You might think that morning sickness and swollen feet are the most common symptom of pregnancy. Actually, vaginal itching during pregnancy is also the same generally.
Jennifer Keller, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, quoted from The Bump, said, vaginal itching during pregnancy is caused by increased production of vaginal fluids due to a surge of hormones, which can cause irritation in vulva skin.
The good news is, when a vaginal infection is diagnosed as soon as possible, it will generally be easy for the doctor to treat your complaint. The hard part is to distinguish between normal vaginal discharge and what signifies actual infection. Here, we detail the various causes of vaginal itching, symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips.
What causes the vagina to itch and swell during pregnancy?
Itchy vagina can be a side effect of pregnancy which makes you more uncomfortable. It is important to get an examination because these symptoms can indicate something more serious, such as a sexually transmitted disease.
Causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy are the most common and not serious
You may also experience irritation from the soap, lotion, or detergent that you use everyday. Some compositions on certain products can increase sensitivity to the skin of pregnant women because the tissues that are attracted to stretch become more sensitive.
Causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy are more serious and must receive special attention
Pubic lice (pediculosis)
If you only experience superficial itching around the pubic hair, the pubic lice may be the cause.
You can easily contract pubic lice in public places or through sexual transmission. Pubic lice tend to be very contagious, so you can get them anywhere. This condition requires treatment by a doctor, as well as efforts to eradicate lice thoroughly from beds and clothing. Check with your doctor before using chemical lice.
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)
1 in 5 pregnant women can develop this vaginal infection. BV occurs when there is an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that live in the vagina, which especially - in pregnancy - can be affected by hormonal shifts. Symptoms include grayish and fishy vaginal discharge, pain during urination, and vaginal itching.
If left untreated, symptoms of BV will persist and babies can be born prematurely or have low birth weight. In women who are not pregnant, BV can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility or damage the fallopian tubes.
In general, BV will disappear by itself. If you experience BV in your first trimester, your doctor may wait to treat it until the second trimester arrives. BV can usually be managed with the antibiotic Metronidazole or Clindamycin.
Yeast infection
Itchy and gifted sensations caused by yeast infections are usually caused by a soaring growth of Candida fungi, a natural fungus that lives in the vagina.
Yeast infections are commonly found in women, but pregnant women will be more susceptible to this condition because during pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone help create an environment where yeast can develop rapidly. Other causes of yeast infections include consumption of antibiotics and sex, both of which can interfere with the natural pH balance of the vagina.
Symptoms include itching in the vagina, textured vaginal discharge such as liquid cheese (runny and lumpy), sour smell, and pain.
Yeast infections that you experience during pregnancy will not have any effect on the fetus in the uterus. However, if you contract this condition during childbirth, there is little chance that your baby will contract the same infection as he passes through your vagina.
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and you have this infection, you should avoid using oral anti-infective drugs. Instead, use a vaginal pessaries plus an anti-fungal cream, if needed.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is one of the most common and easily curable sexually transmitted diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Trichomonas vaginalis parasite is transmitted through sexual contact and generally lives in the vagina.
Trichomoniasis symptoms, including:
- Yellowish-greenish, whitish, foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Sensation of itching, burning, and irritation during sexual intercourse.
To treat trichomoniasis, doctors will usually prescribe you with oral antibiotics, such as Metronidazole and Tinidazole.