Haemorrhoids in pregnancy

**Definition:** A condition affecting females during pregnancy, caused by an increase in intra-abdominal pressure and hormonal changes during pregnancy. This condition is characterised by enlarged and varicosed haemorrhoidal veins in the anus and lower rectum. This condition may also present with itching, burning, painful swellings at the anus, dyschezia or rectal bleeding with bowel movements. Confirmation is by digital or visual examination with an anoscope, proctoscope, or sigmoidoscope of the anal canal and rectum to determine the presence of haemorrhoids.