Bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy
By Erica John, Contributor
Women Health Coach
What is Bacterial Vaginosis?
It is the most common infection in women in the child bearing age. It is caused by the imbalance in the bacteria living in your vagina. Generally, the count of good bacteria (lactobacilli) is higher than the bad bacteria, but when there a only a few good bacteria, this can results in your higher risk of exposure to Bacterial vaginosis.
About 1 in 5 women have this infection during pregnancy and no one knows for sure what is the reason behind the change in the balance good bacteria.
How Bacterial Vaginosis affects pregnancy?
BV increases the risk of preterm birth, having a low-birth-weight baby or uterine infection after delivery. It also increases the chances of miscarriage. Having said that it is not very clear if BV is directly linked to complication during pregnancy, most women with BV have perfectly normal pregnancies. Women who are not pregnant, BV can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease and Infection after gynecologic surgery.
Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis?
Women with the BV might notice a thin white and grayish vaginal discharge with a foul or fishy smell. Burning sensation during urination and irritation in genital areas are also linked to BV.
How to avoid getting Bacterial Vaginosis?
While no one knows the real reason for the occurrence of BV, there is no specific way to protect yourself from BV, but there are a few basic lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of getting BV-
- Follow safe sex.
- Quit smoking. Harmful chemicals used in cigarette increases your risk for BV.
- Don’t use any scented soaps and sprays near your genitals. There is a high risk of bacterial imbalance due to vaginal exposure to the chemical present in feminine sprays and related products. This can also be life threatening and can cause other serious complications.
