How to treat hemorrhoids during pregnancy

In general, pregnant women with hemorrhoids can consider treatments such as adjusting diet, engaging in appropriate exercise, sitz baths, moxibustion, or using medications. Specific approaches are analyzed as follows:

1. Adjusting diet: Pregnant women can help relieve hemorrhoid symptoms by increasing their intake of dietary fiber. Fiber helps soften stools and reduce constipation, thereby alleviating hemorrhoid symptoms.

2. Appropriate exercise: Moderate physical activity during pregnancy can improve blood circulation and reduce pelvic pressure, thus helping to ease hemorrhoid symptoms. However, it is important to carefully choose exercises suitable for pregnant women and avoid overly strenuous activities.

3. Sitz baths: Sitz baths are an effective method for relieving hemorrhoid symptoms. Pregnant women can sit in warm water or diluted potassium permanganate solution several times a day for 15–20 minutes each session, which helps reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Moxibustion: Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves burning mugwort to gently heat and stimulate specific acupoints, such as Chengshan (BL57) and Dachangshu (BL25), which may help alleviate hemorrhoid symptoms. However, moxibustion should be used with great caution and ideally under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner.

5. Medication: Pregnant women must be especially cautious when using medications. However, if hemorrhoids are severe, medications such as compound algininate cream or bear gall anti-hemorrhoid ointment may be used under medical supervision to improve symptoms.

In summary, pregnant women who develop hemorrhoids should seek timely medical advice and avoid self-medicating to prevent potential adverse effects on fetal development.