Vaginal Itch During Pregnancy: How to Deal With It?

Experiencing a vaginal itch during pregnancy is fairly common and can be attributed to many different factors; both pregnancy-related and otherwise. If you have been dealing with an itchy vaginal area during pregnancy, then you need to read on to understand what might be causing the itchiness, what are its symptoms and how to deal with it.

• Early Symptoms of Vaginal Itch During Pregnancy
• Causes of Itchy Vaginal Area During Pregnancy
• Treatment for Itchy Vagina During Pregnancy
• Home Remedies For Itchy Vagina
• Preventing Itchy Vagina During Pregnancy

Since the female body goes through several changes during a pregnancy, it is important to stay in-tune with it and register these changes, including an itch in the vaginal area. In many cases, a vaginal itch during pregnancy is accompanied by other symptoms, these include:

• Excessive discharge which may or may not be smelly

• Pain in the vaginal region

• Burning sensation in the vaginal region

• Increase in pain during urination

• Increase in pain after intercourse

The above symptoms can appear before or along with an itchy vagina during pregnancy. Once you recognise the symptoms, the next step is to try and determine what the underlying cause of the itch might be.

There can be several reasons why your vagina is itching during pregnancy. Some women experience itching down there early on in pregnancy while others get it a little further down the line. Some of the major causes of itching are:

• Vaginal Infections

Some of the most common causes of infection in and around your vagina are bacteria and fungus or yeast. When the pH level of your vagina is disrupted, it can cause a yeast infection and when the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the private parts is disturbed, it can cause bacterial vaginosis.

In both the cases, you can experience itching and a burning sensation. While yeast infections cause a thick, cloudy discharge, bacterial vaginosis causes thin, greyish discharge. These infections are common during pregnancy but can also happen any other time. It is important to take care of what you eat and products you use around your vagina during pregnancy.

Use superior pantyliners like Always Extra Protect Pantyliners to deal with excessive discharge. Their breathable design, high-absorption and dermatologically tested structure make them an excellent companion for sensitive skin.

• Vaginal Dryness

Pregnant women undergo hormonal changes which can result in dryness in and around the vagina. Since it can be caused by low levels of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for sustaining pregnancy, it is important that you keep your doctor informed about these symptoms. Along with dryness, you can also experience redness, pain, itching and irritation that increases after having intercourse.

• Vaginal Discharge

You can experience itchy, swollen vag lips during pregnancy because of increased mucus and vaginal discharge as your pregnancy progresses. This can result from fluctuating hormone levels which make the vaginal lining and cervix soft, thus making it hard to hold in liquid. Excessive discharge can make your skin red and itchy and must therefore be taken care of.

Using soft pantyliners like Always Comfort Protect Pantyliners that are kind to your skin is a great way of tackling discharge. These offer maximum comfort with their cushioned design which is gentle to the touch and these have been dermatologically tested to be safe for usage on sensitive parts. The pantyliners offer total protection while offering breathability.

• UTI

Urinary tract infections are very common in pregnant women. These are caused when the uterus starts to expand, exerting pressure on the bladder and blocking urine from getting expelled properly. When urine sits in the bladder for long durations of time, it leads to an increased risk of bacterial infection. The infection further leads to itchiness, vaginal pain and abdominal pain.

• STI

Vaginal itching can also be an early sign of sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy. Different STIs can cause different symptoms including itching, a burning sensation, rashes, fever, warts and more. Timely medical intervention can help you protect your baby and yourself from the adverse effects of STI.

• Obstetric Cholestasis

This is a more serious condition that arises in pregnant women in the later parts of the pregnancy. In this condition, the liver is impacted and might not be functioning to its full capacity. It results in severe vaginal itching and requires immediate medical attention.

A vaginal itch during a pregnancy can be treated by using some basic cures and home remedies. Depending on the cause of the itch, you can take different courses of action.

After confirming the cause of the itching with your doctor, he will prescribe you the right medication. It is essential that you consult with your doctor before taking any medication as the wrong medicine can harm you and/or your baby.

Some of the most common home remedies include using a baking soda compress or taking a bath with the solution of baking soda and water. Alternatively, you can also opt for a cold press and cold baths which can help relieve the itch. Introducing probiotics like yogurt, fermented foods, and kefir in your diet, etc. are great ways to fight the itch using all-natural ingredients. Some other home remedies for itchy vagina while pregnant, include using tea tree oil, coconut oil, etc. You can massage these directly onto your vagina for significant relief. However, it is essential that you consult with your doctor before you adopt any of these home remedies.

There are a few simple steps that you can take to prevent an itchy vaginal area during pregnancy:

If you have any discomfort during your pregnancy, be it around your vagina or otherwise, it is important to inform your doctor about it. Where mild to moderate itching on its own is nothing to be majorly concerned about and is very common, you should seek treatment if your itch becomes unbearable. Other signs that you need to look out for are foul smell, smelly discharge, change in colour of the skin, etc. In such cases, do book an appointment. The medical professional will be able to diagnose the cause behind the itch and prescribe the right treatment.

Takeaway

Itching of private part during pregnancy is a common occurrence and, in most cases, can be easily treated. The best thing to do upon experiencing a vaginal itch during a pregnancy is to book an appointment with a health professional. They will be able to give the most effective solution that is safe for you and your child.

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Pregnancy causes hormonal changes in women and as the pregnancy progresses, you may experience a yeast or bacterial infection. Therefore, itchiness later in your period is nothing to be alarmed about but you must still consult a doctor before taking any medication.

There are a few home remedies for itchy vagina while pregnant that you can try:

• Increase the intake of probiotics like yogurt, kefir, etc.

• Take baking soda baths

• Use cold water to clean your private area or take cold water baths

• Avoid using harsh chemicals around the area

• Use topical coconut oil around the area

However, it is essential that you consult with your doctor before you try any of these home remedies.

Many women experience mild to moderate vaginal itching during pregnancy. Having said that, if your itch is getting worse with time or is severe, then you must reach out to your doctor. It can be a sign of a serious liver problem that pregnant women have the tendency to develop later in the pregnancy, known as obstetric cholestasis. Additionally, the itching can also be an indicator of a possible Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Therefore, it is recommended that you get in touch with your doctor and discover the root cause of the itch.

Disclaimer:

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