Best Products for Pregnancy Hemorrhoids

What to Expect selects products based on real-life testing conducted by staff, contributors and members our user community, as well as independent research and expert feedback; learn more about our review process. Prices and details are accurate as of the published date. We may earn commissions from shopping links.
Your first trimester symptoms have come and gone — good riddance, morning sickness! — but once you’re in your second or third trimester, there are new pregnancy symptoms on the horizon like ankle and foot swelling and even congestion. Another unfortunate symptom that might appear around the second trimester? Pregnancy hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in or around the rectum that can be itchy and painful, especially while sitting or pooping. During pregnancy, these swollen, twisted veins are usually caused by poor blood flow and increased pressure within your lower pelvis, says Aimee Eyvazzadeh, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN. And it’s no surprise that you might experience postpartum hemorrhoids, too.
“This pressure could be due to the growing fetus, pushing during labor or differences in bowel movements [during pregnancy],” Dr. Eyvazzadeh says. “Increased progesterone levels can cause slowing of the gut and less frequent bowel movements or constipation, which could cause more hemorrhoids.”
Thankfully, we’re here to help with advice and vetted over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications to help relieve discomfort and pain. And, if you’re also experiencing postpartum hemorrhoids from delivery, don’t worry — you can certainly use these products after baby is born, too.
How we chose the best products for pregnancy hemorrhoids
We spoke with Dr. Eyvazzadeh to learn what causes hemorrhoids during pregnancy and what hemorrhoid relief products are safe to use while pregnant.
We utilized feedback from pregnant and formerly pregnant people in the What to Expect Community to find a variety of products that provided hemorrhoid relief. We included products that received numerous positive reviews and were deemed:
Easy and comfortable to use
Provides fast relief
How do you treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Modifying your diet and habits can significantly reduce hemorrhoids during and after pregnancy. But for hemorrhoids you experience during pregnancy, Dr. Eyvazzadeh says you may want to consider the following:
Try to have regular bowel movements that are not too hard; taking stool softeners could help
Drink a lot of non-caffeinated fluids
Get regular exercise, especially cardio activities like walking or swimming, which can increase blood flow and help prevent hemorrhoids
Take measures to prevent constipation, like eating a high-fiber diet
Avoid sitting for long stretches of time by moving around to take the pressure off the veins in your pelvic area
Using witch hazel pads can help relieve pain and reduce swelling
Soak in a warm bath
Do pregnancy hemorrhoids go away?
Typically, yes, hemorrhoids during pregnancy tend to go away after delivery. But don’t think that it’s as instant as “baby out, hemorrhoids gone,” because hemorrhoids can still happen within one month postpartum.
“Medication commonly given during labor can cause constipation and hemorrhoids,” says Dr. Eyvazzadeh. She advises patients to start taking a stool softener a few weeks prior to their due date to try and avoid constipation and unnecessary straining before delivery, but you’ll want to ask your doctor if that’s right for you
When should I be worried about hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Although hemorrhoids aren’t typically a cause for concern, hemorrhoids that worsen despite lifestyle changes and over the counter treatments may mean it’s time to talk to your doctor. Possible surgical treatment after pregnancy may be discussed. And if you notice any bleeding, speak with your doctor. Even though it could be a normal symptom of hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, it’s better to be on the safe side.
Below, find the best products for pregnancy hemorrhoids.
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best Topical Cream for Hemorrhoids
Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream

- Travel-size tube
- instantly numbs the area
- No applicator
For instant hemorrhoid relief, you simply can’t beat the numbing quality of Preparation H cream. Although there are a variety of different options on the market, this version is at the top of the list because it contains lidocaine which numbs the area and instantly eases the itching and burning you might experience.
One pregnant reviewer said they tried every natural remedy they could, but the only product that finally provided relief was this Preparation H cream with lidocaine. Another person said that because of the high lidocaine concentration — higher than any other creams you can find over-the-counter — it was the only thing that gave relief after experiencing hemorrhoids and having an episiotomy. The main downside is that this tube doesn’t come with an applicator, which means that you’ll have to apply it by hand.
Size: 1 ounce
Active ingredients: Phenylephrine, witch hazel
Best Soothing Pads for Hemorrhoids
TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads

- Disposable
- cooling and soothing
- fit easily on top of a pad
- Pads are small
When it comes to cooling, immediate relief from hemorrhoids discomfort, Tucks’ witch hazel pads are highly recommended by moms and moms-to-be. The highly cooling and soothing witch hazel-soaked circles work wonders on irritated areas, reducing inflammation almost right away. And, because reviewers swear that they never dry out, you can stock up without worry. You can use them to wipe after each bathroom visit or, follow the lead of many pregnant people, and line your underwear or pad with one or two for instant soothing power. Either way, you’ll feel immediate and lasting relief from burning and itching.
“Tucks Cooling Pads all the way,” says Joyce Slaton, Commerce Editor at What to Expect. “I had painful sore hemorrhoids after giving birth, and dry toilet paper hurt. Tucks got me feeling fresh and clean, and felt like a cool breeze instead of like sandpaper. They were the only thing I could tolerate for a week or two after giving birth.”
Many moms say they also used these pads for postpartum relief from vaginal soreness, so, again, it’s worth stocking up and having them on hand.
Active ingredient: Witch hazel
Size: 100 to 200 pads
Best Stool Softener for Hemorrhoids
Colace Stool Softener

- Works within 12 to 72 hours
- capsules are small
- Some said capsules melted together when ordered for delivery
Colace Stool Softener is one of the products many new moms get at the hospital after delivery, but also appreciate having at home during the pregnancy period. It’ll make going to the bathroom easier for those currently experiencing hemorrhoids and will help avoid making them worse by avoiding constipation. It’s made of a stimulant-free formula that uses pregnancy-safe docusate sodium in order to allow water and fats in to soften the stool.
Many moms in the What to Expect Community found that Colace was a reliable stool softener to keep on hand throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. It served as a quick, efficient solution for those who needed to go without experiencing pain. In fact, some decided to take it as a precautionary measure, too, to avoid hemorrhoids either during or after pregnancy. “I used Colace towards the end of my pregnancy and, because I had a planned C-section, continued using it to make sure going to the bathroom was as easy as possible,” says Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director at What to Expect.
Active ingredient: Docusate sodium
Size: 10 to 250 capsules
Dosage: 1 to 3 capsules a day as needed
Best Donut Pillow for Hemorrhoids
FridaMom Perineal Comfort Cushion

- No need to blow up
- two-sided
- includes reusable gel pack and washable cover
- More expensive than other donut pillows
Many women don’t think about getting a portable, donut-shaped cushion until the postpartum period. But taking pressure off of your perineal area can benefit you long before baby is here.
There are a few features that moms and moms-to-be say make the FridaMom Perineal Comfort Cushion stand out from other donut pillows on the market. The seat is dual-sided, so you can either use the donut for when you need pressure relief, or you can use the flat side and add the included gel packs for cooling relief. The ice pack is also specially designed with contouring on both sides, one which can just cool your bottom or vagina, while the other side had two bumps for cooling both at the same time.
Although this cushion is said to be used for episiotomies and postpartum relief, many reviewers said it is best for hemorrhoids. Moms and moms-to-be loved how versatile it is, with one person calling it “heaven sent.” Aside from the effectiveness of this donut pillow, many people called out how discreet it is as a major plus. Because it’s inflatable and foldable, pregnant people were able to carry it around in their purse which came in handy when having to sit somewhere for a long time.
Weight: 1.36 pounds
Dimensions: 3.75 x 6 x 8.75 inches
Best Fiber Supplement for Hemorrhoids
Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Capsules

- Plant-based fiber
- only two ingredients
- easy-to-swallow capsules
- Dosage is high
Drinking plenty of fluids and eating a high-fiber diet has been shown to reduce your chances of constipation, which can be one of the culprits behind pregnancy hemorrhoids. Dr. Eyvazzadeh recommends having bowel movements that are not too hard and not pushing too much to get things out — which is easier said than done if you’re struggling to get enough fiber in your diet. Enter: Metamucil.
You can’t really go wrong with any of the Metamucil fiber supplements, but the capsules are an easy on-the-go solution with just two ingredients in each pill, so you’re getting as much fiber as possible without additives. Some What to Expect Community moms found it easier to take the capsules than the drink mix if they had a sensitive stomach.
And although the dosage is pretty high, moms noted that they’re small and easy to swallow. Many said that they found incorporating Metamucil into their diet helped soften their stools so they weren’t having painful bowel movements any more. One What to Expect mom called it a “lifesaver” while another said, “It’s honestly the only thing that has given me any sort of relief.”
Just note that like any supplement you take during pregnancy, it’s best to reach out to your health care provider first to make sure that it is the best solution for you.
Size: 300 capsules
Dosage: 2 to 5 capsules up to 4 times per day
Fiber per serving: 2 grams
Best Healing Foam for Hemorrhoids
FridaMom Perineal Medicated Witch Hazel Healing Foam

- Foam covers more area
- dye- and fragrance-free
- portable size for hospital bag
- Needs to be used on maternity pads or wipes
In addition to using witch hazel pads, you can also try this FridaMom healing foam that might allow for greater coverage than wipes alone. Use this bottle to pump the soothing solution directly on your maternity pads to cover the entire area and get to hard-to-reach places. Some moms in the What to Expect Community even suggest pairing the foam with witch hazel wipes for as much coverage as possible. You can use the wipes after going to the bathroom, then spread this foam on a pad or liner to wear for longer-lasting relief.
The formula is also unscented and dye-free, so it shouldn’t aggravate sensitive skin. And, at 5-ounces, it’s large enough to last you but compact enough that you can bring it in your hospital bag. Similar to the Tucks wipes, you’ll find that this foaming spray will also be beneficial for postpartum relief for reducing swelling and inflammation.
Active ingredient: Witch hazel
Size: 5 ounces
Best Sitz Bath for hemorrhoids
Soothic Sitz Bath

- Spill-free drainage
- wide seat
- no weight limit
- Might not fit some toilets
Along with products you can apply topically, Dr. Eyvazzadeh recommends a warm bath for instant relief. Just that sensation of warmth and the pressure off of your pelvis can do a lot to relieve tension. But not everyone has access to a bathtub and not everyone who is pregnant feels comfortable getting in and out of a bath, which is exactly where a sitz bath comes in handy.
The Soothic Sitz Bath is an over-the-toilet perineal soaking tub that stands out thanks to the wider-than-most seat and contoured front that will make the overall experience more comfortable. It also has a deep bowl to fit more water to make sure that you can soak your bottom with ease. When you’re done, simply tilt the seat back and the water will pour into the toilet through the openings. Several pregnant people appreciated how sturdy it was and that it was able to support their weight without bending or budging. Even moms-to-be who said they had “severe” hemorrhoids found relief with this bath, and many praised the design that allowed for zero spills when emptying the bath.
Just note that this bath is designed to fit directly on the bowl of your toilet, not the seat. Some reviewers pointed this out as others thought the bath was too wide.
Weight: 15.84 ounces
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.97 x 5 inches
Best Ice Packs for Hemorrhoids
Fomi Care Hemorrhoid and Perineal Gel Bead Ice Pack

- Includes washable sleeves
- can also be heated
- two per pack
- Might be uncomfortable
Whether you’re worried about hemorrhoids during pregnancy or trying to relieve postpartum pain, ice packs are one of the easiest ways to relieve that sharp discomfort in your perineum area. For an ice pack actually designed to contour to your body, the Fomi Care Hot/Cold Pack uses gel beads so you’ll feel comfortable while getting maximum relief. The design mimics a pad, so you can freeze it, then sit on it or line your underwear. Many reviewers used these ice packs for both pregnancy and postpartum relief, so you’ll get plenty of use out of them too. Moms who had a vaginal birth used them to help with swelling, especially if they had a tear, while C-section moms said putting this on their incision was comforting.
Weight: 13.76 ounces
Dimensions: 12.13 x 3.19 x 1.26 inches
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, What can I do for hemorrhoids during pregnancy?, October 2020.
- BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Preventing hemorrhoids during pregnancy, April 2022.
- Mayo Clinic, What can I do to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy?, April 2022.
- WhatToExpect.com, Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy, November 2022.