Treating hemorrhoids naturally

It's common to develop hemorrhoids during the second trimester of pregnancy and/or after having a baby. Here are some natural ways to treat them:

• An old-fashioned sitz bath can give you some relief. Sit in a bathtub filled with enough warm water to cover your anal area for 15 minutes several times a day.
• Apply aloe vera gel to the area frequently.
• After bowel movements, clean your anal area with toilet paper moistened with witch hazel. You can buy witch hazel at any drugstore. Dry toilet paper is more irritating to the area.

Related Links

Alternative medicine: Hemorrhoids

Second trimester: What's happening to your body

What to expect physically after birth

Month 6: Mom and baby continuing to grow

Allina Pregnancy Care

First published: 11/02/1999
Last updated: 10/14/2007

Reviewed by: Michael Slama, MD, Allina Medical Clinic-Coon Rapids Women's Health