Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a normal condition. The most common cause is due to normal hormonal changes during pregnancy. But apart from that, there are also some habits that can trigger vaginal itching during pregnancy.
Vaginal itching during pregnancy can be caused by various things, including bacterial infections and yeast infections in the vagina, as well as hormonal changes that cause changes in the level of acidity (pH) of the vagina and trigger irritation.
Hormonal changes in pregnancy can also cause increased vaginal discharge in pregnant women. This condition is actually normal. In fact, vaginal discharge actually protects the vagina from infection. However, vaginal discharge can also irritate the skin of the vulva (the outside of the vagina) to make it itchy.
Avoid Vaginal Itchy Trigger Habits During Pregnancy
To minimize the risk of developing conditions that cause vaginal itching during pregnancy, you should avoid the following habits:
1. Wearing panties too tight
Avoid wearing pants that are too tight because they can cause the area around the vagina to become damp. These humid conditions allow bacteria and fungi to thrive. Tight clothing can also cause more friction on the skin, causing irritation and itching.
Preferably, pregnant women choose underwear made of cotton that is comfortable and has good absorption.
2. Lack of maintaining intimate organ hygiene
During pregnancy, cleaning the intimate organs does become more difficult due to the size of the stomach. Even so, try to always rinse the genitals after each bowel movement.
To avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina, first clean the vaginal area, then proceed to the rectum. Don't do it the other way around. After that, wipe dry using a tissue or towel before returning to wearing your pants so they don't get damp.
3. Sleeping in underwear
Sleeping in underwear can increase vaginal humidity throughout the night, especially if the atmosphere in the room makes pregnant women sweat. This will trigger skin irritation and yeast growth in the vagina, causing itching. Now, sleeping without underwear can prevent this from happening. But before going to bed, make sure the vagina is cleaned, yes.
4. Lack of drinking and frequent holding of urination (BAK)
Lack of drinking causes reduced body fluids. It can also cause the vagina to become dry. If in a state that tends to be dry, the vagina will be easily irritated so that it can feel itchy.
In addition, lack of water also makes urination less frequent. In fact, regular urination can help clean bacteria and fungi around the vagina that can cause infection. This will be exacerbated if pregnant women also have a habit of holding back urination.
5. Eating too many sweet foods
Too much sugar in the blood can lower the immune system of pregnant women, making it difficult for the body to ward off bad bacterial and fungal infections. As a result, there can be excessive yeast growth in the vagina.
Therefore, reducing the consumption of foods or drinks with high sugar content, such as soda, candy, or ice cream, can reduce vaginal itching.
6. Lack of rest
Typically, the optimal amount of sleep for most adults is 7–8 hours each night. Lack of sleep or adequate rest can also lower the immune system. A study has shown that people who do not get enough sleep are more likely to fall ill due to viral infections.
This can happen because during sleep, the immune system releases proteins that the body needs to fight viral, bacterial, or inflammatory infections. Therefore, as long as pregnant women do not get enough sleep, antibodies and cells to fight infection will also decrease.
Simple Ways to Overcome Itchy Vagina During Pregnancy
Vaginal itching during pregnancy is actually nothing to worry about excessively. There are several ways you can do at home to relieve vaginal itching during pregnancy, namely:
- Compress the itchy part with a towel soaked in the solution baking soda.
- Soaking the vagina with cold water, but not the cold to the skin.
- Avoid products that if used can trigger vaginal itching during pregnancy and replace them with natural and gentle products designed for use during pregnancy.
If all the methods above have been done but the vaginal itching during pregnancy does not go away, even gets worse and is accompanied by additional symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal discharge, redness of the vaginal lips, or a burning feeling when urinating, you should immediately consult a doctor. .