Many women experience uncomfortable and dreaded pregnancy hemorrhoids. I found that using Coconut Oil, Witch Hazel with Lavendar Oil, Tea Bags, Frozen Cotton Balls, and Epsom Salt Baths are 5 ways that helped to relieve my hemorrhoid pain while pregnant.

Hemorrhoids, a dreaded topic that we don’t enjoy discussing with even the closest of friends.  This common ailment is embarrassing and unless someone has experienced it themselves it seems that it is hard to put into words the misery we are experiencing if we fall victim to this agony.  I suffered with severe hemorrhoids during my last pregnancy and at times considered a trip to the emergency room because the pain would become so intense.  Being that I am the type to avoid doctors and hospitals at all costs I was left to find remedies and comfort measures that made my home and work life bearable.  Here are some of the ways that I found to relieve hemorrhoids while pregnant.

• #5 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Coconut Oil
• #4 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Witch Hazel with Lavendar oil on a cotton ball
• #3 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Tea Bags
• #2 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Frozen Cotton Balls
• #1 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Epsom Salt Bath

# 5 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Coconut Oil

WHY IT WORKS: Coconut oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties and will help soothe the impacted area, prevent infection, and relieve itching.

WHAT I DID: I use coconut oil for so many different ailments and have found it very effective.  When I was experiencing the extreme itching that went along with the hemorrhoids I would end almost every visit to the toilet by applying a small amount to the impacted area.  I kept a separate jar close to the toilet that was specifically for this purpose in order not to contaminate the other jar that I use for various other things.  I would often also add a drop of lavender oil or tea tree oil (sometimes both) on top of the coconut oil. Note: if you are not familiar with how your skin reacts to these oils please use caution and test in an area less sensitive.  I also advise you ONLY to use reputable oils that are 100% pure. I personally use dōTERRA but know there are many other brands just as safe and trusted.

#4 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Witch Hazel with Lavender oil on a cotton ball

WHY IT WORKS: Witch Hazel (which is a natural remedy that comes from a plant) is a very affordable astringent that has anti-inflammatory properties due to its chemical called tannins, which not only can reduce swelling but also fight bacteria.  Lavender oil has been found to have pain relieving and soothing properties on the skin. Lavender is also used for its anti-inflammatory properties for many skin conditions.  It is perfect for pairing with witch hazel and I found great relief when I combined these two amazing natural remedies. 

WHAT I DID: While sitting down on the toilet I would wet a cotton ball with the witch hazel then add a few drops of lavender oil to the top.  I would place the cotton ball on the impacted area (don’t think I need to go into detail here) making sure the lavender side was in contact with the skin.  I would hold the cotton ball in place as I stood up allowing my natural womanly physique to hold it in place. 

WHAT I DID: I use coconut oil for so many different ailments and have found it very effective.  When I was experiencing the extreme itching that went along with the hemorrhoids, I would end almost every visit to the toilet by applying a small amount to the impacted area.  I kept a separate jar close to the toilet that was specifically for this purpose in order not to contaminate the other jar that I use for various other things.  I would often also add a drop of lavender oil or tea tree oil (sometimes both) on top of the coconut oil. Note: if you are not familiar with how your skin reacts to these oils please use caution and test in an area less sensitive.  I also advise you ONLY to use reputable oils that are 100% pure. I personally use dōTERRA but know there are many other brands just as safe and trusted.

#3 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Tea Bags

WHY IT WORKS: Many varieties of tea contain a chemical called tannins, which along with many other benefits have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the size and pain of the hemorrhoids.  A quick search will give you more ideas on the types of teabags to use but I personally found the greatest relief with NETTLE TEA bags, BLACK TEA bags, GREEN TEA bags, and CHAMOMILE Tea bags. (I was advised by my midwife to use nettle tea for various pregnancy benefits and will be writing about that in future blogs)

WHAT I DID: I would boil water as though I was making a cup of hot tea, pour the water into a cup, and place the tea bag into the hot water long enough to soak the bag.  Remove the bag and set on an absorbable cloth to avoid a mess.  I would let it cool just long enough to be able to apply it to this sensitive area because I found the heat also soothing (allowing it to cool completely works just as well).  It is a good idea to squeeze some of the liquid out to avoid soaking your pants. I also advise wearing a panty liner or placing an absorbable cloth in your pants while you sit and wait for relief.

Note: You will want to let the tea bag sit on the area for a period of time for best results so go ahead and get out two bags and enjoy a warm cup of hot tea while you wait. 😉

#2 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Frozen Cotton Balls

WHY IT WORKS: I thought up this tip in the middle of the night, while 8 months pregnant, and experiencing extreme hemorrhoid pain.  Perhaps there are “experts” out there recommending this soothing measure, but I honestly do not know.   

The swelling from the hemorrhoids is causing pain, and as most of us know, ice helps relieve swelling. I would use ice packs to sit on however, they were not small enough to get close to the most impacted area; I decided to wet and then freeze some cotton balls.  Note: To add a little more healing power I would wet the cotton balls with witch hazel before freezing them rather than using water. 

WHAT I DID: I would make a small batch of 10 to 20 cotton balls at one time so they were readily available in times of need.  It was as simple as soaking the cotton ball in water or witch hazel, putting them in a container (or bag), and placing them in the freezer.  

After they have frozen, place the cotton ball directly on the impacted area for immediate relief.  I would often do this right before laying down for bed and it helped me have more restful sleep while pregnant at times when I was waking up from the pain.

Note: if the frozen cotton ball is too cold at first, tear off a small piece of paper towel to put in between your skin and the frozen ball.

#1 Way to Relieve Hemorrhoids while Pregnant: Epsom Salt Bath

WHY IT WORKS: I absolutely love epsom salt due to its many health benefits which you will read about it in various things I post about.  Epsom salt is a natural compound of magnesium and sulfate and adding it to water will allow these substances to dissolve and relieve skin, joint, and muscle ailments.

Note: There are many medical professionals that advise against warm baths while pregnant.  Do your own research on this topic before making a decision. The temperature and the time you are in the water are what you need to be conscious of when bathing while pregnant.

WHAT I DID: I would run a bath that was warm enough to soothe but not so hot that I would be sweating (which is the kind of bath I like to take when not pregnant).  I would add 1 to 2 cups of epsom salts to the bath water and then soak in this water for at least 15 minutes, allowing the warm water solution to relieve the pain I was experiencing.   If you are not comfortable submerging your entire pregnant belly into the hot water you may also do a sitz bath by using a bowl or container large enough for your bottom to sit into.  Dissolve ½ cup-cup of epsom salt in the warm water in the bowl and do your best to let the area soak in the water.

Note: Getting in and out of the tub (or a sitz bath) is very difficult in the final stages of pregnancy. Please use caution and I advise having your spouse or close friend nearby in case you need assistance.

One company that is my 1st go to for products for my family is EARTHY WELLNESS: check out the FREE educational information and amazing products by CLICKING HERE: EARTHLY WELLNESS 

DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. These tips come from my own personal experience as a momma of four beautiful children. Use these tips at your own risk and discretion.