During pregnancy, hormonal changes that alter the natural state of the vagina and vulva and vaginal infections become more frequent.
Do you know how to recognize them? Do they affect the fetus? The hormones of women change during pregnancy. This alters the natural state of the vagina and vulva, changing its pH, degree of lubrication, the composition of vaginal discharge and even its morphology (the lips thicken the vaginal mucosa is more moist and spongy and increases vascularization).
Therefore, often things happen that do not pass out of the pregnancy, or who are not as common as the occurrence of vaginal infections and vulvar, known as vaginitis. What vaginal infections are most common? The most frequent infections, and also the lightest, are produced by fungi, and within those caused by Candida, but infections can be bacterial or viral origin.
Many of the microorganisms that cause vaginitis women living with a natural way, without causing any symptoms, because the defenses are kept at bay, but in certain circumstances (such as pregnancy or a lowering of defenses for whatever reason), we are causing the infection.
Do they affect the fetus vaginal infections? Most vaginal infections do not cause injury to the fetus, but we must always check the symptoms with the obstetrician or midwife for early diagnosis and treatment advice.
The symptoms of vaginal infection: how to recognize.
Most often we notice a sharp increase in vaginal discharge, and this appears thicker and white (as if yogurt) or grayish or greenish. We can also notice that it smells bad, or at least that smells different than usual. It is common to feel itchy in the genital area, burning and even pain. If you look closely at the area, we can see some kind of rash (bumps, blisters or redness).
Do not treat yourself
If we have these symptoms, we must come to our gynecologist for us to prescribe the right treatment. If we do not usually self-medicate during pregnancy should still be more careful (even discouraged creams for external use). Whatever you use, you should check with your doctor. Prevention, the most important certain lifestyle habits such as excessive hygiene or tight-fitting underwear can increase the risk of vaginal infection.