Why do pregnant women have vaginal itching during the first 3 months of pregnancy?

The article was professionally consulted by a Doctor 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 activities, but can adversely affect the development of the fetus? So what is the cause of this happening? How to handle it? Let's find out through the following article.

1.1 Hormonal changes One of the causes of vaginal itching is due to the hormonal changes of the mother's body during pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy, the mother's body has hormonal changes, which affect 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 private area "wet", easy for bacteria to penetrate.
1.2 Improper hygiene of the private area The hygiene of the private area is not clean or unscientific (for example, using shower gel to clean the private area, allergic to ingredients in laundry detergent or toilet paper .. ..) easily makes the "place" sensitive, increasing the risk of bacterial attack causing inflammation and the appearance of itching and discomfort.

1.3 Gynecological diseases During the first 3 months of pregnancy, prolonged vaginal itching can be a sign that the mother has gynecological diseases.
Vaginitis : This disease occurs when bacteria attack the vagina causing inflammation. Pregnant women with this disease often have symptoms in addition to prolonged itching, accompanied by redness, itching, burning pain, a lot of discharge and an unpleasant odor.
Urinary tract infection: This is one of the common diseases in pregnant women. The cause of the disease is E.Coli bacteria attack causing itching and burning pain in the private area when urinating.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Syphilis, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes and Trichomonas are common diseases that are transmitted through sex. People with this disease often have a burning sensation in the intimate area, in addition, accompanied by symptoms of red, swollen vulva, milky white discharge, painful urination.
Pubic lice: If the mother only has an itching sensation around her pubic hair, there is a high chance that she has pubic lice. In addition to symptoms of itching, pregnant women can also easily detect small rashes around the edge of the vagina.

First of all, prolonged vaginal itching will cause discomfort for the mother herself, making the mother feel anxious. In addition, feeling uncomfortable can also adversely affect the development of the fetus.
In addition, prolonged vaginal itching, if not treated promptly, can turn into dangerous gynecological diseases, which will adversely affect the fetus (premature babies, premature babies, babies at risk). chances of getting respiratory infections due to bacterial attack if the mother gives birth naturally...).

Usually, when detecting an itchy vagina in the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women need to pay attention to change their daily living habits to overcome the disease.
Pay attention to clean hygiene, use a specialized cleaning solution to clean the private area. Pay attention to keep the private area clean and dry. Choose loose, clean, sweat-absorbent underwear. Itching in the private area will make pregnant women feel uncomfortable, but it is necessary to minimize scratching. Because scratching can damage the surface of the skin, bacteria can easily penetrate the damaged skin, causing widespread infection.
If there is itching due to gynecological diseases, the most effective treatment today is burning inflammation or taking antibiotics. However, during pregnancy, the method of burning inflammation is not allowed, and the use of antibiotics should be minimized to avoid harm to the baby. Therefore, in this case, pregnant women need to see a doctor to review and give an appropriate treatment plan.
In addition, when in the early stages of pregnancy, if you have vaginal itching, absolutely do not use stimulants, and at the same time need to supplement with nutrients to enhance resistance, ensure the health of the mother and the baby. little. Yogurt at this time is a great food for pregnant women, because the ingredients in yogurt have substances that help balance the pH level in the body. Regular use of yogurt for a few days can make the symptoms of vaginal itching significantly improved.
During the first 3 months of pregnancy, if there is an itching in the private area, accompanied by some symptoms of gynecological infections, it is absolutely forbidden to have sex, to avoid the case of the disease developing more seriously.
In order to ensure comprehensive health and prevent possible complications, pregnant women should see a doctor as soon as vaginal itching occurs, thereby offering treatment and treatment methods. timely treatment.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there are maternity packages with outstanding quality, including 12-week maternity care; 27 weeks maternity care; Care for 36 weeks maternity and labor. Pregnant women will be monitored health from pregnancy, during delivery and after birth, early diagnosis of possible diseases, including vaginal itching during pregnancy.