It is unfortunate that pregnant women tend to have a high chance of getting hemorrhoids. The reason for this is that the strain of supporting a growing baby can affect the rectal veins in a way that causes them to swell. This is especially true of hemorrhoids childbirth as childbirth causes a lot of pressure and strain on the lower part of the body. Fortunately there are treatments that can relieve or even prevent the occurrence of hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth.

While the prevention of hemorrhoids is preferable, there are treatments that provide enough relief to reduce pain and discomfort. Such treatments include bathing in lukewarm water several times a day, applying ice packs wrapped in soft cloth to the affected area, and using hemorrhoid relief products that are certified to be safe for pregnant women. Treatments such as those listed above do not remove hemorrhoids, they can reduce the presence of hemorrhoids and make life more comfortable.

There are three simple changes to one's daily routine to help prevent hemorrhoids, especially in pregnant women, whom are more susceptible to getting hemorrhoids. One is to drink lots of water, as one major cause of hemorrhoids is constipation. Drinking water, at least 8 glasses a day, can help loosen stool and allow it to flow through more easily. Exercising the lower body can also help tremendously, not only in preventing the occurrence of hemorrhoids, but also in the ability to support a child.

The final change is also somewhat common sense: never ignore the body's need to go to the bathroom. Another major cause of hemorrhoids is that the person tries to hold in stool for as long as possible. This causes strain to build up in the lower body which can lead to swollen rectal veins. Having to support a growing child does not help either.

Hemorrhoids during childbirth may occur simply because of the strain that is put onto a woman's lower body during the process. Most of the time these hemorrhoids disappear after baby is born, and therefore should not be a problem. If a woman still has hemorrhoids after childbirth, then she should consult a physician for treatment.