Patients should take medicines during pregnancy only as a last alternative. Many medicines are considered "safe" when taken during pregnancy, and are described as such here; however, these declarations are usually made via observational studies of populations. They are rarely made as the result of rigorous study. Thus, caution and restraint should be exercised in starting any medication, prescription or over the counter, during pregnancy.
- Increase fluids
- Increase fiber through diet or supplementation as above for constipation
- Avoid straining with defecation and avoid prolonged times on the toilet
- Use sitz baths to soothe
- Try topical therapies—will not cure, but may decrease symptoms, for example, Tucks, Preparation H, Hydrocortisone and epi-foam
- There are some prescription medicines which can provide relief and can be obtained with an asap clinic appointment. Surgical evaluation is rarely required but should be considered for thrombosed or refractory/ disabling hemorrhoids.