Everything you need to know about vaginosis during pregnancy

Although it is a common, benign and easily treatable vaginal infection as long as you know the causes, bacterial vaginosis is more troublesome during pregnancy . Indeed, it can have harmful consequences for the future mother and the fetus, and its treatment can take longer due to pregnancy with risks of recurrence. As an e-concept store dedicated to female intimacy and pregnancy, we wanted to bring together in one article all our knowledge and information about vaginosis during pregnancy . What are the risks? How to diagnose it? How to treat it without impacting the baby? We answer all your questions and much more.

Vaginosis during pregnancy: what are the risks?

While bacterial vaginosis is generally a benign, albeit annoying and taboo, illness, it should be monitored more closely during pregnancy. And for good reason: vaginosis can have repercussions and pose risks for both the expectant mother and the baby.

Bacterial vaginosis vs. candidal vaginosis

Vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. It can be caused by a variety of things, but the most common are an overgrowth of bad bacteria (bacterial vaginosis, especially Gardnerella vaginalis vaginosis) or yeast/fungi (Candidiasis).

The type of vaginosis that poses a risk during pregnancy , and which we will discuss specifically later in this article, is bacterial vaginosis. It is this type that causes real problems for both the mother and the unborn baby.

For the mother

BV during pregnancy can initially pose several risks to the mother. While these risks are significant and serious, there's no need to be alarmed. These risks exist when BV is left untreated, and BV is very treatable, even during pregnancy.

Increased risks of other infections

Because it can significantly weaken the vagina's natural protective barrier , vaginosis weakens the vaginal lining and makes it more permeable. This increases the risk of contracting other infections.

Among these infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea are of particular concern. Indeed, the vaginal mucosa, when altered by vaginosis, provides a more fertile ground for the adhesion and multiplication of the pathogens responsible for these STIs. Furthermore, the presence of bacterial vaginosis can also complicate the treatment of these infections, reducing the effectiveness of medical interventions and prolonging the duration of the disease.

Risk of pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection that affects the female reproductive organs above the vagina: the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Pelvic inflammatory disease is often caused by untreated infections (STIs or vaginosis): bacteria travel up the vagina and reach the uterus.

Increased risks during cesarean section

Women with bacterial vaginosis who undergo a cesarean section are at increased risk of developing post-surgical infections. The proliferation of harmful bacteria in the uterus that occurs during vaginosis can facilitate the migration of these pathogens to the surgical wound or uterus. This increases the likelihood of infections.

These post-surgical infections can manifest in a variety of ways, including surgical wound infections, which can present with redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes purulent discharge, indicating an active infection. The uterus can also be affected, with complications such as postpartum endometritis, an inflammation of the uterine lining, which can cause abdominal pain, fever, and abnormal bleeding.

These infections can not only prolong recovery time but also require additional treatments, such as antibiotics and even surgery to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue. In addition, they can increase the risk of long-term complications, including affecting wound healing and increasing the risk of re-infection during future surgeries.

Risk of postpartum endometritis

After childbirth, bacterial vaginosis can finally increase the risk of developing postpartum infections. Among these, we had the opportunity to tell you about postpartum endometritis , an infection of the uterine lining that can develop after pregnancy.

For the baby

In addition to being dangerous for the expectant mother, vaginosis can pose various risks to the development of the fetus and then to the newborn. As with the mother's health, the risks associated with developing vaginosis during pregnancy are reduced by treating the disease.

Risk of miscarriage

When the bad bacteria from the vagina linked to vaginosis travel up to the uterus, or even to the membranes surrounding the fetus, this poses significant risks to the fetus.

Indeed, the presence of untreated bacterial vaginosis has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage , particularly during the first and second trimesters. BV-induced infections can trigger inflammatory responses in the uterus, contributing to complications such as placental abruption or premature rupture of membranes.

Risk of premature delivery

For the same reasons as above – infections induced by vaginosis in the uterus and on the membranes surrounding the unborn baby – the risk of premature birth is increased in cases of vaginosis.

Low birth weight

A vaginosis infection in the expectant mother can also increase the risk of the baby having a low birth weight. This is primarily due to the increased risk of premature birth—a baby born prematurely weighs less than a baby born at term. It also increases the risk of developing harmful bacteria in the membranes surrounding the baby, which can slow its development.

Risk of neonatal infection

Passing the baby through an infected birth canal during birth (in the case of vaginal birth) exposes the newborn to infections . These infections can include sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis, which are serious and require immediate medical attention.

Risk of respiratory complications

Finally, bacterial vaginosis in the mother can lead to risks of respiratory complications after the baby is born. This is partly because the baby may have been born prematurely, but also because its development may have been slowed by the presence of bacteria.

Symptoms of vaginosis during pregnancy

The symptoms of a bacterial vaginosis infection when you are pregnant are very similar to those of an infection when you are not pregnant.

Abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy

During pregnancy, vaginal discharge, also known as leukorrhea, changes. This is because it is strongly influenced by hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. In cases of bacterial vaginosis, discharge may become heavier, creamy, and change color, becoming yellowish.

Rotten fish smell during pregnancy

If you suffer from bacterial vaginosis during your pregnancy, you may notice an unpleasant odor emanating from your vaginal discharge or vulva. This odor, often described as reminiscent of rotten fish or sulfur, is the most characteristic symptom of vaginosis.

✋ In response, it may be tempting to want to intensively clean your vulva or use perfumed products to mask the odor. Don't do this. Firstly, because perfumed products can be dangerous for your unborn baby. Secondly, because the growth of bacteria is the cause of this odor—not your lack of hygiene. Proper treatment will help you quickly eliminate these unpleasant odors.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy

Itching around the vulva or inside the vagina, also known as vaginal pruritus, can be particularly uncomfortable and upsetting during pregnancy. It can be a symptom of an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, causing irritation.

✋ Avoid scratching: This can worsen irritation and lead to further injury or infection. Appropriate antibiotic treatment will quickly relieve this itching.

Pain during and after sexual penetration

A vagina irritated by vaginosis is more susceptible to pain, especially during and after intercourse that involves penetration. If you regularly experience pain during intercourse (called dyspareunia) or if your vulva is irritated after each act of intercourse, and these symptoms are accompanied by other signs of vaginosis, you may have it.

✋ If you have vaginosis, it is possible that your partner's penis also carries it (men can also have vaginosis). To avoid reinfection, ask your doctor for advice: using a condom or treating your partner may be considered.

A burning sensation when urinating during pregnancy

As with urinary tract infections, a burning sensation when urinating can occur if you have bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. This is a common symptom and is not the only symptom of vaginosis.

Absence of significant redness and inflammation

Severe redness and inflammation of the vulva are not symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. However, they can be a sign of a viral infection or allergic reaction that requires medical attention.

How to treat vaginosis when pregnant without risk to the baby?

If you notice the symptoms of vaginosis and think you have it, don't worry. This infection is very curable and is not dangerous to your unborn baby or you if treated.

Medical consultation

The first step in treating vaginosis is to consult your doctor. If you need to see them first, a midwife and gynecologist can also help you with this health issue. The examination may involve examining your vulva and taking a sample that can be sent to the lab for testing. The goal? To determine the cause of the vaginosis (as mentioned earlier in this article, bacterial vaginosis is more troublesome than yeast vaginosis during pregnancy).

Taking antibiotics

Once the cause of your vaginosis is known and if it is bacterial in origin, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. These generally need to be taken for seven days, once a day. They are not harmful to your unborn baby: take them without hesitation. Eradicating the bad bacteria from your vagina is the most important thing.

Taking probiotics

The limitation of antibiotics is that they wipe out the entire vaginal flora—good bacteria as well as bad bacteria. This is why we recommend taking a prebiotic and probiotic complex to prevent vaginosis after you have finished taking the antibiotic:

• Probiotics are live microorganisms: they are good bacteria that protect your vaginal flora from bad bacteria;
• Prebiotics are like fuel for probiotics: they help boost the growth of good bacteria and accelerate their effect.

This vaginosis treatment is natural and safe for your baby. Choose pregnancy-compatible probiotics to be safe, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.

🌈 On our e-shop, we have selected two types of probiotics:

• Miyé's probiotic intimate gel . Compatible with pregnancy, it can be applied internally for greater effectiveness. Composed of a complex of prebiotics and probiotics, it is entirely natural 🌱 and manufactured by a French laboratory 🇫🇷. To boost your vaginal flora, one application per day is sufficient, in the evening before bed. Apply a small amount of gel externally or internally, according to your preference.

• Miyé oral probiotic treatment . Compatible with pregnancy, we recommend taking this treatment for 3 months to rebuild your flora. The brand develops and produces its 100% natural products in a French laboratory 🇫🇷. Take 2 capsules per day with a large glass of water, whenever you like, even during meals.

Regular follow-up with the doctor

Since vaginosis is an infection with a high risk of recurrence, we recommend that you monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice on this matter. Generally, your doctor will tell you during your first consultation whether you need medical follow-up and what to do in the event of a recurrence.

How to prevent vaginosis before getting pregnant?

If you are currently planning to get pregnant, you will understand that a vaginosis infection is not favorable to your plans. This is why it may be beneficial to take the right steps to prevent bacterial vaginosis and avoid recurring vaginosis .

Disclaimer: You can't control everything 🫶

The main cause of vaginosis is unprotected sexual activity and keeping your partner's sperm in your vagina... Suffice to say that if your goal is to get pregnant, it's not something you're going to have 100% control over. Don't beat yourself up if you get it: it's not your fault and antibiotics are effective.

However, if you have the same partner and you protect yourself during practices that carry a risk of infection (anal penetration in particular), you will limit the risk of infection.

🌈 At Gapianne, we've selected My Lubie brand male latex condoms for you. Extremely thin and odorless, they feel like a second skin for guaranteed pleasure and maximum protection!

Other steps to take to prevent vaginosis

• Take oral vaginal probiotic supplements regularly : They are good allies for maintaining the balance and health of your vaginal flora. 🌈 At Gapianne, we recommend the Miyé oral probiotic cure , which supports both vaginal and intestinal flora. We particularly appreciate this brand for its values, its French manufacturing 🇫🇷 and its vegan composition 🌱. This cure contains beneficial strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus . Finally, it has the good idea of ​​being compatible with pregnancy – in case a nice surprise invites itself into your belly during the treatment.

Practice good intimate hygiene : Wash your vulva daily with water or pH-neutral soap, and change your underwear every day. 🌈 Baûbo's solid intimate cleansing bar is a product that caught our attention at Gapianne. 100% natural and organic, soap-free, it respects the pH of the vaginal flora, allowing gentle cleansing without attacking or disturbing the balance of your flora. As a bonus, its solid format reduces the use of plastic, thus contributing to environmental protection 🌱.

I want this organic intimate cleansing bar >

• Moisturize your vulva : Taking care of your intimate area isn't just about cleaning; it's also important to moisturize your vulva. This can prevent feelings of dryness and tightness, especially after sex or after wearing tight or irritating underwear. You can use gels, balms, or creams specially formulated for intimate care. 🌈 The Miyé brand's probiotic intimate gel , already mentioned a little earlier, is very interesting for this purpose. Compatible with pregnancy, it can be applied externally to your vulva to soothe it and internally to rebalance your intimate flora. Composed of a complex of prebiotics and probiotics, it is entirely natural 🌱 and made in France 🇫🇷.

I want this anti-itch intimate gel >

• Avoid douching at all costs : Introducing water directly into your vagina can disrupt its natural pH, increasing the risk of bacterial infections. Therefore, it's best to avoid it.

Do not wear your menstrual protection and menstrual panties for too long

: In addition to the risk of toxic shock associated with prolonged use of tampons or menstrual cups, leaving your protection in too long can encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria on your vulva and in your vagina. It's best to change them regularly!