Fissures after Childbirth
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Anal fissures are a very common occurrence in pregnancy. During the third trimester of pregnancy, from week 29 to birth, your risk of having an anal fissure is increased. You may also develop anal fissures after childbirth because when all the pushing and straining happens, increased pressure is put on your muscles and sometimes causes the lining of your anus to tear.
An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal, just inside the opening of your anus. Such pregnancy fissures can be very painful, especially when you are passing stools and for a while afterwards. The initial sharp pain is normally replaced by a deep burning pain which may be felt for several minutes or even several hours after you have been to the toilet. Anal fissures can also cause minor bleeding, which you may notice on the stools themselves or on your toilet paper.
So anal fissures usually have just the two main symptoms of pain and bleeding.
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TL;DR: Anal Fissures in Pregnancy
Anal fissures are a very common occurrence in pregnancy, with your risk increased in the third trimester (week 29 to birth) and even more so after childbirth, when all the pushing and straining puts pressure on your muscles and can tear the lining of your anus. An anal fissure is a tear or ulcer in the lining of the anal canal and usually has just the two main symptoms of pain and bleeding.
- Pain: a sharp pain when passing stools, normally replaced by a deep burning pain that can last minutes or even hours.
- Bleeding: minor bleeding you may notice on the stools or on your toilet paper.
- Types: acute fissures are less than 6 weeks old, chronic fissures are 6 weeks or older, and pregnancy is a known cause of secondary anal fissures.
- How common: approximately 1 in 100 women develop anal fissures in late pregnancy, rising to 1 in 7 new moms after the birth.
- What helps: keep your stools soft and easy to pass with a high fiber diet, plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, some 8 glasses of water a day, regular exercise and never putting off going to the toilet.
- Safety first: mention any rectal bleeding to your health provider and consult a qualified homeopath or healthcare provider before starting any treatment during pregnancy.
Types of Anal Fissures in Pregnancy
Anal fissures in pregnancy can be classified in several different ways:
- An acute anal fissure is one which has been present for less than 6 weeks.
- A chronic anal fissure is the name given to one that is 6 weeks or older.
- A primary anal fissure is one for which there is no identifiable underlying cause but is thought to be something to do with the way your anus muscles work. The internal sphincter, which is the muscle surrounding the anus, sometimes contracts too strongly. This spasm causes increased pressure in the anal canal making it more susceptible to tearing. At the same time, the increased pressure also restricts the blood flow to your anus, preventing your body from healing itself in the normal way, and from healing the fissure at the same time.
- A secondary anal fissure is so named because there is a known underlying cause such as constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy or even a sexually transmitted infection.
How Common Are Anal Fissures in Pregnancy?
Approximately 1 in 100 women will develop anal fissures in late pregnancy but it is more common for these to occur after the birth of the baby – the figure then rises to 1 in 7 new moms. If you have any kind of rectal bleeding with your pregnancy, it should be mentioned to your health provider so that he or she can check it out but usually ensuring your stools are soft and easy to pass will solve the problem. H-Fissures is specially formulated to treat symptoms of anal fissures.
In addition, you should eat a high fiber diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, drink some 8 glasses of water a day, keep up with regular exercise and never put off going to the toilet.
Also read:
Anal Fissures Causes & Treatment
Hemorrhoids Causes & Treatment
Homeopathic Ingredients for Treating Fissures During Pregnancy
Homeopathy offers various remedies for treating fissures during pregnancy, keeping in mind the sensitive nature of this period. Some commonly used homeopathic ingredients for fissures include:
- Graphites: Recommended for fissures accompanied by hard, bulky stools and skin issues.
- Nitric Acid: Useful in cases where fissures are accompanied by sharp, splinter-like pain.
- Ratanhia: Best suited for intense pain during and after bowel movements.
- Aesculus: Helpful for fissures with dry, hard stools and back pain.
- Paeonia: Used for fissures with rawness and itching.
- Hamamelis: Suitable for bleeding fissures.
- Sulphur: For itching and burning sensations, especially suited if symptoms worsen after washing.
- Nux Vomica: Used in cases of fissures due to constipation and ineffectual urging.
It's crucial to consult with a qualified homeopath or healthcare provider before starting any treatment, especially during pregnancy. They can provide a personalized remedy based on the individual's specific symptoms and overall health condition.
How Does H-Fissures Formula Help?
The H-Fissures Formula from Healing Natural Oils is a homeopathic product intended for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with anal fissures, such as burning, soreness, and minor bleeding. The active ingredients in this formula are:
- Calendula officinalis (flowering top) - 12C HPUS: Known for its healing properties, Calendula is often used in various skin care products and ointments to promote wound healing.
- Matricaria recutita (Chamomilla) oil - 6C HPUS: Chamomilla is recognized for its soothing effects, particularly useful in relieving soreness and pain associated with anal fissures.
The formula also includes several inactive ingredients:
- Corylus avellana (European hazelnut) nut oil
- An essential oil blend consisting of:
- Helichrysum italicum flower
- Lavandula officinalis (Lavandula angustifolia) flower bud
- Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) flower
These ingredients contribute to the product's intended use for alleviating discomfort and symptoms related to anal fissures.
Sources
- NHS. Anal fissure. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- NHS. Constipation in pregnancy. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Anal fissure - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- Davids JS, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Anal Fissures. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2023;66(2):190-199. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- American Family Physician. Management of Anal Fissures: Guidelines From the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. 2024;109(2):188-189. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- Abramowitz L, et al. Anal fissure and thrombosed external hemorrhoids before and after delivery. Diseases of the Colon & Rectum. 2002. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- Haemorrhoids and Anal Fissures in Pregnancy: Predictive Factors and Effective Treatments. Cureus. 2024;16(2):e53773. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
- Anal disorders in pregnant and postpartum women: epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in 10 maternities of Bamako in Mali. Pan African Medical Journal. 2024;47:66. (Accessed Oct 7, 2026)
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Any rectal bleeding during pregnancy, or anal fissures that are severe, persistent or worsening, should be assessed by a qualified doctor or midwife. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding. H-Fissures Formula is a homeopathic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition.