Do you know that 3 out of 4 women will have at least one virginal yeast infection during their lifetime? And the chances of vaginal infections during pregnancy increase significantly due to the hormonal rollercoaster running inside your body.

4 Types of Vaginal Infections Likely to Occur During Your Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a fantastic time in a woman’s life. However, it can also come with its fair share of discomforts and infections. The hormonal change often leads to vaginal infections. Here are 4 types of common vaginal infections which happen during pregnancy:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, occurs when the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina is disturbed. This can happen for several reasons, including sexual activity, douching, and using scented products in or around the vagina.

BV is usually harmless and doesn't cause any long-term problems. However, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to other infections so consult a doctor to get necessary treatment for bacterial vaginosis. Also bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy can increase your risk of preterm labor. Your doctor may prescribe mild medication for treating BV in pregnancy.

2. Yeast Infection

A yeast infection is a common fungal infection that can occur when there's an overgrowth of the yeast candida albicans in the vagina. Thrush in pregnancy is also common because the hormone estrogen increases the growth of yeast. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to UTIs, which can lead to vaginal infections.

If you think you have a yeast infection, it's important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. There are many different ways to treat a yeast infection.

The most common treatment for yeast infection is antifungal medications. This can be in the form of a cream, tablet, or suppository that is inserted into the vagina. It is also possible to take antifungal medication orally.

3. Group B Strep (GBS)

GBS is a type of bacteria that can cause a serious infection in newborn babies. Although the chances of a baby getting infected are meager, you should get tested for it for timely treatment.

This vaginal infection can also reach the digestive tract, urinary tract, and respiratory tract. The bacteria can infect you and the baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. 

GBS can be treated with antibiotics. If you're pregnant and have group B strep, you'll likely be given antibiotics during labor to prevent your baby from getting sick.

4. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis, or trich, is caused by a protozoan called Trichomonas vaginalis. This protozoan is found in the vagina and can be transmitted through sexual intercourse. The symptoms of trich include itching, burning, and discharge from the vagina.

The infection can be treated with antibiotics. If you think you have trich, it is important to see your healthcare provider so that you can be treated and avoid passing the infection to your baby.

Common Symptoms of Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy

These are some common symptoms of most types of vaginal infections during pregnancy. Contact your healthcare adviser if you feel any of these. A detailed diagnosis can reveal the exact nature of your infection, and it can be treated accordingly.

• Different types of vaginal discharges including thin grayish-white, thick, curdled whitish-yellow. These discharges may or may not smell. Greenish-yellow and frothy discharge is a typical indicator of trich.

• Pain or burning sensation during urination

• Vaginal itching and burning.

• Redness and swelling of the vagina and labia

• Pain, itching, burning sensation, and other discomforts during sexual intercourse.

• UTI – This is most common in the case of GBS. You may feel a sudden urge to urinate and experience cloudy urination with pain and a burning sensation.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent GBS. But to avoid dealing with other vaginal yeast infections while pregnant, follow these preventive measures diligently.

• Don’t delay removing your sweaty underpants after working out and wet underpants after swimming.

• Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight ones.

• Sleep without underwear if possible.

• Always wipe front to back while in the washroom.

• Avoid using bath oils.

• Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water a day.

• Urinate regularly.

• Eat a lot of complex carbohydrates, whole grains, and yogurt.

• Avoid refined sugar.

• Get regularly tested to treat the infection in its early stage.

• Stick to one sex partner to avoid trich and insist on using a condom during sex.

The best way to prevent these infections is to practice good hygiene and to see your doctor for regular check-ups. Getting treatment as soon as possible is crucial to avoid complications if you develop an infection.

Author Bio:

Krishma Patel is the Co-founder and the Superintendent Pharmacist at MedsNow, an online pharmacy in the UK that provides health and wellness products and treatments along with free online consultations. She is passionate about showcasing the integral function community pharmacies can play in supporting the healthcare system and the NHS by providing patients with high quality, safe and discreet access to healthcare at their convenience. Along with being the co-founder of MedsNow, Krishma is also the Director and the Superintendent Pharmacist of Enimed Ltd., an independent pharmacy group comprising 32 branches.