It is a delicate moment, in which the whole organism rearranges itself to find a new balance. It is precisely at this stage that great care must be taken of your intimate health, to prevent annoying irritations and infections.
Proper intimate hygiene is the basis of our well-being. Especially in a delicate moment such as pregnancy, during which having poor care of the intimate parts can in some cases expose the risk of irritation or vaginal infections potentially dangerous even for the unborn child. An example? Bacterial vaginosis or candida vaginitis, two disorders that can become really unpleasant.
The first is caused by an alteration of the vaginal microflora, which allows an excessive proliferation of potentially dangerous bacteria, in particular Gardnerella vaginalis. The second is a mycosis, which develops following the uncontrolled growth of a fungus of the Candida family (usually Candida albicans); It is very frequent in women of childbearing age and can be favored by periods of stress or a weakening of the immune system.
Pregnancy and intimate balance
The period of pregnancy represents a delicate situation for the health of the vagina. During gestation, in fact, the vaginal environment undergoes a series of transformations due mostly to hormonal changes (in particular in the levels of estrogen, progesterone, etc.) typical of the moment, very different from those of the normal menstrual cycle.
In addition, the immune system becomes more “tolerant”, and the body’s defenses are therefore less ready to face the attack of any pathogens. This is a perfectly normal reaction: our body prepares to make room for the fetus, which represents a “foreign body” in all respects.
The enlargement of the uterus, then, presses on the internal organs, including the urinary tract, favoring the stagnation of urine. Which, as it is easy to understand, represents another risk factor for the development of infections that can originate in the urinary tract, thus exposing to the probability of cystitis.
Another alteration related to the state of pregnancy concerns the vaginal mucosa, which receives a higher amount of blood. In addition, this period can be characterized by the so-called leucorrhoea gravidarum, that is, by a completely physiological increase in secretions. If, however, secretions were to be associated with itching, burning, pain or other discomfort, we could be faced with the proliferation of microbes (such as bacteria and fungi) and, therefore, the development of infections.
All the alterations of the vaginal environment listed so far can also alter the balance of the vaginal microflora with the possibility that pathogenic germs take over the so-called “good” bacteria, first of all lactobacilli.
This exposes the expectant mother to a greater risk of bacterial vaginosis, which if neglected can lead to early rupture of membranes (which leads to the loss of amniotic fluid) and the risk of preterm birth. Candida in pregnancy, on the other hand, does not expose either the future mother or the unborn child to any danger, but it is still good to treat this infection before the birth of the child, as during vaginal delivery the mycosis could be transmitted to the newborn, causing the development of a candidiasis of the oral cavity very frequent in children, known as thrush.
How to recognize vaginal infections
Depending on the disorder that caused them, the symptoms of a vaginal infection can be different from each other.
In particular, the discomforts that may occur during gestation, indicators of infections or irritation to the intimate parts, are:
- denser leaks
- itch
- burning
- pain when urinating or sexual intercourse
- bad smell, which can cause embarrassment in the couple’s relationship and negatively affect sexual life.
If there is one or more of these annoyances, contact your gynaecologist immediately, who will be able to indicate the specific treatments most suitable for you. In some cases, the doctor will also recommend therapy to the partner, to avoid a ping-pong effect within the couple that can lead to frequent vaginal infections.
Moreover, even in the absence of disorders, during pregnancy it is good to undergo a monthly gynecological examination regularly: during these check-ups, in fact, if necessary, the future mother can be subjected to a series of tests, such as a vaginal swab and / or urine culture. Thanks to these tests it is possible to detect the presence of infections early, even when the symptoms are not yet evident. And therefore choose in time the most suitable and effective therapy to protect both the future mother and the child from possible complications, avoiding instead to resort to natural or do-it-yourself remedies without first consulting the doctor.
Wash often: but how much?
The cleansing of the intimate parts must always be accurate, not only during pregnancy: the aim is to avoid stagnating secretions for a long time.
Gentle hygiene may be appropriate and it is not necessary to wash frequently or excessively so as not to run the risk of altering the protective mucous layer of the vagina.
Excessive intimate hygiene, in fact, could weaken the protective film of water and fat that covers the skin of the external genitalia and also risks altering the balance of the vaginal bacterial flora. If you feel the need for further washing, the refreshing action of the water may suffice.
In addition, it is important to carry out intimate cleansing by always cleansing and rinsing from top to bottom, so as not to drag the intestinal bacteria, present in the area of the orifice, towards the vagina and urethra.
Intimate hygiene in pregnancy: what is the perfect cleanser?
The choice of intimate cleanser is important, because it is a substance that will interact with the vaginal environment. Which, as we have seen, is characterized by a delicate balance. This is even more true during gestation and also in the postpartum period.
First of all, it is necessary to avoid a common soap, even during the shower, but choose, following the advice of experts, a detergent (in oil, gel, etc.) specially designed for daily intimate hygiene.
It is important that the chosen product does not contain perfume, preservatives or surfactants (cleansing substances) that are too aggressive for the vaginal mucosa. The ideal cleanser has an emollient and moisturizing action, also respecting vaginal acidity: therefore choose products that have an acid pH, with values between 3.5 and 5.5.
For the protection of the vaginal environment, also good detergents that contain lactic acid, a substance already present in the vagina, and which helps maintain the physiological pH of the intimate parts.
The cleanser can also have antibacterial action and act as a soothing if it contains lotus and glycine extracts, known for their emollient and calming properties, able to give relief from itching or inflammation. For intimate hygiene when you are away from home, however, you can opt for specific wipes for the vaginal area.
Intimate hygiene in pregnancy: behaviors to avoid
While the hygiene of the intimate parts is fundamental, remember to avoid, especially during pregnancy, bad habits such as vaginal douches, unless these products are strictly recommended by your gynecologist.
If hygiene in pregnancy passes from clothing
Finally, attention must be paid to clothing. Prefer cotton briefs and not synthetic material, preferably white, so as to limit the presence of dyes that, in contact with sweat, can irritate the skin. It is also important that panties and pants are comfortable and not too tight on the genitals. In summer, avoid wearing a damp swimsuit for a long time.
To prevent the abundant vaginal secretions from staining the linen, it may be useful to wear panty liners, but taking care to choose them in cotton fiber and change them often.
Does shaving help hygiene during pregnancy?
The hair removal of the pubic area is not mandatory, but it certainly allows a better cleaning, especially during a pregnancy. However, attention must be paid to the method (waxing, depilatory cream, etc.) and the cosmetic products used for this purpose. It is better to seek advice from the gynecologist or pharmacist, to understand what type of hair removal to consider.
Not only hygiene against infections
Careful intimate hygiene prevents most infections. However, it is also good to implement other behaviors, equally useful for the well-being of the body as a whole.
First of all, a balanced diet, low in sugar and able to provide a good amount of proteins, vitamins and minerals, as well as a moderate intake of carbohydrates and fats. In case of nutritional deficiencies, then, food supplements are available, to meet the nutritional needs of pregnant women.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.