Pregnancy and postpartum periods bring immense joy but also their fair share of physical discomforts. Among these, hemorrhoids are a common issue many expectant and new mothers face. As your body undergoes significant changes to accommodate your growing baby, increased pressure on your pelvic area can lead to swollen veins in the rectum and anus. The strain of childbirth can further exacerbate this condition, leaving many new mothers grappling with discomfort at a time when you’d rather focus on your new baby.
Many over-the-counter remedies contain synthetic ingredients that may not be recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Additionally, the hormonal changes and physical demands of pregnancy and postpartum recovery can make hemorrhoids more severe and persistent than usual. Women in these stages need solutions that provide relief while being safe for both mother and baby.
To address this need, we’ve researched and identified the top 5 most effective and safe hemorrhoid treatments for expectant and postpartum mothers. In this article, we’ll review these top options, focusing on topical treatments that offer quick, localized relief to help you navigate this challenging aspect of pregnancy and early motherhood with greater comfort.
Best Overall Cream for Hemorrhoids: Doctor Butler’s Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment
Price: $29.95
Pros: Developed by a board-certified proctologist, Formulated with natural ingredients, Helps both hemorrhoids and fissures, Odorless and colorless, Comes with an applicator for easy use
Cons: More expensive than some other options
Doctor Butler’s Maximum Strength Hemorrhoid & Fissure Ointment provides instant relief from pain, itching, and burning caused by hemorrhoids and anal fissures while also reducing swelling and discomfort. Developed by a board-certified proctologist, this prescription-strength solution offers effective treatment for both external and internal hemorrhoid symptoms. Its natural ingredients and FDA-approved components make it safe for many users, including pregnant and postpartum individuals. The ointment has an applicator tip for hygienic use and features a colorless, odorless formula for discreet application.
While it excels in providing comprehensive hemorrhoid care, the higher price point may be a consideration for some users. However, its effectiveness in maintaining personal hygiene and alleviating symptoms, especially for new parents, makes it a valuable option for those seeking professional-grade relief without a prescription.
This ointment is particularly beneficial for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It addresses the unique challenges of hemorrhoids during these sensitive periods. Its natural ingredients make it a safe choice for new mothers, allowing them to focus on their newborns rather than discomfort.
Best Cream for Fast Relief: Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine
Price: $26.99
Pros: Well-known brand with a long history in hemorrhoid treatment, Contains aloe for additional soothing, Formulated for fast relief
Cons: Contains synthetic ingredients which may irritate skin, Some users find the texture too thick, Doesn’t come with an applicator for easy use
Preparation H Rapid Relief Hemorrhoid Cream with Lidocaine, a trusted name in hemorrhoid treatment, excels in providing fast relief from external hemorrhoid symptoms. This cream effectively reduces burning, itching, and swelling while temporarily alleviating skin irritation. Its formula combines lidocaine for numbing effects with glycerin to promote healing, and the addition of aloe enhances its soothing properties. While highly effective for quick symptom relief, the cream’s thicker texture may be less comfortable for some users to apply.
While highly effective for quick symptom relief, the cream’s thicker texture may be less comfortable for some users to apply.
Best Cream for Shrinking Hemorrhoids: Recticare® Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream
Price: $34.99
Pros: Specifically designed to shrink swollen hemorrhoidal tissue, Contains lidocaine for pain relief, Formulated for both internal and external use
Cons: Expensive, Has mixed reviews regarding its effectiveness, Some users report a burning sensation upon first application
RectiCare Advanced Hemorrhoidal Cream provides fast, effective and soothing relief from pain, itching and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids while shrinking and protecting swollen tissue. Its maximum strength formula, containing 5% lidocaine and 0.25% phenylephrine, works by deadening nerve endings for temporary pain relief and reducing swelling. Its dual internal and external use can be particularly helpful for postpartum hemorrhoids, which can be both internal and external. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list, and some users report mixed results regarding its effectiveness.
Best Cream for Versatile Pain Relief: Curist Numbing Lidocaine Cream 5%
Price: $22.99
Pros: Offers pain relief for a variety of conditions, Available in a larger size than some other brands
Cons: Not specifically designed for hemorrhoids
Curist Numbing Lidocaine Cream offers a versatile solution with its maximum-strength 5% lidocaine formulation. Made in the USA using high-quality, lab-tested ingredients, this cream effectively desensitizes nerves to alleviate pain, itching, burning and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids and other anorectal issues. Its competitive pricing of around $24 for a generous 6 oz tube provides excellent value for money.
Its versatility can be helpful for various pregnancy and postpartum discomforts, not limited to hemorrhoids. However, it may not address all specific needs of postpartum hemorrhoid care.
Best Cream for a Budget: Boiron HemCalm® Ointment
Price: $7.99
Pros: Inexpensive, Paraben-free, Made with plant-based active ingredients
Cons: Does not contain numbing agents like lidocaine, which some users may prefer for immediate pain relief, uses homeopathic principles, which lack robust scientific evidence for effectiveness
Boiron HemCalm Ointment stands out as the most budget-friendly option, appealing to those seeking a natural, homeopathic approach to hemorrhoid relief. This paraben-free formula, made with plant-based active ingredients, relieves pain, itching, swelling and discomfort caused by external hemorrhoids. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be safely used at the first sign of symptoms before discomfort becomes more disruptive. Its natural, homeopathic approach may appeal to pregnant women and new mothers looking for gentle relief, though it may not be strong enough for severe postpartum hemorrhoids.
