During pregnancy, many women are scared when they notice changes in their vaginal mucosa, as the discharge increases and an increased body odor may also appear. On some occasions, these symptoms make the pregnant woman believe that she has a vaginal infection or even that her hygiene is not being adequate.
Sara Cañamero, midwife, sexologist and founder of Maternatal, explains how intimate hygiene should be during pregnancy and what signs could indicate the presence of a vaginal infection.
Vaginal discharge increases due to the action of hormones
During pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases as a result of hormones. It is a clear and milky discharge very similar to the one that occurs before the menstrual period, although more abundant. These physiological changes are completely normal , but the midwife warns that the pregnant woman does not always know that they may occur, so many are struck by it and even become concerned.
“By experiencing increased vaginal discharge and a change in body odor due to the action of hormones, many pregnant women mistakenly believe that they have a vaginal infection or that they are not grooming themselves properly, “ says Sara Cañamero.
This can lead to two errors that could have negative consequences :
- On the one hand, self-medicate by believing that they suffer from vaginal yeast infection
- Either increase the frequency of intimate hygiene and / or buy certain products that could alter the vaginal PH and predispose to irritations and infections
This is how intimate hygiene should be during pregnancy
Unless the doctor or midwife indicates otherwise, Sara Cañamero warns that “during pregnancy you should not make a big change regarding intimate hygiene “ , but follow a series of tips that will help us prevent irritations or infections in the zone:
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It is not advisable to use gels or soaps for the genital area, not even specific gels. ” Washing with water is enough for the daily hygiene of the vulva” , clarifies the midwife.
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We should not increase the frequency of washing as we could eliminate the vaginal flora, altering the natural pH and increasing the risk of infections.
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After showering or bathing, we must dry the area very well , “paying special attention to the folds” , as the humidity could predispose to the appearance of vaginal fungi.
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When we go to the bathroom we must clean ourselves from front to back , paying special care after defecation, because we could drag fecal bacteria from the anus to the vulva and cause urinary infections.
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If the increase in vaginal discharge makes us uncomfortable, we can use a cotton pad that we will change frequently so that the area is always dry and does not become irritated.
When to suspect a vaginal infection and what to do?
The symptoms of a vaginal infection can vary depending on the cause, although the most common is that the woman experiences itching in the vulva and the presence of a more abundant vaginal discharge than normal and with a different color, smell and consistency. Pain and burning may also occur when urinating and during or after sexual intercourse.
As Sara told us at the beginning, if the pregnant woman suspects that she has a vaginal infection, she should go immediately to the doctor or midwife , who will confirm or rule out the diagnosis by means of a smear or culture.
“If the diagnosis of vulvovaginitis is confirmed, whether it is vulvovaginitis due to irritative causes or due to bacterial infection, we should use specific products for genital hygiene ,” advises Sara Cañamero. “In these cases, in addition to medical treatment, the use of gels with tea tree essence, vitamin E and even probiotics could help .”
Photos | iStock, Pexels
In Babies and More | How to prevent vaginal infections during pregnancy, UTI during pregnancy: prevention and symptoms
