How does pregnancy affect vaginal health?

How does pregnancy affect vaginal health? This is a question that many women care about. Vaginal health issues that change during pregnancy can cause stress or relationship problems and affect your confidence.

Vaginal health is an important part of a woman's overall health. Vaginal health affects not only your sex life, but also problems with your fertility, sex drive, and ability to orgasm.
The vagina is a closed muscular tube that extends from the vulva - the outside of the female genitals - to the cervix (cervix). Various factors can affect the health of the vagina, including:
Sex : Having unprotected sex can lead to sexually transmitted infections. Excessive sex or trauma - pelvic trauma can lead to vaginal trauma. Certain health conditions or treatments: Conditions, such as endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, can cause pain during sex. Scarring from pelvic surgery and some cancer treatments can also cause pain during sex. Using certain antibiotics increases the risk of vaginal yeast infections. Birth control and feminine hygiene products: Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, diaphragms, and related spermicides, can irritate the vagina. Using sprays, deodorants, or douches can irritate or worsen existing irritation. Pregnancy and delivery: If you get pregnant, you'll stop menstruating until you've given birth. During pregnancy, vaginal discharge often increases. Vaginal tears are relatively common during childbirth. In some cases, an episiotomy - an incision in the tissue of the vaginal opening during childbirth. Vaginal delivery can also decrease muscle tone in the vagina. Psychological problems: Anxiety and depression can contribute to low arousal levels and lead to discomfort or pain during sex. Trauma - such as sexual abuse or an initial painful sexual experience - can also lead to pain during sex. Hormone levels: Changes in hormone levels can affect your vagina. For example, estrogen production decreases after menopause and during breastfeeding. Loss of estrogen can cause the lining of the vagina to thin (vaginal atrophy) - making sex painful.

2.1. Increased vaginal discharge It is completely normal to have a lot of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. But what is considered normal is vaginal discharge that is odorless or has a mild, thick, milky odor. However, when it changes color, it can be a cause for concern.
Vaginal discharge that you may experience during pregnancy is very similar to the discharge between periods, only heavier. It may not be a pleasant pregnancy symptom, but it will certainly increase as your pregnancy progresses.
A thick yellow, cheese-like, foul-smelling discharge can be a sign of a vaginal infection. Itching or white discharge can also be a sign of something amiss. In such a case, you may need treatment and should inform your doctor.
Below is a quick chart to understand what is normal and what is abnormal.

Another very important concern is to distinguish between increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy and amniotic fluid leakage. If you're not yet 37 weeks and notice a rapid increase in discharge that feels like water, it could be a sign of preterm labor and should be taken to the doctor immediately.
2.2. Increased risk of vaginal infection In some cases, vaginal discharge that is more than usual indicates that your vagina has an infection. During pregnancy, it's partly due to hormonal changes that change the pH balance of your vagina, predisposing you to vaginal infections. Common types of vaginal infections that are common during pregnancy include:
Yeast infections: Yeast infections are caused by fungi (not bacteria, viruses or parasites). It is estimated that about 75% of women will develop a yeast infection during their lifetime. When you're pregnant, your vaginal discharge contains more sugar, and that's the yeast's meal. A yeast infection won't harm your baby, but it will make you uncomfortable with symptoms such as: vaginal itching and burning, thick, cheese-like vaginal discharge and a fungal odor yeast. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): According to the American Pregnancy Association, 10 to 30% of pregnant women will develop bacterial vaginosis. It is caused by an imbalance between good bacteria and bad bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms include: gray discharge, fishy odor. Bacterial vaginosis, if left untreated, is strongly associated with preterm labor, low birth weight babies, or miscarriages.
Trichomoniasis : This is an infection that is transmitted during sexual contact with an infected person. This condition can cause serious pregnancy complications, such as premature rupture of membranes and premature birth. Symptoms of trichomoniasis include a foul-smelling yellow-green discharge, vaginal itching and redness, and pain with urination and sex.

2.3. Vaginal swelling increases Over time your baby grows, and to support that growth your blood flow increases dramatically. Therefore, it is not unusual for your labia and vagina to swell more than usual. Swelling and increased blood flow to the vulva and vagina can also increase your sex drive and make you more likely to feel aroused. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow can also cause your vagina and labia to darken. In some cases, vaginal swelling can be one of the symptoms. of infection. Remember to check to see if the vaginal swelling is accompanied by redness, burning and itching, if so, contact a gynecologist for examination and treatment.
2.4. Vaginal varicose veins during pregnancy They occur most often during pregnancy. It is caused by an increase in blood flow to the pelvic area during pregnancy and is related to a decrease in the rate at which blood flows from your lower body to your heart. As a result, blood collects in the veins of the lower extremities as well as the vulva region - causing vulvar deformities. Vulvar malformation may occur alone or in association with varicose veins of the legs.
Vulvar varicose veins do not always cause signs and symptoms. If they do occur, they can include a feeling of fullness, tightness or pressure in the vulva area, vulvar swelling, and discomfort. In severe cases, dilated vessels can bulge. Visually it may look bluish and feel rough due to prominent veins. Prolonged standing, exercise, and sex can worsen the condition.
2.5. Vaginal bleeding During the first trimester
Possible causes of vaginal bleeding in the first trimester include:
Ectopic pregnancy (in which a fertilized egg implants and develops outside of the uterus). uterus, such as in the fallopian tubes) Bleeding during implantation (occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception when a fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus) Miscarriage (spontaneous miscarriage before weeks 20th) Baby tooth pregnancy (a rare case in which an abnormally fertilized egg develops into abnormal tissue instead of a baby) Problems with the cervix, such as cervical infection Inflamed or growing uterus on the cervix

2nd or 3rd trimester
Possible causes of vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester include:
Unhealthy cervix (cervical opening prematurely, possibly resulting in premature birth) Miscarriage (before 20 weeks) or stillbirth Placenta abruption (when the placenta - which provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby - separates from the wall of the uterus) Placenta previa (when the placenta covers cervical coating, leading to severe bleeding during pregnancy) Preterm labor (may lead to light bleeding - especially when accompanied by contractions, dull back pain, or pelvic pressure) Problems with the cervix, such as a cervical infection, an inflamed cervix or growth on the cervix Uterine rupture, a rare but life-threatening condition in which the uterus tears along the scar line from a previous C-section Normal vaginal bleeding near the end of pregnancy
Light bleeding, often mixed with mucus, near the end of pregnancy may be a sign that labor is starting . This vaginal discharge is pink or bloody and is called spotting.

3.1. For increased discharge Keep your external genital area or vulva clean and dry. Wear lightweight pads or underwear to absorb fluid if the dampness makes you uncomfortable. Make sure they are fragrance-free. Wear cotton underwear Change your underwear at least 2-3 times a day. Wash your hands properly before and after touching the vagina. Make sure your vagina is well lubricated before you have sex. Clean your vagina by wiping from front to back, especially after you have sex. Things you should NOT do when handling vaginal discharge during pregnancy to avoid infection:
Do not wear tampons during pregnancy to absorb the discharge. They are not recommended for pregnant women. Do not continue to wear old underwear because constant dampness can make the vagina a breeding ground for infections. Avoid douching (washing the vagina from the inside) during pregnancy to allow vaginal discharge to escape. Douching during pregnancy can upset the delicate balance of good bacteria and lead to vaginal infections. It can even push air into the vagina, which can be dangerous when you're expecting. Do not use any vaginal washes or wipes. Although they smell good, they can upset your vaginal pH and increase your chances of getting a vaginal infection. Do not use perfume or even vaginal deodorants during pregnancy.

3.2. For Vaginal Infections The most natural way to treat yeast infections is prevention. Medical studies show that wearing tight underwear can increase humidity and moisture in the vaginal area, creating an environment more susceptible to yeast infections. Studies show that taking steps to remove excess moisture in vaginal areas (such as loose clothing) can aid in prevention. So try to wear loose and breathable (cotton) underwear.
Other studies show that frequent sex (seven times or more a week) is associated with an increased risk of yeast infections in women. This may be related to the alkaline nature of semen, which can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina.
When you're looking for vaginal wellness products to eliminate odor, maintain pH, or lubricate for closeness, choose products that don't contain glycerin (glycerol), coating oils, or parabens. It is also important to choose products that are isotonic to vaginal cells, meaning the salt/ionic concentration of the product is the same as that of your vaginal tissues. Many lubricants and refreshing gels have a salt (ionic) concentration 4 times higher than vaginal discharge. High salt concentrations pull water out of cells and have been found to permanently damage vaginal mucosal cells and lactobacillus bacteria. Never use household oils like coconut oil in your vagina. Coconut oil can contain toxic peroxides and chemicals that cause inflammation due to exposure to light and storage at room temperature, and can coat the vagina thereby hindering the vaginal self-cleaning process.
Make sure you have sex less often or make sure you practice good hygiene after sex (clean around the vaginal opening, don't douche).
Regularly eating yogurt containing live cultures (available in brands like Dannon and Yoplait) also helps reduce the risk of yeast infections in women. This is similar to taking a probiotic supplement.
3.3. For varicose veins of the vulva during pregnancy Change position. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. Raise your legs. This can help promote circulation. Apply cold to the vulva. This can ease your discomfort.

3.4. For Vaginal Bleeding During Pregnancy Get plenty of bed rest until the bleeding stops. Avoid sex while bleeding. Take a mild medication such as paracetamol for pain relief if necessary. Report any change in your condition to your doctor right away. Do light physical activities like walking around the house or doing light chores. Keep your feet elevated whenever possible Avoid lifting objects heavier than 6 kg. To ensure the best health of pregnant women and fetuses, you should choose to register for maternity packages at reputable medical facilities to be regularly examined and monitored by doctors for timely handling. Risks occur during pregnancy and after labor.
At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of highly qualified doctors Regular check-ups, early detection of abnormalities The package pregnancy helps to facilitate convenient for the birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Reference source: mayoclinic.org