Tips for dealing with vaginal itching during pregnancy that are safe to do

What causes vaginal itching during pregnancy?

Actually, vaginal itching during pregnancy is a normal thing to happen. This is because there is a change in the hormone estrogen, which causes more vaginal discharge to be produced.

Quoted from the American Pregnancy Association, conditions that often occur in the second trimester can cause skin irritation and make the vagina feel itchy.

Not only vaginal discharge, vaginal itching during early pregnancy can also be caused by excessive sweat production so that the vaginal area becomes moist and easily irritated.

Lack of water or dehydration can also cause vaginal itching during pregnancy. Dehydration can make vaginal tissue drier than usual.

In addition, vaginal itching during pregnancy can also be caused by more serious things, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and urinary tract infections in pregnant women.

How to deal with vaginal itching during pregnancy?

As explained above, itching of the genitals during pregnancy is a common thing.

Mostly, vaginal itching is caused by a yeast infection. You can treat and treat vaginal itching during pregnancy by applying an over-the-counter antifungal cream.

It should be noted that untreated vaginal itching or infection can allow the bacteria that cause it to enter the baby's mouth during labor.

Some types of creams for itching due to yeast infection that doctors usually recommend are:

Clotrimazole
Miconazole
Terconazole

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, these three products can be used to treat vaginal itching during pregnancy caused by fungi.

Not only that, the drugs above also do not increase the risk of birth defects or pregnancy complications.

Usually, it takes 10 to 14 days to relieve and eliminate itching in the genitals during pregnancy.

After the infection and itching have subsided, you will also be prescribed Nystatin powder to prevent recurrent infections.

Avoid taking oral drugs such as Diflucan because it has not been proven safe for pregnant women or nursing mothers. This type of drug has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage.

However, it is possible that you will be given antibiotics if the itching is caused by a urinary tract infection.

It should also be noted that if the drug has been applied but there has been no improvement, you should consult with your doctor to get other appropriate treatments to treat vaginal itching during pregnancy.

Home remedies for vaginal itching during pregnancy

If vaginal discharge and itching are not accompanied by other problems, you may still be able to treat vaginal itching while pregnant at home.

Some of the following ways to deal with vaginal itching during pregnancy may help, such as:

Compressing the vagina with a cold compress to relieve itching.
Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
Eat foods that contain probiotics to help balance the bacteria in the vagina.
Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight so that the vagina is not moist.
Choose clothes made of cotton that absorbs sweat easily.
Choose a detergent or bath soap that doesn't contain perfume. This is to avoid itching on sensitive skin.
Keep the area around the vagina dry, especially after showering or going to the toilet.
Clean the vagina with warm water regularly. Wash the vagina from front to back, so that bacteria in the anus do not spread.
Use a feminine cleanser that contains Povidone-Iodine to control the spread and development of the infection.

Not only that, the content of povidone-iodine can also overcome various pathogenic germs and does not result in resistance to antiseptics.

However, if you have done this method and the vagina is still itching accompanied by other signs around the vagina, you should immediately consult a doctor.

For example, genital itching during pregnancy is accompanied by other symptoms, such as excessive vaginal discharge and a bad smell, vaginal pain, or painful urination.

It is feared that the vaginal itching you are experiencing is a sign of a more serious illness.