The weeks after delivery are demanding enough without the discomfort, itching, and bleeding of hemorrhoids, yet for a large share of new mothers, that’s exactly what they face. If you’re recovering from childbirth in Maryland, DC, or Northern Virginia and dealing with hemorrhoids that just won’t quit, you’re far from alone, and you have real options beyond waiting it out.
Why pregnancy and delivery cause hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus, and pregnancy creates almost a perfect storm for them. The growing uterus puts pressure on pelvic veins, hormonal changes relax vein walls and slow digestion (leading to constipation), blood volume increases, and then the intense straining of labor and a vaginal delivery can push everything over the edge.
The numbers reflect how common this is: nearly a third of women develop hemorrhoids during pregnancy, and roughly 25% to 40% of women experience hemorrhoids postpartum. So if you’re dealing with this after delivery, it’s an ordinary — if unwelcome — part of recovery for millions of moms.
What usually helps first
The good news is that most postpartum hemorrhoids improve within a few weeks with conservative care, and that’s the right place to start. Clinicians typically recommend:
- More fiber and fluids to keep stools soft and avoid straining.
- Gentle bathroom habits — don’t sit and strain; respond to the urge promptly.
- Sitz baths (warm shallow soaks) and topical treatments for symptom relief.
- Staying active as your recovery allows, to support healthy digestion.
If you’re breastfeeding, always check with your clinician before using any medication or topical product to make sure it’s appropriate.
Caring for a newborn while you’re in pain is hard — and you don’t have to just tough it out. The specialists at Surgical Associates help postpartum patients across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia who are dealing with hemorrhoids that haven’t settled with conservative care. A simple evaluation can tell you what’s going on and what will help.
When postpartum hemorrhoids don’t go away
For most women, hemorrhoids fade as the body recovers. But for some, they persist, particularly internal hemorrhoids that keep bleeding or prolapsing well beyond the early postpartum weeks. A reasonable rule of thumb: if symptoms haven’t meaningfully improved after about a month of conservative care, it’s worth seeing a specialist to discuss next steps rather than continuing to manage on your own.
Persistent bleeding is also a reason to get evaluated rather than assume. While hemorrhoids are the most likely cause of postpartum rectal bleeding, any bleeding that’s heavy, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms deserves a professional look to confirm the source.
Where embolization comes in
When conservative measures aren’t enough, hemorrhoid artery embolization (HAE) offers a minimally invasive option that’s particularly appealing for new mothers who want effective treatment without the downtime of surgery. During HAE, a specialist threads a thin catheter to the small arteries supplying the internal hemorrhoids and places tiny coils or particles to reduce that blood flow, so the hemorrhoids shrink and bleeding settles.
Several features make HAE attractive in the postpartum setting:
- It’s performed without general anesthesia and without a hospital stay — typically an outpatient procedure.
- There’s no surgical wound in the sensitive anal area, which means none of the painful wound care that follows a traditional hemorrhoidectomy.
- The evidence is solid: in a randomized trial, embolization was technically successful in 100% of cases, bleeding resolved in about 83% of patients at 12 months, and pain at the first bowel movement was far lower than after surgery (near 0 versus about 6 out of 10).
A quick, important note on timing: HAE is generally not performed during pregnancy. For postpartum patients, the right timing is something to discuss individually with a specialist, especially while breastfeeding.
The data point that matters most to a busy new mom: embolization controls bleeding for the large majority of patients while sparing them the painful recovery of surgery. To find out if HAE is appropriate for your situation, schedule a consultation. We’ll review your symptoms, explain your options, and answer every question — with no obligation.
The bottom line
Postpartum hemorrhoids are common and usually improve with conservative care, but you don’t have to suffer through stubborn symptoms indefinitely. If hemorrhoids persist past the early weeks — especially with ongoing bleeding — a specialist can confirm the cause and, when appropriate, offer a minimally invasive treatment like HAE that fits the realities of new motherhood.
Frequently asked questions
How long do postpartum hemorrhoids last? Most improve within a few weeks with conservative care like fiber, fluids, sitz baths, and gentle bathroom habits. If symptoms persist beyond about a month, it’s worth seeing a specialist.
Are postpartum hemorrhoids normal? Yes — they’re very common. Roughly 25–40% of women experience hemorrhoids after giving birth due to pregnancy pressure, hormonal changes, and the straining of delivery.
Can I treat postpartum hemorrhoids while breastfeeding? Start with conservative measures, and check with your clinician before using any medication or topical product to confirm it’s safe while breastfeeding. If a procedure is being considered, discuss timing with your specialist.
Is hemorrhoid embolization safe after pregnancy? HAE is a minimally invasive, well-tolerated outpatient procedure performed without general anesthesia or surgical wounds. It isn’t done during pregnancy, but for postpartum patients with persistent symptoms it can be an option — timing should be individualized with your specialist.
When should I see a doctor about postpartum hemorrhoids? See a specialist if symptoms haven’t improved after about a month of conservative care, if bleeding is heavy or prolonged, or if you have other concerning symptoms. Surgical Associates serves Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia.
Get relief so you can focus on your baby
If hemorrhoids are making your postpartum recovery harder than it needs to be, help is available. Contact Surgical Associates to schedule a consultation. Call 240-427-1630 or book online at sacmd.com. We serve patients across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia, with locations in Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Reston, and Waldorf. Most insurance plans accepted.
Related reading on sacmd.com:
- Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization
- Who Is a Candidate for Hemorrhoid Artery Embolization? A Self-Screening Guide
- Hemorrhoids: Condition Overview
Medically reviewed by Rodeen Rahbar, MD, Surgical Associates, LLC. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your clinician before starting any treatment.
Sources: JVIR — Embolization of the Superior Rectal Arteries vs. Closed Hemorrhoidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial; RadioGraphics — Rectal Artery Embolization for Hemorrhoidal Disease; USA Hemorrhoid Centers — Why Do Some Women Experience Postpartum Hemorrhoids?.
