Why do pregnant women get hemorrhoids?

The growing uterus puts pressure on your rectum along with everything else "down there". That causes hemorroids. Ask your doctor for safe alternatives to drug-filled hemorroid  creams. I've noticed that diaper rash ointment applied to a clean dry affected area helps for external ones. Whatever you do, don't scratch the itching and try not to touch it  or let it get dirty. The last thing you want is to get infected down there.

After I had my son I wasn't able to go to the bathroom #2 for almost 2 weeks, and when I did it was almost as painful as labor!! I was still sore from giving birth (19 hours natural!) and I was literally screaming and crying while trying to go to the bathroom weeks later. All I can recommend is laxatives after the pregnancy, and as far as during the pregnancy and hemmoroids - I have found that desitin works wonders! Prep H is ok too, but Desitin worked best for me! I think they are caused from the pressure on the intestines and everything getting shifted around and the strain on muscles. Hope this helped, and sorry! I feel your pain! :(

I am pregnant with my second child (2nd trimester) and I dont know if it's worst to feel the 'pain' you ladies are suffering from with hemmeroids or if the sensation of having to go #2 AND CAN'T due to constipation from the hemmeroids.  Just sittin there....waiting....and NOTHING. Uuuughhhh!

kaitlynkristine, hemorrhoid(s) can be 1 or more bumps or lumps near ur anus. Some say their very painful. Im pregnant with my first child and unfortunately i had a hemorroid since i was 18 but thankfully it doesnt hurt. hopefully i dont get anymore.