Bacterial Vaginosis and Pregnancy
What is it?
Bacterial vaginosis is the most common infection that can affect a woman. This is caused by an imbalance of the flora in the vagina. There are both “good” and “bad” bacteria which thrive in the vagina, with “good bacteria” out numbering “bad bacteria”. When the balance between these two is disrupted, the amount of “bad bacteria” is increased causing an infection.
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The infection can be distinguished by a heavy discharge that is milky white to grey in color with a thin consistency, a foul fishy odor that worsens after sexual intercourse, itching and irritation around the vagina and a burning sensation during urination. These symptoms may not always be present though. In fact, bacterial vaginosis is more often than not asymptomatic and resolves itself. However, in some cases it may lead to complications such as pelvic infections and is especially risky during pregnancy.
How it affects pregnancy
Normally bacterial vaginosis is not much cause for worry, however if you are pregnant it should not be overlooked. It is estimated that about 10-30 percent of women acquire bacterial vaginosis during their pregnancy. This is something which can affect both mother and child since it has been associated with preterm labor, miscarriage uterine infection after birth and preterm prerupture of the amniotic membranes (PPROM).
Routine screening or testing can be performed during pregnancy or even before pregnancy for those who are planning on having a baby. Testing can be done through several methods- a female Pap test and discharge test being the more common ones. This will help t o detect whether or not a woman has bacterial vaginosis with or without the presence of symptoms. Should there be an infection present, it can be treated with oral or suppository antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women.
However, preventing bacterial vaginosis before or during pregnancy seems like a smarter option. This can be done naturally by eating healthy- a diet that is balanced with lots of fruits vegetables and protein, drinking lots of water, taking in vitamins and supplements such as Vitamin C, zinc, and garlic which combat infections, washing properly and avoiding douching.
These are only some methods that can be considered when it comes to preventing the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis is pregnancy. These are safe and natural; and will certainly be beneficial to both mother and child if it can help prevent the onset of bacterial vaginosis.
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