Rafed English
site.site_name : Rafed English

What causes vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

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.

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV):

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.

Symptoms

  • Thin grayish-white discharge
  • Pain during urination
  • Itching around the vagina

Treatment

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.

Prevention

  • Never sit around in a wet bathing suit or sweaty panties; always put on a clean pair of cotton underwear after you're finished swimming or working out.
  • Wear comfortable, cotton underwear that will allow air to circulate. Avoid tight pantyhose or pants, which can cause bacteria-inducing sweat.
  • Sleep without underwear--this can reduce your risk of infections.
  • Wipe front to back when you go to the bathroom. This will keep bacteria spreading from your anus to your vagina.
  • Skip bath oils -- they can trap bacteria.

Yeast Infection

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.

Symptoms

  • Pain and itching in the vagina; the area can sometimes feel raw, too
  • Redness and swelling of the vagina and labia
  • Thick, curdled whitish-yellow discharge; may or may not have an odor that smells like bread baking
  • Pain or discomfort during sex
  • Burning while urinating

Treatment:

A cream or ovule that you insert into your vagina, or an oral antifungal medicine such as Diflucan

Prevention:

  • Wear cotton underwear, which will allow air to circulate and absorb any discharge.
  • Sleep without underwear--this can reduce your risk of infections.
  • Stay well hydrated to help flush out toxins. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
  • Urinate regularly to help eliminate infection-causing bacteria.
  • Eat complex carbohydrates and whole grains instead of refined sugar to help decrease the environmental factors for infections.
  • Consume yogurt often. Lactobacillus, naturally found in yogurt, is a probiotic that promotes proper digestion and is known to help prevent vaginal infections.