Causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy (and how to deal with it) & bull; hello healthy

You may think that morning sickness and swollen feet are the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Actually, vaginal itching during pregnancy is just as common.

Jennifer Keller, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, said that vaginal itching during pregnancy is caused by increased production of vaginal fluids due to hormone surges, which can cause irritation of the vagina. vulvar skin.

The good news is, when a vaginal infection is diagnosed as soon as possible, it will generally be easy for doctors to treat your complaints. The tricky part is differentiating between normal vaginal discharge and one that indicates an actual infection. Here, we detail the various causes of vaginal itching, symptoms, treatments, and prevention tips.

What causes vaginal itching or swelling during pregnancy?

Vaginal itching can be a side effect of pregnancy that makes you even more uncomfortable. It's important to get tested because these symptoms could indicate something more serious, such as a sexually transmitted disease.

The most common and not serious causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy

You may also experience irritation from the soap, lotion, or detergent that you use daily. Some ingredients in certain products can increase the sensitivity of the skin of pregnant women because the stretched tissue becomes more sensitive.

The causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy are more serious and should get special attention

Pubic lice (pediculosis)

If you only experience superficial itching around pubic hair, pubic lice may be the cause.

You can easily catch pubic lice in public places or through sexual transmission. Pubic lice tend to be very contagious, so you can get them anywhere. This condition requires treatment by a doctor, as well as getting the fleas completely removed from bedding and clothing. Check with your doctor before using chemical flea medication.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

1 in 5 pregnant women can develop this vaginal infection. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria living in the vagina, which in particular - in pregnancy - can be affected by hormonal shifts. Symptoms include grayish, fishy-smelling discharge, painful urination, and vaginal itching.

If left untreated, the symptoms of BV will persist and the baby may be born prematurely or have a low birth weight. In women who are not pregnant, BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to infertility or damage the fallopian tubes.

In general, BV will go away on its own. If you have BV in your first trimester, your doctor may wait to treat it until the second trimester arrives. BV can usually be managed with the antibiotics Metronidazole or Clindamycin.

Yeast infection

The itching and burning sensation caused by a yeast infection is usually caused by an increase in the growth of Candida yeast, a natural fungus that lives in the vagina.

Yeast infections are common in women, but pregnant women are more prone to developing this condition because during pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone help create an environment in which yeast can thrive. Other causes of yeast infection include taking antibiotics and sex, both of which can upset the natural pH balance of the vagina.

Symptoms include vaginal itching, a textured, runny cheese-like discharge (watery and lumpy), a sour smell, and pain.

The yeast infection you experience during pregnancy will not have any impact on the fetus in the womb. However, if you catch this condition when you are about to give birth, there is a slight chance that your baby will catch the same infection as he passes through your vagina.

if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and you have this infection, you should avoid using oral anti-infectious drugs. Instead, use vaginal pessaries supplemented with anti-fungal cream, if needed.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common and easily curable sexually transmitted diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Trichomonas vaginalis parasite is transmitted through sexual contact and generally lives in the vagina.

Symptoms of trichomoniasis include:

• A yellow-green, frothy, foul-smelling discharge
• Itching, burning, and irritation sensation during sexual intercourse.

To treat trichomoniasis, your doctor will usually prescribe you with oral antibiotics, such as Metronidazole and Tinidazole.

Home tips for dealing with vaginal itching during pregnancy

Try switching to gentle, non-fragrance personal care products and avoiding clothes that contain itchy and sweat-free materials for now.

Or, apply cold compresses to your vaginal area. Don't use hot water. Hot water is harsh on sensitive skin and tissue, so it can cause further irritation. When you shower, add a little to help balance the vaginal pH. Don't use vinegar too often or it can mess up the pH balance too.

Also, keep your vaginal area clean and dry. Change clothes several times a day to keep sweat residue and vaginal discharge from returning to the skin. If you have intercourse, clean the vagina properly afterward, because semen can cause irritation in pregnant women.

Finally, to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, run medical tests to find out if you or your partner has a certain condition, so that you or your partner can get treatment as early as possible before transmitting to each other. Don't forget to always practice safe sex and use a condom every time you have sex with your partner.