This article was professionally consulted by a doctor from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
Vaginal itching is a common symptom in pregnant women. This phenomenon not only causes discomfort in daily life, but can also adversely affect the development of the fetus. So what is the cause of this condition? How to treat it? Let's find out through the following article.
1. Why do pregnant women have vaginal itching in the first 3 months of pregnancy?
1.1 Hormonal changes
One of the causes of vaginal itching is due to hormonal changes in the mother's body during pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, the mother's body has hormonal changes, which affects the pH balance in the vagina. In addition, at this time, the mother's body secretes a lot of mucus and sweat around, making the vaginal area "wet", susceptible to bacteria.
1.2 Improper hygiene of the vaginal area
Unsanitary or unscientific hygiene of the vaginal area (for example, using shower gel to clean the vaginal area, being allergic to ingredients in laundry detergent or toilet paper...) can easily make "that place" sensitive, increasing the risk of bacteria attacking, causing inflammation and itching, discomfort.
1.3 Having gynecological diseases
In the first 3 months of pregnancy, the symptom of prolonged itching in the genital area can be a sign that the mother has gynecological diseases.
Vaginitis: This disease occurs when bacteria attack the genital area causing inflammation. Pregnant women with this disease often have symptoms in addition to prolonged itching, accompanied by a condition of the genital area being red, swollen, itchy, painful, with a lot of vaginal discharge and an unpleasant odor.
Urinary tract infection: This is one of the common diseases in pregnant women. The cause of the disease is due to E.Coli bacteria attacking, causing itching and pain in the genital area when urinating.
Sexually transmitted diseases: Syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes and Trichomonas are common diseases transmitted through sexual contact. People with this disease often feel itchy and burning in the genital area, accompanied by symptoms of red and swollen vulva, cloudy white vaginal discharge, and painful urination.
Pubic lice: If the mother only feels itchy around the pubic hair, it is likely that she has pubic lice. In addition to the itching symptom, pregnant women can also easily detect small rashes around the edge of the vagina.
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2. Is vaginal itching dangerous in the first 3 months of pregnancy?
First of all, prolonged vaginal itching will cause discomfort to the mother herself, making her feel worried. In addition, the feeling of discomfort can also have a negative impact on the development of the fetus.
In addition, prolonged vaginal itching, if not treated promptly, can develop into dangerous gynecological diseases, which will have a negative impact on the fetus (premature babies, babies at risk of respiratory infections due to bacterial attacks if the mother gives birth vaginally...).
3. Treatment for vaginal itching during pregnancy
Usually, when detecting vaginal itching in the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant mothers need to pay attention to changing their daily habits to overcome the disease.
Pay attention to hygiene, use specialized cleaning solutions to clean the vaginal area.
Pay attention to keeping the vaginal area clean and dry
Choose loose, clean, sweat-absorbent underwear
Itching in the vaginal area will make pregnant mothers feel uncomfortable, but scratching should be minimized. Because scratching can damage the skin surface, bacteria can easily penetrate the damaged skin area, causing widespread inflammation.
If itching occurs due to gynecological diseases, the most effective treatment method today is cauterization or antibiotics. However, cauterization is not allowed during pregnancy, and the use of antibiotics should be minimized to avoid harming the baby. Therefore, in this case, pregnant women need to see a doctor for examination and appropriate treatment.
In addition, when experiencing vaginal itching in the early stages of pregnancy, absolutely do not use stimulants, and at the same time, it is necessary to supplement nutrients to increase resistance, ensuring the health of mother and baby. Yogurt is a great food for pregnant women at this time, because the ingredients in yogurt have substances that help balance the pH in the body. Using yogurt regularly and continuously for a few days can significantly improve the symptoms of vaginal itching.
Pregnant women in the first 3 months of pregnancy, if they experience vaginal itching, accompanied by some symptoms of gynecological infections, absolutely prohibit sexual intercourse, to avoid the disease from developing more seriously.
To ensure comprehensive health, prevent possible complications, pregnant women should see a doctor as soon as vaginal itching appears, thereby providing timely treatment and treatment methods.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there are comprehensive Maternity packages with outstanding quality, including 12-week Maternity Care; 27-week Maternity Care; 36-week Maternity Care and Labor. Pregnant women will be monitored for their health during pregnancy, during birth and after birth, and early diagnosis of possible diseases, including vaginal itching during pregnancy.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
