I'm 34weeks and I have to have one cut on bc it had a blood clot in it and the doctor told me to use nupercainal and hemorrhoid ointment.But he told me not to use anything with witch hazel bc it's not going to help.
I never had hemorrhoid until I was in labor with my first. Then I got 4 or 5 nasty ones that stuck around for months. Depending on the type of hemorrhoid, it'll never completely go away without medical help.
Now that I'm pregnant again, the hemorrhoids reappeared around the second trimester, although they're not nearly as bad as when I first got them. It really helps trying to avoid becoming constipated so you don't strain and make them worse when having a BM. Drink tons of water and eat lots of high fiber foods and vegetables. An occasional stool softener doesn't hurt either.
As for the pain and swelling, witch hazel wipes are really helpful several times a day. As is warm water in a peri bottle sprayed on the area. I also have a spray called New Momma Bottom that has peppermint, lavendar, and witch hazel. It seems to help with swelling and pain too.
Good luck! Hemorrhoids are embarassing and no fun, but just another lovely side effect of pregnancy.