Signposting evidence-based information on the treatment of haemorrhoids in pregnancy

Condition Management

Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are abnormally swollen vascular mucosal cushions in the anal canal. It has been estimated that 25% to 35% of pregnant women will have haemorrhoids.

It is important to complete an individual risk assessment for your patient and to apply the principles of prescribing during pregnancy when looking at the available information and making treatment decisions. Check to see if a risk assessment has already been completed.

Guidelines

NICE CKS Haemorrhoids provides advice on the management of haemorrhoids. Choice of treatment will largely be guided by recommendations for non-pregnant patients, but will need to take possible risks to the foetus into account.

You should check if there is local guidance for you to use in your area.

Stepwise recommendations

The guidelines recommend a stepwise approach starting with non-pharmacological measures if appropriate or possible, through the range of pharmacological options:

Non-pharmacological management

  • Avoid constipation, adequate dietary fibre and increased fluid intake.
  • Correct anal hygiene
  • Avoid ‘stool withholding’ and undue straining during bowel movements,

Pharmacological management

If lifestyle measures are ineffective, or symptoms do not respond adequately, offer short-term simple analgesia (such as paracetamol) for pain relief.

Consider a topical haemorrhoidal preparation for symptomatic relief.

Over-the-counter(OTC) and prescription-only preparations may contain antiseptic agents, astringents, lubricants, local anaesthetics, corticosteroids, and heparinoids in various combinations. OTC haemorrhoidal preparations should no longer be routinely prescribed

Refer to secondary care if unresponsive, or recurrent symptoms occur despite treatment.

Pregnancy outcome information

UKTIS has information on the treatment of haemorrhoids in pregnancy

Patient information

Each of the UKTIS summaries has corresponding BUMPS patient information.

NHS Medicines A-Z provides information on piles in pregnancy and summary statement on the use in pregnancy of specific medicines including lidocaine and hydrocortisone.

Support for prescribing decisions in people on interacting medicines, those with swallowing difficulties, renal impairment, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding
SPS protocol templates for the supply and administration of omeprazole for pre planned caesarean section by registered midwives.
SPS PGD template for administering subcutaneous terbutaline sulfate for the reduction of contraction frequency in individuals in labour.
SPS PGD template for the intrapartum administration of benzylpenicillin for prevention of early-onset Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in neonates.
Opioid analgesics may be used at any stage of pregnancy at the lowest effective dose for the short-term relief of pain when other analgesics are not effective.
Intramuscular hydroxocobalamin is the preferred treatment choice for management of clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency, including during pregnancy.
SPS PGD template for the supply of folic acid 5mg tablets to reduce risk of neural tube defect or compensate for increased folate demand during pregnancy.
SPS PGD template for the supply of aspirin tablets to individuals at risk of pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
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