Pregnancy Is a Pain in the Butt. Literally.

Pregnancy comes with plenty of things people warn you about.

The cravings. The swollen feet. The backaches. The midnight bathroom trips.

But hemorrhoids?

Somehow, those rarely make it into the cute pregnancy conversations.

That’s why a recent NPR story caught our attention. It focused on simple strength exercises that may help prevent or ease some of pregnancy’s most common aches and pains, including sciatica, leg cramps and, yes, hemorrhoids.

And at Anything Brands, we are always here for a conversation that makes uncomfortable body stuff a little less uncomfortable to talk about.

Your Butt Is Going Through Pregnancy, Too

Growing a human puts a lot of extra pressure on the body, and your backside is definitely not exempt.

Pregnancy can increase pressure around the pelvis and rectum, while constipation and straining can add to the problem. That combination can make hemorrhoids especially common during pregnancy.

Translation: if your pregnancy has suddenly introduced you to a whole new category of butt drama, you are far from the only one.

The good news is that some surprisingly simple habits can help.

Move Your Body

One of the interesting takeaways from the NPR piece is that movement isn't only about “staying fit” during pregnancy. The right exercises can be about helping your body feel better as it changes.

Walking, strength work and other pregnancy-appropriate movement may also help keep your digestive system moving, which matters when constipation and straining are contributing to hemorrhoid discomfort.

Of course, pregnancy isn't the time to blindly follow a workout you saw online. Talk with your OB-GYN, midwife or healthcare provider about what's appropriate for your pregnancy.

Make Fiber and Water Your Friends

Not glamorous. Very effective.

Keeping stool softer and easier to pass means less straining and less pressure where you really don't need more pressure.

Cleveland Clinic recommends focusing on fiber, plenty of water and other constipation-prevention strategies when dealing with pregnancy hemorrhoids.

Think fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber-rich foods throughout the day, along with that water bottle you are already carrying everywhere.

Your butt will appreciate the effort.

Stop Treating the Toilet Like a Lounge

We love a good scroll as much as anyone, but your bathroom may not be the best place to catch up on Instagram.

Sitting on the toilet longer than necessary can put additional pressure on the veins around the rectum. When nature calls, handle your business and move along.

Consider this permission to leave your phone on the counter.

Give Your Body a Little TLC

Pregnancy asks a lot of your body.

Sometimes the smartest response isn't powering through discomfort. It's adjusting your routine, resting, moving differently and actually paying attention when your body tells you something doesn't feel right.

Warm sitz baths and other simple comfort measures are commonly recommended for hemorrhoid discomfort during pregnancy. And if you're experiencing significant pain, persistent symptoms or bleeding, talk to your healthcare provider rather than assuming it's “just hemorrhoids.”

Less Embarrassment. More Butt Care.

Pregnancy changes practically every part of your body. We openly talk about sore backs, aching hips, swollen ankles and heartburn. There shouldn't be anything weird about talking about what happens a few inches south.

Hemorrhoids happen.

Constipation happens.

Chafing happens.

Butt drama happens.

And whether you're pregnant, postpartum or simply a human being with a butt, taking care of your body shouldn't be embarrassing.

That's a conversation we'll always get behind.