A proper intimate hygiene during pregnancy is a must.
The estrogen levels in your organism increase, and the vaginal acidic environment becomes more alkaline during the nine months of pregnancy, thus more favorable for developing fungi or infections. At the same time, the immune system weakens, causing a higher sensitivity of your intimate area to bacterial infection.
Even if you usually maintain a healthy intimate hygiene routine during pregnancy, you must be more careful because vaginal infections can cause discomfort and even harm, not only to you but also to your baby. The most common infections are bacterial vaginal infection, vaginal mycosis, vaginal trichomoniasis, and chlamydial infection. These can cause serious complications, including endometritis, adnexitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, miscarriage, premature birth, septic birth, and others.
Intimate Infection Prevention and Hygiene Tips
The best way to prevent intimate infections during pregnancy is to put emphasis on a correct intimate hygiene:
- Wash your intimate parts regularly – although you probably feel the need to do it very often because of all the excessive discharge, you should wash your intimate area twice a day, at most. It is recommended to use only water, or soft, scentless shower gels or mild soaps, ex. Sebamed Feminine Intimate Wash, or Sliquid Organics Balance Splash Gentle Feminine Wash, Naturally Unscented and only on the outside area.
- Do not douche – it destroys the bacterial flora of the vagina.
- Avoid hot (bubble) baths.
- Use a clean and soft cotton towel to dry well your intimate area, as moisture supports the growth of yeast. Never share your towel.
- Wipe or wash your intimate areas correctly – from the front to the back – after you use the toilet.
- Wear comfortable 100% cotton underwear – cotton is a natural, breathable fabric and will keep your V zone dry.
- Use soft panty liners to keep the area dry and avoid irritation.
- Always urinate and wash after sex to get rid of bacteria from the urethra.
- Keep yourself very well hydrated – drinking at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day cleans your organism, flushing toxins and bacteria.
- Maintain a balanced, healthy diet along with a lot of rest and sleep to strengthen your immune system. With this earplugs comparison, you can pick the best ones for you to block out any noises that could distract you.
- If you feel a persistent itching or burning sensation in your V zone, an unpleasant smell or an unusual discharge, you must see a gynaecologist. Do not take any medicinal products without a prescription.
Do share with us any other tips that could help prevent an intimate infection during pregnancy!
