Vaginal Itching during Pregnancy: Causes and Remedies
Experiencing vaginal itching during pregnancy is one of the most common problems faced by pregnant women. It is important to check and diagnose the issue right at the beginning so as to avoid any complications in your pregnancy journey. If you notice itchy, swollen vaginal lips during pregnancy, it is important to identify the possible causes. This will help in treating the condition and help in preventing it in the future.
Here are some of the common symptoms of itchy vaginal area during pregnancy
Experiencing pain at the opening of the vagina
Pain and itching around the vulva
Itching and pain inside the vagina
Pain or itching that worsens after sexual intercourse
Pain when urinating
Causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy
1. Bacterial vaginosis -
This condition is the result of an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the vagina. It is a common vaginal infection and some of the symptoms include sensation of itching and burning, redness, a thin, opaque or grayish discharge, and fish like odour.
2. Yeast infection -
Typically, there’s some amount of yeast that is present in your vagina. Pregnancy often triggers certain hormonal changes that tends to disrupt the vagina’s pH balance resulting in overgrowth of yeast. The pregnancy-associated hormonal imbalances are mostly the reason why yeast infection is a common pregnancy issue. Its symptoms can vary from itching, burning, and a thick vaginal discharge with a texture like that of cottage cheese.
3. Increase in vaginal discharge -
Hormonal changes triggered during pregnancy can also lead to an increase in cervical mucus or vaginal discharge. Although vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal and is, in fact, a way in which the vagina self-cleanses, an excess of it can sometimes irritate the sensitive vulvar skin and lead to vaginal itching during pregnancy. Excessive vaginal discharge is a common issue faced by pregnant women and one way to manage this is by using panty liners. Always has a good variety of panty liners that you can choose from. The Always Multiform Protect is an ideal panty liner for daily wear. Its 1mm thinness and breathable design ensures that you feel dry and great. It is designed to provide high flexibility and is ideal for protection from vaginal discharge.
4. Vaginal dryness -
Some women experience dryness in vagina due to hormonal changes. Low levels of progesterone may also cause vaginal dryness and because this hormone is needed to sustain pregnancy, it is important that you report this symptom, if you have it, to your doctor.
5. Being sensitive to certain products -
Some women observe that certain products, which worked well for them earlier, tend to irritate their skin now, especially the sensitive skin in vaginal areas. This sensitivity is pregnancy induced because the vagina becomes engorged with blood during pregnancy, and this may make your skin feel stretched and more sensitive than usual. Some of the trigger products are detergents, body washes, soaps, etc.
6. Urinary tract infection (UTI) -
During pregnancy, the uterus, which is above your bladder, expands. This expansion results in greater pressure on the bladder which causes a blockage to the passing of urine which could lead to an infection. Most pregnant women are susceptible to UTIs due to this reason. UTIs could also be caused due to certain types of bacteria. Typically, a UTI would cause symptoms such as frequent and urgent need to urinate, abdominal pain, vaginal itching and burning, having blood in urine or pain during intercourse.
What are the treatments for itchy vagina when pregnant?
It is imperative that you know the cause for vaginal itching when you’re pregnant before going ahead with any treatment plan. Always check with your doctor before going ahead with any medication as some meds aren’t safe to consume or use during pregnancy.
What are the home remedies for itchy vagina while pregnant?
Here are some effective home remedies for itchy vagina that you could resort to for relief:
Taking baking soda baths can help soothe the itchy area
Applying coconut oil on the area
Wearing cotton underwear and changing your underwear when you become sweaty
Using a cold compress on the affected area or taking cold baths also help in relieving itchiness
Home remedies will help in finding temporary relief, but it is essential that you treat it effectively with antibiotics. Many antibiotics are safe during pregnancy and your doctor can prescribe you something that will suit your condition. We also strongly recommend that you speak to a doctor before trying out any home remedies during pregnancy.
Preventive measures for vaginal itching during pregnancy
Practicing daily intimate hygiene and incorporating healthy intimate care habits will help you in the long run in preventing vaginal itching and other infections. Some of them are below:
1. Wear cotton underwear that is breathable as it helps absorb sweat and moisture, hence keeping the area dry
2. Avoid staying wet for long periods of time such as avoiding sitting in a wet bathing suits or sweaty underwear. Stay dry as much as possible
3. Avoid wearing tight clothing as it doesn’t allow your skin to breathe and traps moisture
4. Consider not using intimate hygiene care products that contain fragrance, chemicals, or irritants
5. When you use the bathroom, always wipe yourself from front to back. This will ensure there’s no transfer of bacteria that could lead to infections
6. Say a big ‘no’ to douching as it disrupts the vagina’s natural pH balance
When to see a doctor?
You must see a doctor when you notice the first signs of itching. However, there are times when you may experience other symptoms that may prompt you to consider talking to a doctor again. Some of them are:
If you have multiple vaginal infections during your pregnancy
If you notice new symptoms after you’ve begun treatment
The symptoms seem to worsen even after beginning treatment
Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a common issue faced by women and can be safely treated and prevented. Remember to talk to your doctor about your pregnancy, and he will guide you through the best treatment plan that would suit your needs and preference.
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FAQs
1. What are some home remedies for vaginal itching during pregnancy?
Taking cold baths or baking soda baths can help soothe the itchiness. Also, wearing loose cotton undergarments and staying dry may help in controlling your vaginal itching during pregnancy. While these remedies are safe, you must check with your doctor before trying any of these home remedies when pregnant.
2. How do you get rid of an itchy private area during pregnancy?
You must talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan. Depending on the cause behind having an itchy vagina when pregnant, he may prescribe medication or topical ointments. You may also try home remedies such as taking a baking soda bath and applying coconut oil in the irritated area after consulting your doctor.
3. How to clean private part during pregnancy?
Basic intimate hygiene habits will help you stay clean and prevent vaginal itching during pregnancy. These habits include wearing cotton underpants, avoiding soaps and scented products, using warm water to clean vulva, avoiding douching and staying dry.
Disclaimer:
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