You may notice several changes in your body during pregnancy due to a hormone surge. This makes your body more susceptible to infections and other health issues. Your immunity lowers during pregnancy, making your body highly prone to infections. Most infections do not harm the baby, but certain infections require proper medical treatment. You must be aware of the risks and complications of infections that affect your baby in the womb. Vaginal infections during pregnancy are common, and they must be diagnosed early for a complete cure. Some may experience vaginal pain due to this infection. Here are the symptoms, causes, risks, and treatments of vaginal infections:
Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy and are mainly caused due to the attack of various microorganisms. You are highly susceptible to multiple types of vaginal infections during pregnancy. You may suffer from vaginal pain due to vaginal infections. Vaginal infections are mostly not dangerous, but you may feel irritated when affected by these types of infections. These infections are treatable with proper medications and care. Here is a quick overview of the types of vaginal infections:
● Yeast Infections: Yeast infection during pregnancy is caused due to fungus. You may experience white discharge, itching and pain due to yeast infections.
● Bacterial Vaginosis: This type of infection is caused by the growth of bacteria. You may notice itching, foul discharge and irritation in the vaginal area.
● Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, syphilis and chlamydia, may affect pregnant women. There are chances for STI to pass on to your baby if left untreated.
● Group B Strep: This vaginal infection can harm your baby, and it requires proper medical care. This infection may cause urinary tract infections in pregnant women.
It is not possible to ascertain the exact cause of vaginal infections. These are caused by many factors during pregnancy.
● High estrogen levels may be the cause of vaginal infections during pregnancy.
● The change in the immune system
● The intake of steroids and antibiotics
● High blood sugar during pregnancy
● Sexual Intercourse
You may notice the following signs and symptoms when you are suffering from vaginal infection during pregnancy:
● Itching in the vaginal area
● Foul-smelling vaginal discharge during pregnancy
● Burning sensation while urinating
● Bleeding or spotting in the vagina
● Swelling in the genital area
● Expereince pain in vaginal area
● Greenish-yellow vaginal discharge
● Pain during sexual intercourse
● Pain during urination
● Cloudy urine
When you notice any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor to diagnose the type of infection.
The vaginal discharge sample is examined to test the type of vaginal infections. Your healthcare provider asks about the medicines you regularly take. You must talk about your symptoms so that your doctor can diagnose the exact cause of the infection.
Proper medical treatment is important to avoid vaginal infections affecting your baby. Your doctor may prescribe medicines based on your symptoms. Over-the-counter drugs like Clotrimazole, miconazole and terconazole can help treat vaginal infections.
Antifungal vaginal creams are also effective in treating vaginal infections. You must take the medications for 3 to 7 days or even longer based on the severity of the infection. Bacterial vaginosis usually gets cured on its own, but antibiotics can help treat the infection.
Vaginal infections usually do not harm your baby, but if left untreated, it can lead to complications during pregnancy.
● Vaginal infections increase the risk of preterm birth, spontaneous abortion and pelvic inflammatory disease.
● Low birth weight, amniotic fluid infection is a complication due to vaginal infection.
● Sexually transmitted infections can harm your baby.
● Vaginal pain and cramping during pregnancy can be caused due to vaginal infections.
Prevention is always better than cure. So, look for ways to prevent infections during pregnancy.
● Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your hands after using the washroom and keep yourself clean. Wash your genital area with warm water without using soap.
● Stay hydrated: Increasing your fluid intake can help to avoid vaginal infections during pregnancy.
● Check Your Symptoms. Monitor signs like frequent urination, foul vaginal discharge, abdominal cramps and fever. This can help in early diagnosis of the condition.
● Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose cotton underwear. Make sure it is not wet.
● Maintain Your Sugar Levels: Diabetes can be the cause of vaginal infections, so make sure you maintain your sugar levels during pregnancy.
● Limit Using Scented Products: Avoid using scented soaps, sprays or pads as it may increase vaginal infections.
● Avoid Douching: Douching increases the risk of vaginal infections as there are chances of bacteria entering the reproductive system.
● Use condoms: Using condoms can help in preventing STIs.
During pregnancy, your body is highly susceptible to infections resulting in vaginal infections. This may cause itching, vaginal discharge and pain in the genital area. Your doctor might diagnose the condition based on your symptoms. A vaginal culture test can help diagnose the infection. Your healthcare provider offers proper medical treatment that helps prevent complications due to infections during pregnancy. Anti-fungus creams and antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat vaginal infections in pregnant women. Simple home remedies are effective in treating vaginal infections. Maintaining proper hygiene can prevent vaginal infections during pregnancy. Following certain prevention measures help pregnant women avoid vaginal infections.
Yes, vaginal pain is normal during pregnancy. Some may experience pain due to the pressure on the vagina caused by the growing baby. Infections can also lead to vaginal pain during pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about vaginal pain, but infections require proper medical intervention.
You may experience certain symptoms when you suffer from vaginal infections, including itching, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, vaginal pain, bleeding, burning sensation while urinating, etc.
Yes, vaginal infections due to yeast, bacteria and other microorganisms can increase the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.
Yes, vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. It may be due to the surge in pregnancy hormones that helps in preventing infections. Clear and odourless vaginal discharge is completely safe during pregnancy.
