Rectal Pain During Pregnancy : Reasons & How to Relieve Easily

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Pregnancy can be a real pain in the butt, quite literally. Don’t get me wrong it’s a magical experience but if you are reading this, you are most likely suffering from rectal pain during pregnancy. It’s no easy task talking about your anus to doctors so we have highlighted some causes and when you need to suck it up and get advice.

rectal pain during pregnancy

Rectal Pain During Pregnancy: Is it Normal? 

Rectal pain during pregnancy is considered normal and it’s easily believable.

So much pressure is applied to your rectum from your uterus which can cause constipation, hemorrhoids, and even anal fissures. The good news is there are many at home remedies to treat symptoms but as for a cure, you may need a prescribed medication.

Your Rectum and Pregnancy!

There is nothing more uncomfortable than rectal pain. Unfortunately, we moms have to live through all the not so glamorous stages of pregnancy. The only thing we can all agree on is when the next big celeb announces they’re expecting, you can bet your bottom dollar that their rectum and vag will be tied up in knots just like yours! At least you don’t have to pose and pretend you’re at one with your body!

In fact, I am all for having PJ days with snacks and rest, of course exercising and eating properly is clearly for the best but when you are experiencing sharp pains in your rectal area during pregnancy the last thing you will want to do is go for a jog right?!

Moaning aside, rectal pain during pregnancy is a very real and uncomfortable side effect. So let’s dive into what can cause these sharp niggles and see if we can get to the bottom of it!

Constipation and Gas 

At some point in your pregnancy you will notice going to the loo may be different. Hormones like Progesterone and Relaxin tend to put your digestive system on the go slow. This in turn means that your digestion can become backed up. Hello, constipation.

Early pregnancy rectal pain can signal excessive or trapped gas coupled with the need to go for a poo yet your body doesn’t play ball! 

If you find your toilet habits are less effective be it not being able to go or releasing all of your bodily waste then it’s likely constipation is to blame. 

Be sure not to strain when going to the toilet as this could lead to further pain and rectal issues.

Hemorrhoids 

Known as piles, hemorrhoids are suppressed blood vessels in your anus. They can be inside your rectum or on the outer layer. 

You can be subjected to hemorrhoids if you strain too much when you poop. So constipation and these can go hand in hand. If you notice your hemorrhoids are bleeding at all then don’t panic, treatment is usually straightforward which we will discuss later in this article. 

Other symptoms can be:

  • Small singular or gathered grape like balls around the opening of the anus.
  • Struggling to poop.
  • Pain in the rectum.
  • Itchy butt.
  • Mucus in stools.

Anal Fissures

A Fissure of the rectum is when your anal tissues tear. Think of it as small cuts which can be super painful. As pregnancy can cause constipation your poops may be larger than usual. Pushing out a big poop can tear your rectal lining which can cause sharp pain lasting hours or days afterward. 

Pressure in the rectal area during early pregnancy can be a symptom of a fissure along with bleeding and soreness of your anus.

Contractions 

Contractions are the beginning of labor. As your uterus spasms it squeezes everything from the top of your bump pushing everything south. With the pressure of each contraction, you can sometimes expect rectal pain. No, your baby is not coming out of the wrong hole, I promise but as the vagina and anus are closely linked, don’t panic if you feel sharp pains in your rectum during the early or later stages of labor.

Generally, contractions can begin any time after 37 weeks gestation. If you suspect that you are contracting before this time then it’s likely to be Braxton hicks contractions. These help prepare you for delivery without dilating your cervix. They are both erratic without a pattern and typically the intensity stays the same. 

If your contractions are coming regularly and are getting more intense then it would be time to call your doctor especially if you are not yet 37 weeks.

rectal pain during pregnancy

Other Pains in ‘My Butt’!

Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs from your butt and down one leg. As your pregnancy progresses this nerve can become compressed with the excess weight leading to a condition known as Sciatica. 

If suffering from Sciatica you may be suffering from a burning or sharp sensation around your leg and buttock region. 

Round ligament Pain

Round ligament pain doesn’t typically affect the anus but it can stop you in your tracks when moving your legs leaving a sharp burst of pain in your groin and pelvis. 

As a sufferer of this pain in every one of my pregnancies I can tell you it can happen at any point in pregnancy and it can radiate through your lady parts and rectum. 

How to Relieve Rectal Pain During Pregnancy

Now we have many reasons you could be experiencing rectal pain during pregnancy. The good news is that the majority of these conditions are not serious (unless you are at risk of preterm delivery). 

Let’s check out ways to help ease your symptoms.

Constipation and Gas

  • Eating small and often is a great habit to make when pregnant. As already discussed your digestive system has slowed down making large meals harder to digest and can lead to a buildup of gas pain. Smaller meals more often can help your system stay on track and help curb your appetite.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Your body is using all its resources to help your baby develop meaning that there could be little water left over to help pass stools. Pooping out hard pellets is not a fun game for anyone so ensure you increase your fluids to help soften your poops.
  • Increasing fiber in your diet is a must. Adding extra fiber will help your digestive tract to chug along. Foods high in fiber have been proven to help your baby as well as you. So make sure you have plenty of fruit, vegetables, and wholemeal products on your grocery list.

Hemorrhoids 

  • The most important thing to note is never strain when pooping and once you are finished don’t hang around. Allowing your body to naturally pass your stool will benefit the already stressed blood vessels in your rectum.
  • Creams or ointments can help shrink the blood vessels but be sure to check which are safe in pregnancy.
  • In severe cases where you may find they are bleeding, you will need to undergo a physical examination by a doctor to determine the best treatment.

Anal Fissures 

  • Sitting in a warm shallow bath can help relieve you of pain after using the loo. It’s OK to do this multiple times a day and be sure to pat the region dry rather than wiping. 
  • Be careful after wiping. All women should practice wiping front to back but if you have an anal fissure wiping can cause more irritation, try using a non fragranced wipe rather than toilet paper this can help clean your anus without friction.

Contractions

  • If the pressure in your anus is from suspected contractions then make sure to time them and score their intensity.
  • If you believe that you are too early for contractions then you need to go to the emergency room immediately. They will determine if you are in established labor and what the next steps should be.
  • Birthing drugs are readily available if you are to term and in established labor but if this isn’t helping a mild cool compress can help both your anus and perineal.

When to Call a Doctor

Calling a doctor about rectal pain can be embarrassing but there’s something about pregnancy that throws your inhibitions out of the window. Maybe it’s the thought of your baby being at risk but many pregnant moms find themselves in the doctor’s office for several reasons.

If you are suffering from extreme discomfort and/or noticing blood loss no matter how minor you must be examined to ensure you are treated accordingly. Typically none of the conditions are life threatening for you or your baby. But if left undiagnosed then it can cause bigger more distressing problems for you physically.

Remember before taking anything or using any cream get the green light from your doctor to know it’s safe during pregnancy.

Wrapping Up

Rectal pain during pregnancy is extremely common and usually, symptoms get better without treatment. 

Ensure your diet is healthy and full of fruit, vegetables, and grains to keep the constipation monster at bay and increase your fluids and take regular baths to help soften your rectal tissues.

Being a pain in the butt is annoying but having one can create havoc in pregnancy, you don’t have to suffer in silence and seek help if your symptoms worsen. 

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