Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a common problem during pregnancy often caused by hormonal changes, increased discharge, or yeast infections. Symptoms include persistent itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes unusual discharge. Additionally, conditions like bacterial vaginosis may also cause itching. While some degree of itching can be normal, persistent or severe itching, followed by unusual vaginal discharge, odor, and pain should prompt a visit to a gynecologist. Proper hygiene and wearing breathable, cotton underwear can help manage symptoms. Let’s explore more about vaginal itching during pregnancy, causes, treatment, prevention and much more.

What is Vaginal itching?

Itching in the vaginal area is common, it will have at least once in a lifetime. It’s uncomfortable and can make it hard to focus, sleep, and socialize.  All of this means that itching “down there” can be bad for your health and make you worry that it’s a sign of something much more serious.

Many things can make your vagina itching and the area around its opening (your vulva), such as using a body wash that makes you feel uncomfortable, having an infection like fungal infections, or having a skin condition like eczema.

Understanding Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, a lot of changes happen to the body. It is growing a new person, after all. Because of this, you’ll likely have some symptoms that are different or that you didn’t expect. One of these could be itching in the vaginal area.

Itching in the vaginal area during pregnancy is more common than you might think and can be related to various things.

Causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy

The following conditions carry potential causes for itching in the vaginal area during pregnancy:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

It is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. It can sometimes spread between sexual partners. In some people, it can happen when something changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis can damage and make you feel scratched. One of the most obvious problems is a fishy smell that develops after sexual activity. If the infection is not treated in a pregnant woman, it can cause the baby to be born ahead of schedule.

2. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is spread by a parasite. People who have the infection suffer the effects of it. When there are symptoms, they include itching in the vaginal area and painful urination.

Trichomoniasis makes it more likely that a baby will be born early or with low birth weight.

3. Due to pH change

When a woman is pregnant, the pH of the vagina may fall, which can cause burning.

If a woman gets vaginal itching because of the normal changes in pH of the vagina that mainly happen all through pregnancy. 

4. Enhance vaginal fluid

During pregnancy, a woman’s mucus generally increases. At the end of the pregnancy, the discharge may change into a sticky, pink mucus that looks like jelly. A yeast infection could also cause more discharge from the uterus.

5. Infection of the urinary tract (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infections are one of the most common types of infections that happen to pregnant women. Even though itching in the vaginal area is now not usually a sign of a UTI, sometimes two infections can happen at the same time. But a UTI complicates things for a pregnant woman because it makes issues more likely.

6. Infection from yeast

In pregnancy, hormonal changes stimulate fungal growth in the vagina. Candida species cause the condition called Vulvovaginal candidiasis. The yeast that is already in the body can grow and make the genital area itch. It happens a lot when a woman is pregnant.

10 Effective Treatments for Vaginal Itching

Itching in the vaginal area is normal during pregnancy, so there’s no need to worry if a woman feels this way. However, prevent all symptoms at home with some of the remedies. such as:

1. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Avoid tight jeans and leggings to let the vagina breathe.
2. Use clean cotton underwear.
3. Avoid synthetic clothing, which makes your vagina sweaty.
4. Clean the area with an odourless vaginal wash or with plain water.
5. Don’t wear underwear to sleep.
6. Try applying natural, yoghurt to your vagina to restore the natural balance of bacteria, consuming it also helps.
7. Reduce sugar intake. Sugar stimulates yeast and can cause bacterial overgrowth.
8. Soak in a bath with half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Ensure water can reach your vagina.
9. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
10. Apply a cold compress to the area.

Read more- Side effects of apple cider vinegar

Avoid itchiness! We know it’s hard, but it will only make the problem worse and make you itch even more than before. 

If it is not getting well through home remedies so consult the doctor, and he/she will tell you why you are itching in your vaginal area during pregnancy, and they will suggest ways to treat it. What kind of treatment is needed depends on the condition  such as:

If you are going through vaginal fungal infections. The doctor will prescribe you antifungal medications to treat vaginal yeast infections,  like pills, creams, and ointments.

These are some medications you can use to balance vaginal pH levels & prevent vaginal infections.

• Gynact Vaginal Wash
• Evactive Vaginal Wash
• Intiwash Vaginal Wash

Other itching and irritation in the vaginal area usually go away on their own. In the meantime, after a doctor consultation, you can use creams or lotions with steroids to reduce swelling and pain. But you shouldn’t use them too much because too much can cause irritation and itching that lasts for a long time.

How to Prevent Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy?

Vaginal itching during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to find relief. Firstly, maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. You can try a few home remedies for vaginal itching. Opt for gentle, unscented soaps and avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural pH balance. Wearing breathable cotton underwear helps keep the area dry and reduces irritation. Additionally, staying hydrated ensures your body remains balanced. Incorporating probiotics into your diet can promote healthy bacteria levels, which may alleviate itching. Applying cool compresses or soothing oatmeal baths can provide immediate relief. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying any new treatments to ensure they’re safe during pregnancy.

When Should I Be Worried About Vaginal Itching?

Vaginal itching can be a concerning symptom for many women, prompting questions about what causes vaginal itching, when to seek medical attention. Understanding what causes vaginal itching is crucial for knowing when it’s time to be worried. Speaking specifically about vaginal itching during pregnancy, it’s essential to differentiate between normal physiological changes and potential infections. While some degree of itching can be normal due to increased blood flow and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, persistent or severe itching accompanied by other symptoms like unusual discharge, odor, or pain should prompt a visit to the healthcare provider. Additionally, itching that disrupts daily activities or affects sleep should not be ignored. Seeking timely medical advice ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding both maternal and fetal health.

Severe Itching During Pregnancy

Severe itching during pregnancy, especially in the vaginal area, can be distressing for expecting mothers. Vaginal itching during pregnancy is common and can be caused by various factors. Many women wonder what causes vaginal itching. One of the primary reasons is hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, leading to increased vaginal discharge and alterations in pH levels, which can result in irritation and itching. Additionally, the increased blood flow to the pelvic area can exacerbate itching sensations. In some cases, vaginal itching during pregnancy may be due to infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis, which thrive in the warm and moist environment of the vagina during pregnancy. It’s crucial for pregnant women experiencing severe itching to consult their healthcare provider promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. While certain over-the-counter remedies may provide temporary relief, it’s essential to address the root cause to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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