Your body transforms in many ways when you're pregnant, and an increase in vaginal discharge just happens to be one of those (not-so-fun) changes. If the discharge is clear or white and odor-free, it's most likely caused by pregnancy hormones, and it's a sign that the vagina is healthy. But sometimes excess discharge signals an infection, which occurs when the natural balance of bacteria that lives in the vagina is disrupted. Four vaginal infections, ranging from common to more rare, can affect pregnant women: bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, Group B Strep (GBS), and trichomoniasis. The good news is that when vaginal infections are diagnosed promptly they're generally easy for doctors to treat. The tricky part is differentiating between normal discharge and discharge that signals an actual infection. Here, we break down the causes of each infection, the symptoms, the treatments, and preventative tips.
What is BV?
Approximately 1 in 5 pregnant women will develop this itchy, irritating infection, according to the National Institutes of Health. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria that naturally lives in the vagina, which, in pregnancy, can be influenced by shifting hormones. If left untreated, BV symptoms will persist and the baby may be born early or have a low birthweight. (In women who are not pregnant, BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes.) BV can be diagnosed with a simple vaginal culture; your doctor inserts a swab, collects a sample of your discharge, and looks at it under a microscope.
BV sometimes goes away on its own. If you are in your first trimester, your doctor may wait to treat it until your second trimester. A course of antibiotics, usually Metronidazole or Clindamycin, generally does the trick.
What is a yeast infection?
The itching and burning brought on by a yeast infection is usually caused by an overgrowth of Candida, a fungus that naturally lives in the vagina. During pregnancy, increased levels of estrogen and progesterone help create the kind of environment in which yeast can thrive. Other causes of yeast infections include taking antibiotics and having intercourse, both of which can disrupt the natural pH in your vagina. You doctor can diagnose a yeast infection with a simple vaginal culture; she inserts a cotton swab, collects a sample of your discharge, and looks at it under a microscope.
A cream or ovule that you insert into your vagina, or an oral antifungal medicine such as Diflucan