Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Signs, Causes & Treatment

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Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a common discomfort most women experience. Certain infections or exposure to chemical products can trigger vaginal itching. Some women may develop other symptoms depending on the causative factors. You should contact the healthcare provider to take medications and avoid further complications.

Read on to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment, complications and preventive measures for vaginal itching during pregnancy.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

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The symptoms of vaginal itching may vary depending on the underlying cause. If the vaginal itching is due to an infection, the following symptoms might be prominent (1), (2), (3), (4):

• Change in vaginal discharge color is a sign of bacteria or yeast infection during pregnancy. The vaginal discharge is clear or milky white with no apparent smell. A white or opaque grayish discharge indicates bacterial or yeast infection. The discharge might turn yellow or green during heavy vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
• Itching, burning, redness in the vagina.
• Unpleasant smell in the vagina, especially after intercourse.
• Pain while peeing or during intercourse.
• Recurring urinary tract infections.
• Abdominal discomfort and weakness.

Causes Of Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

Some possible causes of an itchy vagina during pregnancy are:

1. Bacterial vaginosis

A healthy vagina houses a colony of healthy bacteria. However, there is an imbalance between good bacteria and pathogenic microbesⁱOrganisms like bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread diseases and infections during pregnancy, leading to bacterial vaginosis (2). It therefore makes you prone to acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as trichomoniasis during the infection period.

Things to know

High levels of chronic psychological stress during pregnancy are associated with bacterial vaginosis (16).

2. Yeast infection

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During pregnancy, hormonal changes favor yeast growth in the vagina (3). Candida species cause the condition called Vulvovaginal candidiasis (5). Approximately 8% of women in their reproductive years experience recurrent candidal vulvovaginitis, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The yeast, which is already housed in the body, can increase and cause vaginal itching. It occurs in nearly one million women across the US and is frequent during pregnancy.

3. Increase in vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge typically increases during pregnancy (6), and might turn sticky, jelly-like pink mucus towards the end of the pregnancy. The increase in vaginal discharge might also be due to a thrush infection.

4. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy is a temporary problem among women. It may also occur during breastfeeding, hysterectomyⁱA surgical procedure where a uterus is entirely or partially removed , or under certain medications (4).

5. Sensitivity to products

The vaginal skin is sensitive and is prone to allergic reaction or irritation from chemicals, vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidalⁱA chemical or a substance that destroys sperm and can be used as birth control products (7). Some skin types can also be sensitive to lotions, lubricants, soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. Regular use of over-the-counter medication can also cause vaginal irritation.

6. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

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UTI is one of the most common forms of infection affecting women during pregnancy (8). Although vaginal itching is not commonly associated with UTI, at times, two infections can occur simultaneously. However, UTI makes it harder for a pregnant mother as it increases the chances of pregnancy complications.

7. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause vaginal itching and painful irritation. However, these conditions are treatable under timely diagnosis and medication (9).

8. Pediculosis

Pediculosis caused by crab lice can cause itching around the pubic hair (10). You can contract this infection by using public urinals and unsafe sexual intercourse.

Signs To Visit A Doctor

You may visit a health care provider or obstetrician if you are feeling uncomfortable or see any of the following symptoms of the illness (1):

• Unusual vaginal discharge of different colors, consistency, and smell
• Vaginal and burning itching sensation.
• Swelling or inflammation in the vaginal area
• Vaginal bleeding

Vaginal itching can be uncomfortable and affect sleep. Receiving timely treatment can ensure both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Treatment For Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

When one experiences itching, the one thought that is sure to cross their mind is how do you get rid of an itchy private area during pregnancy? The treatment for intense itching depends on the diagnosis and suggestion of the doctor. It is not recommended to take over-the-counter medications for the disease during pregnancy without consulting your gynecologist. However, some treatment plans to reduce vaginal itching during pregnancy are (5), (10):

• The infection from bacterial vaginosis can go away without treatment, and in some cases, antibiotics would do.
• Use of antifungal cream and medication, such as topical azole antifungal treatment, is recommended for fungal infections. It may effectively reduce the fungal infection within seven days.
• The itching from pediculosis is treated with medication. However, it is not safe to use self-medication or lice preparations.
• Maintaining personal hygiene and regular cleaning of clothing, bedding, and towels can help prevent vaginal infections.

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• Abstaining the use of chemical products in the vagina can help reduce vaginal itching during pregnancy.

Complications Of Vaginal Itching

Some complications involved in delayed or no treatment for vaginal itching include (11):

• Untreated bacterial vaginosis can lead to low birth weight or preterm babies.
• Vaginal infection during pregnancy can lead to severe complications, such as premature laborⁱIt is when labor begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy , miscarriage, or premature birth.

Ways To Prevent Vagina Itching During Pregnancy

Some of the preventive prenatal care measures to stop vaginal itching are (1), (2), (12), (13):

• Avoid douching: Douching is the process of cleaning the vagina using a medicated liquid or a stream of water. The practice of douching during pregnancy can increase the chances of infection and other complications during pregnancy.
• Practice monogamy: Lifestyle changes such as practicing single partner relationships can reduce the risk of STIs.
• Use latex condoms: Following safe practices, such as using condoms while having a sexual act, can help prevent vaginal infections.
• Avoid cosmetic products: Avoid using feminine cosmetic products, such as deodorants, sprays, powders, scented soap, perfumed bath products, or perfumes in the vagina or cervix. Using them could lead to a conducive environment for bacterial and yeast growth.
• Use cotton underwear: Cotton helps trap moisture and reduce unwanted bacterial growth in the private area.
• Use water-based lubricants: To prevent dryness-induced vaginal itching, use water-based lubricants during intercourse. This is one of the natural remedies you can try.
• Avoid sugars: Avoiding sugar in the diet can reduce the risk of contracting yeast infections.
• Have yogurt: Yogurt consumption can reduce the risk of recurrent vaginal yeast infections; however, there is little evidence to support this claim.

Quick tip

Wash your underwear with hot water and pure soap, and double-rinse them to remove all the irritants before you wear them (17).

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Infographic: What May Cause Vaginal Itching In Pregnant Women?

Women may develop vaginal itching when pregnant, and it is crucial to identify the underlying cause to treat it effectively. The infographic below summarizes the causes of vaginal itching, helping you find the best remedy.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Signs Causes & Treatment

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Niraj Krishnamurthy YanamandraMD

Dr. Niraj Yanamandra has over 24 years of experience as an Ob/Gyn with special interests in minimal access surgery (Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy). Currently based out of Hyderabad, India, he previously worked as a consultant at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London.

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Anshuman MohapatraM.Tech (Biotechnology)

Anshuman Mohapatra is a biotechnology scientist with more than six years of research experience in analytical chemistry and biotechnology. He has submitted his PhD thesis at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) and served as a research fellow (JRF/SRF) during his PhD tenure.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

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