS dilators

Based on my experience as a midwife and therapist, we at Theros have developed high-quality tools that meet the highest standards. They are certified medical products and clinically tested.

Theros FMS Dilators

Our FMS dilators made of borosilicate glass help you gently and effectively reposition hemorrhoids – often just one use is enough. You can also fill them for cooling treatments to soothe inflammation. Borosilicate glass is extremely smooth, stable, and hygienic.

With 27 different sizes, they can be perfectly adapted to your body and symptom level.

Viball® medical Kegel balls

Viball® are certified medical Kegel balls for both vaginal and rectal use – suitable for women and men. They are made of polished implant-grade steel, are string-free, and available in six sizes. Implant steel is extremely smooth, easy to clean, and has anti-inflammatory properties. In daily use, they prevent hemorrhoids from reappearing while strengthening the pelvic floor and continence.

Tip: You can use Viball® alternately for vaginal and rectal pelvic floor training. Implant steel meets the highest clinical hygiene standards.

Extra tip: Always use a quality lubricant to avoid irritation.

Further tips can be found here: “Treat hemorrhoids yourself”.

These guides might also interest you:

• Hemorrhoids: Causes, home remedies & treatment
• Pelvic floor training with balls
• Kegel balls: Effect, application & differences
• Kegel balls for pelvic floor weakness after pregnancy
• Vaginismus & pain during sex
• Anal fissure and rectal tear: symptoms & treatment
• Lichen sclerosus: causes, symptoms & treatment
• Dyspareunia and pain during sex