Vaginitis and vulvovaginitis are different problems that cause infections or inflammations of the vagina. Most women suffer from a vaginal infection throughout their lives, and this risk increases during pregnancy. That's why we are going to see some measures to prevent vaginal infections during pregnancy.
These pathologies can be the result of an infection caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses as well as by irritations by chemical substances of hygiene products or even of clothing that is in contact with this area. In some cases, vaginitis is the result of an exchange of organisms between sexual partners.
But, Why are pregnant women more likely to get these infections? At this stage two factors are combined that make the pregnant woman more sensitive to getting an infection:
- The hormonal change throughout your body affects your immune system, and this leads us to the second factor
- The future mother is immunocompromised, that is, because the baby has elements of the father outside her, the body decreases its defenses to avoid ignoring it and attacking it as if it were a disease.
Symptoms and risks of vaginitis
If you think you have vaginitis, consult your gynecologist as soon as possible. It is important that the doctor make an accurate diagnosis, since the treatment has to be specific for the type of vaginitis that is present.
The symptoms may vary depending on the cause, although the most common is that a stinging is detected in the vulvar area and the presence of more abundant than normal vaginal discharge that varies in color, smell and consistency. In some cases there may be pain and burning when urinating and during sexual intercourse.
The greatest risk that vaginal infections carry It is the appearance of contractions that could cause premature births. Bacterial vaginosis has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, with premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, threat of premature delivery and endometritis (inflammation of the uterine endometrium) postpartum.
Premature births are the main cause of infant mortality and disease, neurological and physiological deficit of the baby ... That is why early diagnosis, as well as prevention, is so important, which we treat next, if we want to save ourselves a scare and a pharmacological treatment.
Tips to prevent vaginitis during pregnancy
But it is in our hands to avoid this disease, let's see how vaginitis can be prevented during pregnancy.
It is not advisable to increase hygiene measures during pregnancy, because we could eliminate the vaginal flora, altering the natural pH of the delicate skin of the area and exposing it to infections.
Try not to use aggressive but mild soaps or simply wash with water without chemicals or with any natural gel.
After bathing or showering you have to dry yourself well with the towel, because excess moisture in the vulva also causes infections.
Avoid tight clothes that can irritate the genital area.
The underwear must be made of cotton, made of natural fabrics that facilitate perspiration, again to avoid moisture in the area.
It is advisable to use a neutral soap for the washing machine, or to wash the underwear separately with this type of non-aggressive soap, free of perfumes and other chemical substances that can be irritating.
Special care must be taken when cleaning after defecation, always from front to back so as not to drag fecal bacteria to the vulva.
If we are suspected of having vaginitis, or have had it recently, it is advisable to use a condom in sexual intercourse so as not to infect our partner or to reinfect us again.
We hope these tips to prevent vaginitis during pregnancy help you to pass this stage without suffering this problem, and do not hesitate to consult the doctor for any suspicion or problem in the vaginal area.
Photos | lizdavenportcreative and laura dye on Flickr-CC In Babies and more | Vulvovaginitis in girls, Intimate hygiene during pregnancy, Sex during pregnancy: benefits for all
