Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy

Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy

Why does vaginal discharge occur during pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, your body changes in many ways and vaginal discharge changes. (not fun)is one of these changes. If the discharge is clear or white and has no odor, it is most likely due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and is a sign that the vagina is healthy. However, sometimes excessive discharge signals an infection that occurs when the natural bacterial balance living in the vagina is disrupted. The most common infections we encounter during pregnancy are: vaginosis(BV) group B streptococcus (GBS) strong> It is a trichomonas and fungal infection. The good news is that once the diagnosis is made by the doctor, immediate recovery is achieved with appropriate treatment. Each infection has its own clinical findings. If we pay attention, we will examine how we can distinguish healthy vaginal discharge from unhealthy vaginal discharge.

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)

According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women may be exposed to this itchy, uncomfortable infection. BV is caused by the overgrowth of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina, which can be affected by hormonal changes during pregnancy. Left untreated, BV symptoms persist and can threaten premature labor or lead to the birth of low-weight babies. (In women who are not pregnant, BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes.)BV is a simple can be diagnosed by vaginal culture; Diagnosis can be easily made after your doctor takes a swab from the vagina and examines it under a microscope.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS?

• Thin grayish white discharge
• Pain in urination
• Itching around the vagina

HOW IS IT TREATED?

If you are in the first trimester , your doctor may postpone the treatment until the second trimester. Generally, we may need a series of antibiotic therapy such as Metronidazole or Clindamycin, sometimes it may get better on its own.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO PREVENT?

Never wear a wet swimsuit or sweaty swimsuit. Don't sit in the lot; Let's always use a clean pair of cotton underwear

Let's avoid tight panties or trousers that can cause bacterial growth and sweating, especially during pregnancy

Let's pay attention to the cleanliness of the genital area when going to the toilet.

Let's stay away from liquid soaps that clean the genital area, they can cause vaginal flora imbalance.

WHAT IS FUNGAL INFECTION?

It naturally lives in the vagina. It is caused by the overgrowth of Candida, a fungus. During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone help create the environment in which fungus can thrive. Other causes of fungal infections are excessive use of antibiotics and sexual intercourse. both of these can disrupt the natural pH in your vagina. The doctor can diagnose a yeast infection with a simple vaginal culture; A sample is taken from your genital area with the help of a cotton swab and sent for microscopic examination.

What are the symptoms of yeast infection.

• Pain in the vaginal area, burning and itching

• Thick, curdled whitish-yellow discharge; It may or may not have an odor.

• Pain and burning sensation during sexual intercourse

• Burning during urination

When these complaints occur, be sure to consult your doctor so that you can receive appropriate treatment.

How can we prevent fungal infection

• Eat complex carbohydrates and whole grains instead of refined sugar to help reduce environmental factors in infection.

• Eat yogurt frequently. Lactobacillus is naturally found in yogurt and is a probiotic known to promote proper digestion and help prevent vaginal infections.

• Urinate regularly to help eliminate infection-causing bacteria.

• To help drain toxins. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

• Let's wear cotton underwear.

 

 

 

_{Read: 0}