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How to Find Relief from Permanent Hemorrhoids After Childbirth

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! The postpartum period is filled with countless joys and some challenges as you adapt to life with your little one. Amidst the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, you may be dealing with another common condition: postpartum hemorrhoids.

If you’re experiencing pain, itching, or bleeding in your rectal area after giving birth, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 40% of women develop hemorrhoids or anal fissures during pregnancy or after delivery.

While this can be an extremely uncomfortable and frustrating problem, the good news is that there are many effective ways to manage your symptoms and promote healing.

We’ll dive into the causes of hemorrhoids after pregnancy, explore at-home care plans and lifestyle changes that can provide relief, and discuss when it’s time to seek professional help. We’ll also introduce you to the PX Docs approach, which focuses on supporting your body’s natural healing processes by addressing the underlying neurological factors that contribute to postpartum issues.

So, take a deep breath, grab a comfortable seat (preferably with a soft cushion!), and let’s explore how you can navigate this common postpartum challenge with confidence.

What are Hemorrhoids?

Before we explore why hemorrhoids often develop during pregnancy and after childbirth, let’s take a moment to understand what they are and how they differ from other rectal issues.

Hemorrhoids are inflamed, swollen veins in the rectum or anus. They can occur internally (inside the rectum) or externally (around the anal opening). When these veins become enlarged and irritated, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms.

Internal hemorrhoids are typically painless but may cause bleeding during bowel movements. They can sometimes prolapse, meaning they protrude outside the anus. External hemorrhoids, on the other hand, are more likely to cause pain, itching, and swelling around the anus.

Approximately 5% of people will develop symptoms related to their hemorrhoids, and only a small fraction of those patients will require surgical treatment. Common signs of hemorrhoids include:

  • Painless bleeding during bowel movements (often bright red blood)
  • Itching or irritation in the anal area
  • Pain or discomfort, especially when sitting
  • Swelling or a lump near the anus
  • Mucus discharge from the anus

It’s important to note that while hemorrhoids can be uncomfortable and concerning, they are rarely a serious medical problem. However, if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or persistent signs, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider to rule out other potential issues and discuss care options.

Why Hemorrhoids Develop During Pregnancy and After Childbirth

Now that we have a basic understanding of what hemorrhoids are, let’s explore why they so often occur during pregnancy and in the postpartum period.

Pregnancy and childbirth bring about significant physical changes that can contribute to the development of hemorrhoids:

  • Increased blood volume and pressure: As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on the pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the lower body back to the heart. This pressure can cause veins in the rectum and anus to swell and become more susceptible to irritation.
  • Hormonal changes: Research shows that pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, cause the walls of your veins to relax and become more susceptible to swelling.
  • Constipation: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, typically progesterone, have been shown to slow down digestion, leading to constipation. Straining during bowel movements puts additional pressure on the rectal veins, increasing the likelihood of developing hemorrhoids.

During labor and delivery, the intense pressure of pushing can also cause hemorrhoids to form or worsen existing ones. After birth, many women experience postpartum constipation due to hormonal changes, dehydration, and the use of certain pain medications. This constipation can further exacerbate hemorrhoids.

How the Nervous System Connects to Hemorrhoids

Most people think hemorrhoids are just a “local” issue — irritated tissue, veins, pressure. But the truth is, your nervous system plays a major role, running the entire show behind the scenes. Whether it’s digestion, healing, or even how you breathe and stabilize your core… it matters whether your autonomic nervous system is stuck in stress mode (sympathetic) or able to shift into rest, digest, and repair mode (parasympathetic).

Here’s how the nervous system directly impacts the healing of hemorrhoids:

1. Constipation, Digestion, and Straining

Your digestive system only works its best when the parasympathetic system is fully “online.” That’s what moves food through the GI tract, stimulates proper motility, and keeps stools soft and easy to pass.

But when your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight, digestion slows way down. Constipation kicks in, leading to more straining, more pressure, and more irritation of already-sensitive tissues.

Supporting the parasympathetic system isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for breaking the cycle of constipation and straining.

2. Healing and Tissue Recovery

Hemorrhoids are ultimately a tissue and vascular issue — and tissues don’t heal when the body is in survival mode.

Postpartum, especially, the body needs to be in deep parasympathetic dominance to repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function. When the nervous system is dysregulated, that healing process is delayed, incomplete, or constantly disrupted.

To actually recover, your body has to shift into healing mode — and that’s entirely governed by the parasympathetic nervous system.

3. Breathing Patterns and Pelvic Floor Function

Your diaphragm and pelvic floor are teammates. They rise and fall together with each breath, maintaining pressure, stability, and healthy movement in the pelvic bowl.

But when someone is breathing from the shoulders and chest — classic stress breathing — the diaphragm barely moves. That means the pelvic floor can’t move either. A tight, frozen, or overactive pelvic floor increases pressure downwards, aggravates hemorrhoids, and makes bowel movements more difficult.

Parasympathetic activation restores diaphragmatic breathing, which in turn restores proper pelvic floor motion… which reduces pressure on hemorrhoids.

Putting It All Together

Whether it’s constipation, healing postpartum, or the biomechanics of breathing and the pelvic floor — an important common denominator is the nervous system, and that’s exactly where so many moms get stuck.

The body can get stuck in sympathetic nervous system dysregulation when stress piles up faster than the nervous system can adapt — and for many moms, this starts long before birth. Chronic stress during pregnancy, difficult life events, unresolved injuries, and even pre-pregnancy nervous system overload all keep the body operating in a heightened “survival mode.” Then comes the physical intensity of labor, medical interventions, and the rapid changes of early postpartum life — sleepless nights, feeding challenges, and the constant demands of caring for a newborn.

When these layers of stress stack on top of one another, the nervous system can become “locked in” to fight-or-flight, unable to downshift into the parasympathetic state needed for digestion, healing, and recovery. This is the underlying pattern that so often contributes to issues like constipation, delayed healing, pelvic floor strain, and ultimately postpartum hemorrhoids.

The good news is there is HOPE — this nervous system dysregulation can be addressed, and with the proper support, the body can return to healing mode. Keep reading to learn how.

How to Heal Hemorrhoids After Delivery

While dealing with postpartum hemorrhoids can feel overwhelming, there are many simple steps you can take at home to manage your symptoms and promote healing. Here are some effective strategies to try:

1. Dietary adjustments to manage constipation:

  • Incorporate plenty of high-fiber foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
  • Consider using stool softeners or fiber supplements, as recommended by your healthcare provider.

2. Proper hygiene and soothing measures:

  • Gently cleanse the anal area after each bowel movement using soft, unscented toilet paper or a moist wipe.
  • Pat the area dry rather than rubbing to avoid further irritation.
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a soft cloth) to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.

3. Natural remedies:

  • Take a warm water sitz bath for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day. This can help soothe pain and promote healing.
  • Apply witch hazel, a natural astringent, to the affected area using a soft cloth or cotton ball.
  • Alternate between warm and cold compresses to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

4. Over-the-counter products:

  • Use topical creams, ointments, or suppositories specifically designed for hemorrhoid relief. Look for products containing ingredients like witch hazel, lidocaine, or hydrocortisone.
  • Be sure to follow the package instructions and consult with your healthcare provider before using any new products, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

In addition to these targeted care methods, it’s important to stay active and avoid prolonged sitting. Gentle exercises like walking or deep diaphragmatic breathing can help improve circulation and promote healing. Try to take frequent breaks from sitting, and use a soft cushion or pillow when you do need to sit.

While these at-home care strategies can be highly effective for many women, it’s important to remember that some cases of postpartum hemorrhoids may require professional medical attention.

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When to Seek Professional Help For Hemorrhoids After Pregnancy

While many cases of postpartum hemorrhoids can be managed effectively at home, there are times when it’s necessary to seek professional medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain that isn’t relieved by at-home care plans
  • Heavy bleeding or the presence of blood clots
  • Persistent or worsening signs despite home care efforts
  • Signs of infection, such as fever or discharge from the anal area

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s also essential to consult with your provider before using any new over-the-counter or prescription medications to ensure they’re safe for both you and your baby.

Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of care for your specific situation, which may include prescription-strength topical medications, surgical procedures, or referrals to specialists like a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon.

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The PX Docs Approach: Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care for Postpartum Healing

At PX Docs, we understand that postpartum hemorrhoids are often a signal that the nervous system is stuck in stress mode and struggling to access the parasympathetic “rest, digest, and repair” state. When the body experiences a combination of physical, emotional, and chemical stress — from pregnancy, birth, and the early demands of newborn care — it can lead to subluxations and imbalances in the Autonomic Nervous System.

These imbalances can interfere with the function of the vagus nerve, the major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays a key role in digestion, bowel function, and inflammation. They can also impact diaphragmatic movement and pelvic floor coordination, making straining and discomfort more likely. Using advanced INSiGHT scanning technology, our PX Docs identify areas of neurological stress and create personalized care plans to help the nervous system shift into healing mode.

Through gentle, Neurologically-Focused chiropractic adjustments, we help restore nervous system balance so digestion improves, tissue repair accelerates, and the diaphragm–pelvic floor relationship normalizes. By supporting the body’s natural parasympathetic function, this approach can provide lasting relief from postpartum hemorrhoids while promoting overall recovery and well-being.

Supporting Whole-Body Healing Beyond Symptom Relief

At PX Docs, we believe in empowering women to take a proactive role in their postpartum recovery. In addition to Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care, we encourage our patients to:

  • Prioritize gut health: The gut-brain connection is powerful, and supporting digestive health through nutrition and targeted supplementation can have a profound impact on overall well-being.
  • Practice stress management: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle exercise can help regulate the nervous system and promote relaxation.
  • Nourish your body: Eating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet and staying hydrated can support tissue repair and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
  • Embrace self-care: Making time for yourself, setting realistic postpartum expectations, and seeking support when needed are all essential aspects of the healing process.

Finding Relief and Embracing Your Postpartum Journey

Dealing with postpartum hemorrhoids can feel like an isolating and frustrating experience, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. By understanding the underlying causes, implementing effective at-home care plans, and seeking professional help when needed, you can find relief and get back to enjoying this special time with your new baby.

At PX Docs, we’re here to support you on your postpartum journey. Our Neurologically-Focused approach to chiropractic care addresses the root causes of postpartum issues, providing lasting relief and promoting whole-body healing. If you’re ready to experience the difference that a balanced nervous system can make, we invite you to visit our directory and find a PX Docs chiropractor near you.

Remember, your postpartum experience is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. By listening to your body, seeking support, and prioritizing your own healing, you can navigate this challenging but incredibly rewarding time with grace and resilience.

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