During pregnancy
Often the cause of many women's troubles in the period of expectation of the baby becomes a change in the microflora of the vagina, when the ratio of lactobacilli and other microorganisms inhabiting it is disturbed. In this case, the acid-base balance of the vaginal fluid can change both towards a more acidic pH value and towards more alkaline. In the first case, it can cause vulvovaginal candidiasis or simply thrush, in the second - bacterial vaginosis or gardenerellosis. The acidic environment of the vagina is supported by lactic acid bacteria, which account for 90% of the entire microflora of the vagina. Moreover, in a normal vaginal environment, even in healthy women, microorganisms are present in small numbers, which can cause infectious diseases if their ratio with lactic acid bacteria is disrupted. These include Gardenerella vaginalis, causing gardenerellosis, Mycoplasma hominis, which can cause mycoplasmosis, and Candida albicans - pathogens of thrush. Both these diseases can affect either pregnancy or delivery itself. Thus, gardenerellosis ranks first among the possible causes of miscarriages. And in the case of thrush, the tissues affected by the fungus lose their elasticity to a large extent. Vaginal and perineal ruptures in childbirth arising on this background are deeper, and their healing is longer.
Important little things
Of course, during pregnancy it is difficult to adjust the physiological changes that accompany it. But to reduce the risk of violation of the vaginal microflora can be, observing the simple rules of personal hygiene.
1. Choose for an intimate toilet special gels and mousses. Make sure that they do not go directly into the vagina.
2. Use only warm running water. Too cold or too hot water can provoke a threat of abortion.
3. To do the sweeping movements should be from the front to back to prevent infection from the anus to the vagina.
4. Towels intended for intimate care should only be used by a future mother.
5. If you use daily pads, during pregnancy, prefer options without fragrances - this will reduce the risk of allergies. They need to be changed every 2-3 hours: vaginal discharge creates a "greenhouse effect", which is an excellent environment for the reproduction of the pathogenic flora. In the period of expectation of the baby, women are more likely to face violations of the vaginal microflora, and this is due to several reasons.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
They shift the pH value to the acidic side to 3. On the one hand, this increases the protection of future crumbs from possible ascending infections. On the other hand, excessive secretion of lactic acid increases the reproduction of yeast fungi, which are the cause of thrush. That's why, even women who have never met with thrush before pregnancy, often get acquainted with this unpleasant disease only in the period of expectation of the baby.
Abuse of syringing
The amount of secretion secreted by the glands of the vagina during pregnancy is slightly increased. In addition, they become more dense and acquire a white color. Often, to get rid of the "suddenly increased" amount of leucorrhoea, the expectant mother resorts to syringing. However, frequent carrying out this procedure not only flushes the natural lubrication, but also can change the normal acidity of the vagina.
But if the pregnancy is normal, do not worry too much about this, because your body provides everything to best protect the baby. The vagina is inhabited by a huge number of bacteria, and 95-98% of this microflora consists of lactobacilli, releasing lactic acid. That is why the normal vaginal environment is acidic (pH 3-5-4-5) - this level of acidity is necessary in order to prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the sterile environment of the uterus. This is especially important in the period of expectation of the baby, because some upward infections can cause miscarriage and premature birth. The woman's hygiene in the second half of pregnancy is very important and necessary.
Use for intimate hygiene of shower gels and toilet soap
Their pH at best corresponds to the pH of the skin - about 5.5. When this soap or gel comes in contact with the vaginal mucosa, it becomes alkaline (overdrying). This can lead to unpleasant sensations, discomfort in the intimate area and provoke a violation of the normal vaginal microflora.
Underwear with synthetics
Such material does not allow the skin to breathe and creates a favorable environment for the propagation of harmful bacteria. During pregnancy, clearly monitor the discharge from the vagina. Normally, they should be clear or milky, uniform consistency and odorless. If their quantity and quality have changed, do not try to solve the problem with the help of intimate hygiene products. Urgently consult a doctor!