Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles During Pregnancy
Itchy Vagina During Pregnancy
Submitted by Pregnancy and Baby Care team on January 17, 2012
Itching in the vagina is known to occur either on account of infections or sexually transmitted diseases. An itchy vagina during pregnancy is mainly caused by the changes in the PH levels of the vagina or also due to vaginal yeast infections. During pregnancy a vaginal discharge is considered to be normal and is not a cause of concern if the discharge is milky in color and thin. However vaginal yeast or thrush is found in some women causes vaginal itchiness during pregnancy. Thrush in pregnancy can be identified if the vaginal discharge is creamy white and thick or if there is excessive itching, redness or soreness around or in the vagina.
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Women suffering from an itchy vagina in pregnancy are known to experience pain when they are passing urine or even during sexual intercourse. Vaginal yeast or thrush is called by a microscopic fungus called candida albicans which is present in everyone and is relatively harmless until there is an imbalance between the amount of fungus and other microorganisms that live in the body.
An itchy vagina and pregnancy go hand in hand in most cases because during pregnancy the quantities of a sugar called glycogen in the vagina increases which aids the survival of thrush.
Similarly consumption of anti biotics or developing gestational diabetes which is not properly monitored also leads to itching in the vaginal area. An itchy vagina can be experience ant any time during the pregnancy and not only in early pregnancy depending on the medical health of the mother. Itchy vagina can affect any woman and hence cannot be considered as a sign of pregnancy. Pregnant women who suffer from thrush are usually prescribed an antifungal pessary by their doctor if they are not in their first trimester. While using the pessary care should be taken not to put to much pressure on the cervix. Vaginal yeast is typically difficult to clear during pregnancy and should not be treated by self medication. Some natural treatments for an itchy vagina include dabbing fresh natural yogurt around and into the vagina for some. Vaginal yeast is not known to affect the baby as the baby is well protected inside the uterus. However those women who suffer from thrush even at the time of delivery may pass on the infection to the child.
Itching during pregnancy can also be addressed naturally by preparing a paste of baking soda and water and applying it to the infected area.
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