Itchy private part 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.

Itching and burning in the intimate area during pregnancy: vagina during pregnancy

Expecting a baby is one of the most wonderful times in a woman's life. Her thoughts are focused on dreams about the future of the baby and joyful chores about children's things, strollers, toys. But changes in the body sometimes prepare the expectant mother for unpleasant surprises. So, many women feel dryness, itching and burning in the intimate area during pregnancy. What are they caused by? nine0003

Why there is itching and burning in the intimate area during pregnancy

While waiting for the baby, the woman's hormonal background is completely rebuilt, as a result, the vaginal microflora also changes, which leads to the appearance of pathogenic bacteria and fungi that cause discomfort. If this is added to the wearing of synthetic underwear, the use of sanitary pads with fragrances, too hot weather, then unpleasant symptoms such as dryness, burning and itching in the intimate area during pregnancy may appear. Many women are willing to sacrifice good health for the health of the baby. Fearing to take medication, they endure discomfort until the very birth. However, itching, pain and burning during pregnancy make the expectant mother to be in a state of constant stress, which only increases the discomfort. If you feel discomfort in the intimate area, consult a doctor who will tell you what caused it and help you choose the right treatment. nine0003

What diseases of the intimate zone can occur during pregnancy? The cause may be one of the infections:

• thrush. Proliferation of yeast fungi on the mucous membrane of the intimate zone leads to its appearance. The infection can be transmitted to the child during childbirth, affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals;
• bacterial vaginosis. nine0015 Caused by pathogenic bacteria and manifests itself in the form of gray discharge with an unpleasant odor;
• urinary tract infections . Hostile microorganisms during urination from the intimate area penetrate into the urinary organs. Cutting and burning are the first signs of this condition. This does not harm the baby, but it can lead to inflammation of the kidneys, which is dangerous for the expectant mother.