Vaginitis during pregnancy can be infectious or not. About 10-20% of pregnant women have vaginitis. Although the disease has hidden symptoms, it directly affects the fetus and the health of the pregnant mother, so it needs to be treated and maintained throughout pregnancy and after birth.

What is Gynecological Inflammation During Pregnancy?

Vaginitis during pregnancy can occur at any time during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the concentration of estrogen and progesterone hormones in the mother's body increases, accompanied by changes in the lower genital tract such as congestion, vaginal mucosal hypertrophy, cervical glandular cell proliferation, changes in vaginal pH, and a decrease in the number of B lymphocytes, causing changes in the local immune environment of the vagina and cervix.

This change allows anaerobic bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in the vagina to grow and multiply more strongly.

Symptoms of Gynecological Inflammation Commonly Occurring in Pregnant Women:

Candida is a fungus that causes vaginal infections. These infections often occur at any time during pregnancy when the immune system changes, glycogen production (the body's energy storage) and estrogen levels increase. They are more common during the second and third trimesters.

During pregnancy, signs of vaginal yeast infection include:

• • Vaginal itching a lot.
  • More vaginal discharge than usual.
  • Vaginal discharge is white, like powder, or like white flakes that stick to underwear.
  • Vaginal discharge has a foul odor.
  • burning sensation during urination or sexual intercourse.
  • In some cases, vaginitis during pregnancy does not have any symptoms, making it impossible for pregnant women to detect and treat the disease promptly.

Signs of Gynecological Inflammation During Pregnancy:

Pregnant women with gynecological inflammation can have many different causes, and each pathogen will have different symptoms. Specifically, as follows:

Vaginitis caused by bacteria: 

Bacterial vaginosis, also known as BV, is a type of vaginal infection caused by bacteria. Lactobacilli are beneficial bacteria and anaerobic bacteria are harmful bacteria in the natural vaginal environment. Lactobacilli are the majority and control the growth of anaerobic bacteria, so normally there is a balance between the two. But anaerobic bacteria thrive under favorable conditions, disrupting the natural balance and causing BV.

BV is the most common infection in women between the ages of 15 and 44. It is also the most common sexually transmitted infection in pregnant women, affecting about 1 million pregnant women each year. BV is usually a mild infection and is easily treated with medication.

But if not treated promptly, it can increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy complications.

Although the main cause of BV is an imbalance of vaginal flora, there are several factors that increase the risk of the disease, including:

• • Deep vaginal douching and improper protection of the private area.
  • Unprotected sex.
  • Have many sexual partners.
  • Overuse of vaginal suppositories or antibiotics.

According to research, about 50–75% of pregnant women with vaginitis have no symptoms. Pregnant women observe:

• • Abnormal vaginal discharge, thin, gray or milky white, in some cases foamy and with an unpleasant fishy odor
  • Symptoms can occur at any time of day, but they are often more bothersome at night and worse during sex.

Yeast infection:

Yeast infections, also known as monilosis, are common in women. It is estimated that 3 out of 4 women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime, and up to 45% will have two or more yeast infections. Candida albicans is the most common type of yeast. Other types of yeast include Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis.

Candida overgrowth and candida infections are more common during pregnancy. One study found that Candida is normally found in the vagina of about 20% of women, and this number increases to 30% during pregnancy. During each stage, the hormones estrogen and progesterone change, increasing the likelihood of infection.

Although vaginal yeast infections are harmless to pregnant women, newborns can get yeast infections during vaginal birth, which requires early detection for effective treatment. Signs of yeast infections include:

• • Severe itching and pain in the vulva and vagina.
  • Rash on the vulva and surrounding skin, sometimes on the groin and thighs.
  • Vaginal discharge is odorless, white, lumpy and cloudy like cheese, burning when urinating.
  • These symptoms last for hours, days, or weeks.

Trichomoniasis: 

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, with approximately 3.7 million cases in the United States. Trichomonas vaginalis can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. The incubation period from exposure to infection is approximately 5 to 28 days.

Antibiotics can be used to treat Trichomonas and the infection will clear up within a week. However, if left untreated, the infection will persist for months or years, causing symptoms to become more severe and interfering with educational activities. It can cause complications during childbirth such as the risk of premature rupture of membranes, premature birth before 37 weeks and low birth weight.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that approximately 70-85% of people with Trichomoniasis have no symptoms. When symptoms do become more apparent, they may include:

• • Vaginal discharge has a fishy odor and is milky white, gray, or green in color.
  • Itching in the genitals.
  • Pain during sex or urination.

Does Gynecological Inflammation Affect the Fetus?

Infections can affect the fetus. However, it is difficult for doctors to determine whether and how the fetus will be affected. There are three ways that yeast infections can affect the fetus.

• • Harmful to the mother, causing the mother's body to be unable to provide enough nutrients for the fetus or using drugs that can harm the fetus.
  • Directly affects the fetus by causing changes that can lead to birth abnormalities.
  • Induce miscarriage or premature labor.

As follows, the fetus can be directly affected by gynecological inflammation:

• • Bacterial vaginosis can cause preterm labor.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis, herpes, and HIV can be passed to the fetus.
  • Chlamydia is a bacteria that causes vaginitis and can cause eye infections and pneumonia.
  • The disease can lead to premature labor and the mixed bacteria can get into the baby's eyes as it passes through the mother's vagina, causing infection and possibly blindness.
  • Group B streptococcus can cause serious illness in newborns and can be fatal in some cases.
  • The above shows that you should not be subjective when suffering from gynecological inflammation during pregnancy. This disease can be dangerous for the pregnancy of the mother and the baby.

When Having Gynecological Inflammation, What Should Pregnant Women Do?

When pregnant women suspect that they have vaginitis, they should go to a reputable medical facility to be examined and determine the cause of the disease. After that, pregnant women will receive advice from a medical specialist for treatment so as not to affect the fetus.

In addition to using medication, pregnant women should do the following to reduce vaginitis during pregnancy:

• • Do not try to endure vaginal itching because you think that taking medicine will affect the baby in your womb.
  • Limit the use of daily sanitary napkins.
  • Wear loose-fitting, breathable underwear (preferably cotton).
  • Limit the number of times you have sex and keep your private area clean before and after sex.
  • Clean the private area daily.
  • Exercise gently and maintain a scientific and healthy lifestyle.
  • Eating yogurt has many beneficial bacteria that are good for your health.
  • Clean your underwear in the sun. If possible, use a hot iron to kill any remaining fungal spores.

How Can Pregnant Women Reduce the Risk of Gynecological Inflammation?

A great way to prevent vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy is to prevent yeast infections. The following tips can help pregnant women reduce their risk of developing yeast infections:

• • Monogamy
  • Underwear should always be loose fitting and should not be shared with others.
  • Sanitary napkins should not be used too often, they should only be used during the first and last days of menstruation.
  • Make sure to always wipe the genitals and anus from front to back.
  • Shower immediately after swimming. Damp underwear and clothing are ideal environments for yeast to grow.
  • Avoid douching and avoid using harsh detergents or scented cleaning solutions.
  • Do not use vaginal sprays such as perfume.
  • Limit sugar intake, as sugar promotes yeast growth.
  • Increase your immunity by doing light exercise or yoga.
  • To help your body fight infection more easily, get plenty of rest.

Conclude:

Gynecological inflammation not only affects the health of pregnant women but also increases the risk of diseases such as eye infections, pneumonia, pathology, sexually transmitted diseases and especially dangerous premature birth. Therefore, pregnant women should have regular gynecological examinations throughout pregnancy for early detection and timely treatment, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy.

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