Itchy down there during pregnancy

Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and More

Pregnant women often experience vaginal itching at some point during pregnancy. This is a normal and common occurrence.

Many things can cause vaginal itching during pregnancy. Some may be the result of changes your body is going through. Other causes may not be associated with your pregnancy at all.

Read on to review the potential causes of vaginal itching during pregnancy, plus learn hands-on information about treatment and prevention.

These conditions may cause vaginal itching during pregnancy:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis can occur if the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina changes. This common vaginal infection typically happens to sexually active women, whether they’re pregnant or not. Symptoms include:

a thin, opaque or grayish discharge
itching
burning
redness
a fishlike odor, especially after sexual intercourse

Yeast infection

In addition to bacteria, your vagina normally contains a small amount of yeast. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina, causing yeast to multiply. For this reason, yeast infections are common during pregnancy.

Symptoms can include:

itching
burning
a thick vaginal discharge that has the texture of cottage cheese

Increase in vaginal discharge

The amount of vaginal discharge and cervical mucus you secrete may increase throughout pregnancy. Hormonal changes causes this as well as the softening of the cervix and vaginal walls.

Discharge is designed to protect your vagina from infection, but it can irritate the skin of the vulva, making it red and itchy.

Vaginal dryness

Hormonal changes may cause vaginal dryness to occur in some people during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence indicates that those who are breastfeeding when they conceive are more likely to experience this symptom.

Redness, irritation, and pain during sex may also occur.

Low progesterone may also cause vaginal dryness in some pregnant women. Since this hormone is necessary for sustaining pregnancy, talk to your doctor if you have this symptom.

Sensitivity to products

During pregnancy, the vagina becomes engorged with blood, and your skin may feel stretched and more sensitive than usual.

Products that you used comfortably before conceiving may now irritate your skin, causing it to itch and redden. Products that can cause this to occur include:

detergent
bubble bath
body wash
soap

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

The uterus sits on top of the bladder. As it expands during pregnancy, greater pressure is placed on the bladder. This can block the expulsion of urine, causing an infection to occur.

For this reason, pregnant women can be at greater risk for getting a UTI.

Bacteria can also cause UTIs, such as group B strep bacteria (GBS). Around 1 in 4 pregnant women test positive for GBS. GBS in adults doesn’t usually show symptoms. Since the GBS bacteria can be harmful to a newborn, your doctor will test you for it during pregnancy.

Symptoms include:

frequent and urgent need to urinate
abdominal pain
vaginal itching and burning
blood in urine
pain during intercourse

Cholestasis of pregnancy

This liver condition may occur late in pregnancy. Why it happens isn’t completely understood. Experts think genetics and pregnancy hormones play a role.

Cholestasis of pregnancy causes extreme itchiness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The itching may start to affect the entire body, including the vaginal area. Rashes and redness don’t occur with this condition.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs, such as genital herpes, HPV, and trichomoniasis, may all have vaginal itching as an early symptom.

You can become pregnant while you have an STI or get one during pregnancy. Since STIs may not show symptoms, it’s important to let your doctor know if you think you may have one contracted one.

If an STI does show symptoms, you may have:

rash
burning sensation
warts
fever
vaginal discharge
flu-like symptoms

STIs can adversely affect you and your baby, but you can get treated while you’re pregnant, eliminating those risks.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is often nothing to worry about and can often be resolved with at-home treatments.

However, during this time it may make sense to be especially proactive and talk with your doctor about any troubling symptoms you experience.

Treatments for vaginal itching will vary based on the cause. They include:

Over-the-counter antifungal treatments. If your doctor has confirmed that you have a yeast infection, you can use an OTC antifungal cream or suppository to treat it. Don’t use fluconazole (Diflucan). This prescribed antifungal medication has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.
Baking soda. Itchy skin can be soothed by soaking in a baking soda bath or using a baking soda compresses on the area.
Cool water. Cool baths and cold compresses may also help reduce itching.
Product elimination. If you think the products you’re using are causing your symptoms, try eliminating all of them and use all-natural, gentle products designed for use during pregnancy or for babies.
Antibiotics. You’ll need prescription medication if you have a UTI, STI, or bacterial vaginosis.
Corticosteroids. Topical anti-itch creams such as corticosteroids may help reduce itching.
Other medications. If you have cholestasis, your doctor will monitor you and might recommend you use anti-bile medications.

It may be hard to completely avoid vaginal itching during pregnancy, but certain proactive behaviors may help. Consider these tips:

Try to keep your vaginal pH in the healthy range by eating yogurt that contains live cultures. You can also take a Lactobacillusacidophilus supplement daily with your doctor’s approval.
Wear underwear made from cotton or another breathable fabric.
Avoid wearing clothing that’s too tight.
Immediately change out of damp clothing, such as bathing suits or exercise gear.
Avoid using products that contain scents, chemicals, or irritants.
Practice good hygiene, especially after going to the bathroom. Always wipe from front to back.
Don’t douche. Douching alters the vagina’s natural pH balance. Follow our guide to clean your vagina and vulva.
Try to reduce your stress levels with prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

Mention any uncomfortable symptom that worries you during pregnancy to your doctor. If you have vaginal itching that doesn’t respond to at-home treatment within a few days, have your doctor check it out.

If vaginal itching is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or a thick, smelly discharge, see your doctor to rule out an infection. Also see your doctor if you notice streaky blood in your discharge.

Vaginal itching is a common occurrence during pregnancy and often nothing to worry about. It’s mostly associated with the normal hormonal changes you can expect during this time.

If you’re concerned about this symptom, or other symptoms accompany it, such as pain or odor, your doctor will be able to prescribe treatments that can help.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy: Causes and treatments

Vaginal itching in pregnancy is a common experience. Potential causes include changes to the vagina during this period, or an infection. Identifying the cause can help with treatment and prevention.

Scientific studies have looked at the prevalence of conditions that may cause vaginal itching in a pregnant woman.

A 2015 study found that women are more likely to have vaginal yeast during pregnancy. Another 2019 study of women in Ghana found that 56.4% had a vaginal infection during pregnancy, while a 2017 analysis of women in Nigeria put the figure at 60.8%.

Some medications to treat vaginal infections are unsafe for pregnant women. For this reason, it is important to see a doctor or midwife to diagnose and treat vaginal pain or itching during pregnancy.

Vaginal itching may have a range of symptoms, including:

pain at the entrance to the vagina
itching and pain in and around the vulva
itching and pain inside the vagina
pain or itching that worsens after sexual intercourse
burning in or around the vagina
pain when urinating

Some people also notice an increase or change in vaginal discharge.

Similarly, some infections may cause a change in the smell of vaginal discharge.

Yeast infections do not typically cause a bad smell, though some people may notice an odor that resembles that of bread, beer, or something sweet.

Trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis may cause a fishy odor.

The most common reasons for vaginal itching during pregnancy include:

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is a bacterial infection of the vagina. In some cases, it may transmit from one sexual partner to another. In others, it may happen when something causes the normal bacterial balance of the vagina to change.

Bacterial vaginosis can cause pain and itching. One of the most noticeable symptoms, however, is a fishy odor that gets worse after sex.

Without treatment in pregnant women, the infection can cause preterm birth and low birth weight.

Vaginal yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection causes too much yeast to grow in the vagina. Symptoms include intense itching and burning.

Some people also notice a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge. Severe cases can cause swelling in the vagina, or lead the skin to crack. This increases the risk of other infections.

Vaginal yeast tends to grow in warm, moist areas. Wearing cotton underwear and keeping the vagina dry, especially after exercise or sex, may reduce the risk.

Women who are pregnant, have diabetes, use hormonal contraceptives, or who have recently used antibiotics are more likely to get yeast infections.

Trichomoniasis

A parasite causes a contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) called trichomoniasis.

Only about 30% of people with the infection have symptoms. When symptoms are noticeable, they include vaginal itching and pain when urinating.

Trichomoniasis increases the risk of preterm labor and low birth weight.

Vaginal dryness

Most people experience an increase in vaginal discharge and moisture during pregnancy. However, after delivery, vaginal dryness is common.

This dryness may cause itching and pain in the immediate postpartum period. The itching may get worse if a person uses soap to clean the area, as soap can dry the skin.

Treatment depends on the reason for the vaginal itching. The wrong treatment will not help and may even make the infection worse.

Yeast infections, for example, sometimes appear or get worse after a person uses antibiotics. People should see a doctor instead of self-diagnosing for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Bacterial vaginosis sometimes goes away on its own, or with home remedies. However, it is essential to treat it promptly with antibiotics because it increases the risk of negative pregnancy outcomes.

Many antibiotics are safe during pregnancy. Make sure the doctor or midwife knows about the pregnancy, so that they can select the right drug.

Vaginal yeast infections usually get better with antifungal treatment. Oral antifungal treatments are typically safe during pregnancy and often work better than over-the-counter remedies.

A woman should speak to a doctor before trying home remedies during pregnancy.

Learn about some home remedies for yeast infections here.

Medication to treat trichomoniasis involves killing the parasite that causes the condition. This medication is safe during pregnancy.

People who experience dryness-related itching after pregnancy may find relief from using vaginal lubricants during sex or trying long-term vaginal moisturizers.

As a person’s hormones return to normal, and their vagina recovers from any tears or injury during delivery, the itching usually goes away. If moisturizers do not help, it is advisable to see a doctor, as there could be an infection.

It is a myth that bad hygiene causes vaginal infections or vaginal itching during pregnancy. Frequent washing or showers will not prevent infections. Douching and perfumed soaps may even increase the risk of some infections.

Strategies that may help prevent vaginal itching during pregnancy include:

wearing breathable cotton underwear
keeping the vaginal area dry by not sitting in wet bathing suits or sweaty underwear
taking antibiotics only when necessary
using condoms or protection against STIs during sex
limiting sexual partners

A person should see a doctor for any signs or symptoms of a vaginal infection. It is also important to see a doctor in the following circumstances:

A person develops new symptoms after treating an infection.
The symptoms get worse or do not improve after a few days of treatment.
A person develops another vaginal infection after treatment.
A woman has multiple vaginal infections during pregnancy.

Call a doctor right away, and go to the emergency room if the doctor does not answer, if:

The baby stops moving.
There are signs of labor, such as leaking fluid or contractions.
There is bleeding from the vagina.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a common if painful experience. It is rarely dangerous, but having a diagnosis can help ensure the safety of the pregnant woman and developing fetus.

Vaginal infections are highly treatable, and treatment is usually safe for anyone who is pregnant.

Pregnant women experiencing persistent or severe vaginal itching should speak to a doctor. They can advise on safe treatments and prevention of future itching.

Why does the skin itch during pregnancy?

Skin itching during pregnancy is not a very common phenomenon. Most often, the skin begins to itch unbearably (as after mosquito bites) in the evening, closer to night, which can provoke insomnia and generally worsen a woman’s mood. Usually itching does not harm the baby and goes away after childbirth. However, it is still worth consulting with a gynecologist and dermatologist.

What does it come from? nine0005

The cause of itching during pregnancy in most cases is a violation of the liver: the production and outflow of bile, a general increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood. This is due to a hormonal failure in the body of the future mother - a violation of the synthesis of estrogens, as well as due to fetal pressure on the bile ducts. The fatty acids produced in large quantities enter the woman's skin with the bloodstream and irritate the nerve endings, causing excruciating itching. Similar phenomena associated with stagnation of bile in the body can make themselves felt in the third trimester of pregnancy. Sometimes itching is accompanied by such dangerous diseases as diabetes mellitus. nine0003

Who is predisposed?

Itching during pregnancy is usually observed in women with chronic diseases of the biliary tract and with high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Such future mothers need to regularly (at least once a month) do a biochemical blood test to exclude toxic effects on liver cells.

How to fight?

A pregnant woman should tell her gynecologist about the discomfort associated with skin itching. In some cases, itching can be a sign of the development of such a dangerous disease as hepatitis. The doctor will conduct appropriate examinations. If, according to an objective examination, itching does not pose any danger, it is often possible to get rid of discomfort simply by following a diet aimed at lowering cholesterol levels, limiting the intake of fatty, spicy and salty foods that prevent the liver from coping with the function of bile secretion, as well as drinking plenty of water - it is necessary to eliminate dry skin. If the diet does not help, the doctor may prescribe choleretic drugs suitable for pregnant women. nine0003

It is important to find the cause of the bothersome itching, eliminating a whole group of skin diseases that can occur during pregnancy.

Itching in the abdomen and chest

This itch is worth mentioning separately. As a rule, the skin on the abdomen or chest itches in the second and third trimesters due to its stretching, because it is these parts of the body that increase in volume during pregnancy. In this case, it is very important not to scratch the skin - this will lead to the appearance of stretch marks, which, unlike itching, will not go away after childbirth. Regularly use moisturizing creams, special products for stretch marks, do a light massage of the chest and abdomen with circular movements of your fingers and do not take hot showers. nine0003

You can get answers to any questions about pregnancy and childbirth from leading EMC experts in the classes of the School of Moms.

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Itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy, causes of itching during pregnancy

Pregnancy is undoubtedly the most significant period in the life of every woman. Despite this, it does not always proceed as one would like - without complications and unpleasant diseases. The most common symptoms that occur in women are itching and burning in the vagina . During pregnancy, they can occur both separately and together.

Burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy is observed in about every second woman. This may be due to both internal and external factors. However, in no case should you self-medicate, or hope that itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy will go away on their own. These symptoms can signal serious illnesses, so it is advisable in this case to visit your gynecologist. nine0003

In this article we will tell you what causes burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy, what diseases can accompany and how to get rid of these symptoms.

During pregnancy itching appeared in the vagina. Causes of itching

Why does itching occur in the vagina during pregnancy? The reasons for this symptom may be different. First of all, internal causes play a role, they are directly related to pregnancy - reduced immunity and changes in hormonal levels. Reduced immunity increases the risk of various diseases - candidiasis, herpes, dysbacteriosis, chlamydia. Also, during pregnancy, already existing diseases of the organs of the reproductive system - colpitis, vaginitis - which can also often cause itching, can become aggravated. nine0003

But, if itching appeared in the vagina during pregnancy, the reasons can also be external - synthetic underwear, tight clothing, frequent douching, constant use of soap, shower gels that dry the mucous membrane.

How to eliminate itching and burning of the vagina during pregnancy?

To eliminate itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy, you first need to find out the cause of these unpleasant symptoms. If it's all about intimate hygiene products, or underwear, then it will be enough to change them to relieve the burning sensation and itching of the vagina during pregnancy. Instead of soap and shower gel, you can use ordinary boiled water, or a decoction of chamomile, synthetic linen should be replaced with natural. nine0003

But if burning and itching of the vagina during pregnancy are a manifestation of diseases, then etiological rather than symptomatic treatment is required first of all. However, only certain drugs are allowed during pregnancy, which greatly complicates the treatment process. The advantage is given to topical preparations, such as Gynoflor and Fluomizin. But if itching and burning in the vagina during pregnancy do not go away, systemic drugs are also used.

How to prevent burning and itching in the vagina during pregnancy. Prevention first! nine0005

How to eliminate itching, burning in the vagina? Pregnancy is a contraindication to the use of many drugs, which makes treatment a little difficult. Therefore, it is best to think about the likelihood of such symptoms in advance and carry out their prevention even before pregnancy!

To choose the right method of prevention, you need to know what causes itching, burning in the vagina. Pregnancy leads to a decrease in a woman's immunity, so it would be advisable to take vitamin and mineral preparations, tonics. To prevent dysbacteriosis, which is often the cause of itching and burning in the vagina, probiotics are often recommended, the introduction of more fermented milk products into the diet. Vaginal suppositories containing various bacteria (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, acidobacteria), lactic acid are also often prescribed by gynecologists to prevent itching in the vagina.