Morning sickness, headaches, mood swings, and tiredness are some common symptoms of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you must have experienced a few of them, if not all. Most women experience these symptoms while pregnant, but sometimes, they may also experience vaginal itching at some point of their pregnancies. Vaginal itching, though not experienced by all, is common during pregnancy. If you experience vaginal itching, you need not panic. It could be caused by various factors and dealing with it requires us to first identify the correct cause.
Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a condition where the skin in and around the vagina is irritated and becomes itchy and inflamed. When a woman is pregnant, she might experience an increase in vaginal discharge, which may irritate the skin of the vulva. However, the itching could also be because of infections or an allergic reaction to any detergent, lotion, or soap being used during pregnancy.
The most common reasons for vaginal itching during pregnancy are mentioned below.
The pelvic area experiences increased blood flow during pregnancy, and this causes engorgement of the vaginal area, making it more susceptible to infections. Yeast is normally found in the vagina in a small amount. The hormonal changes during pregnancy can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina, making it vulnerable to infections. As a result, the yeast can multiply in the vaginal region, causing intense itching, smelly cottage cheese-like discharge, and pain. This can be treated easily with over-the-counter medication. The medicines suggested are anti-fungal creams, ointments or tablets. However, you must check with your doctor first, before using any medication.
Hormonal changes, changes in the pH levels, and thickening of the vaginal walls during pregnancy can lead to increased vaginal discharge. An increase in vaginal discharge and cervical mucus during pregnancy can lead to itching. If the discharge is clear or white and not smelly, it means the itching is caused by pregnancy hormones. Although vaginal discharge protects the vagina, sometimes, it can irritate the skin of the vulva, making it red and itchy. If you are experiencing an increased vaginal discharge, wipe it off gently and keep your vaginal area dry and clean as much as possible. You can even use a cold compress on the affected area or wash the area with water.
This is a very common cause of vaginal itching during pregnancy. Bacteria are commonly found in the vagina, but if the balance between the good and bad bacteria changes in the vagina, it can cause bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include itching, soreness, burning pain while urinating, foul-smelling discharge, and inflammation. This condition has to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. The doctor usually prescribes antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection.
During pregnancy, the sensitive skin of the vagina can get inflamed or irritated due to harsh soaps, detergents, or lotion that you use. Fabric softeners and detergents used on your underwear, perfumed soaps, lotions, douches, and condoms can all cause the vaginal skin to become irritated. To prevent this, avoid using perfumed soaps and lotions. Use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and lotions, and opt for hypoallergenic detergents and fabric softeners.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause vaginal itching and irritation. Examples of STDs include Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Trichomoniasis, and Herpes. Besides itching, these diseases also cause smelly discharge and pain. In case of an STD, a woman must seek medical help immediately. In case you have an STD, the doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment. While having sex, one must use condoms and avoid sex with partners who are not monogamous.
If you have intense itching around your pubic hair, it could be due to pediculosis or crab lice. Crab lice are tiny insects that feed on human blood. They are very contagious, and you can get them from public toilets or via sexual transmission. Pediculosis cannot be treated at home and one must consult a doctor for the same. In the case of crab lice, complete decontamination of bedding and clothes also becomes necessary. Using chemical lice treatments without consulting a doctor is not recommended.
Vaginal itching could also result from a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is mainly because of bacteria lodged in the urinary tract, causing itching, pain, and burning sensation during urination. It may also be accompanied by fever, chills, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you must consult a doctor as it will require treatment with antibiotics.
If you experience vaginal itching during pregnancy, you should not try to self-medicate yourself. Over-the-counter medicines should also be taken only after consulting with a doctor. However, if you don’t experience this problem, there are certain things you can do to prevent it. You will have one less thing to worry about during pregnancy. Here are a few tips to reduce the likelihood of vaginal itching during pregnancy.
If you experience vaginal irritation during pregnancy that is accompanied by symptoms like foul-smelling discharge and pain, you should consult your doctor right away to rule out STDs and other infections. The main cause of vaginal itching in early pregnancy is hormonal changes or infections. You should consult your doctor if the itching persists for a long time and you have pain or smelly discharge. Call your doctor if you notice anything abnormal in the vaginal area like ulcers, cuts, sores, or raised bumps. Once a healthcare professional finds the cause of the problem, he can recommend the appropriate treatment for vaginal itching during pregnancy.
Vaginal itching during pregnancy is very common and can be treated by a doctor after determining the exact cause. But it is always recommended that you practice good hygiene to keep this problem at bay. Keep your vagina clean and dry to avoid irritation. Do not use any medication to treat vaginal itching without asking your doctor first.