Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that appear in the rectal area. They can sometimes protrude from the anus. They are often itchy or painful and can sometimes rupture and bleed. Hemorrhoids can occur at any age but are normally thought to be more common as people become older, affecting a quarter or half of the adult population. Men and women are equally susceptible. At a simple level, hemorrhoids develop because blood pressure in anorectal veins becomes too large for the walls to resist. Many pregnant women get hemorrhoids while pregnant, especially during the third trimester. Hemorrhoids are more common if the woman is constipated. Three common causes of hemorrhoids are: straining during bowel movements, the strain of excess weight, and the pressure of sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you have had hemorrhoids before pregnancy, you’re more likely to get them again while pregnant. During pregnancy, your growing uterus can increase the pressure on the veins in the lower body. Pregnancy hormones can also cause the walls of your veins to relax. Straining, especially during hard bowel movements, traps more blood in the swollen veins and can cause hemorrhoids to protrude from the rectum. They may also develop More >