INTIMATE ITCHING IN PREGNANCY: WHAT CAUSES IT? - PARENTHOOD

Intimate itching in pregnancy: the causes that cause it

The main causes of intimate itching in pregnancy are hormones and the famous hormonal changes typical of this period. Often the vaginal microenvironment is compromised due to estrogen, the pH becomes more acidic and annoying intimate itching occurs. In most cases it is not necessary to worry, but better to know how to behave to get it through. Before moving on, check out this short video with the things not to do during pregnancy.

Is intimate itching in pregnancy dangerous?

Let's try to immediately dispel the myth according to which intimate itching in pregnancy is dangerous. In reality, it is not and it is part of all the "normal symptoms" that the entry into gestation brings with it. A real hormonal storm occurs in the woman's body that can cause intimate itching and related irritation especially in the first weeks or during the last trimester of pregnancy.

The symptom can manifest itself externally and affect only the vulva, or also involve the vagina and, if very intense, also be painful. When should you worry about intimate itching in pregnancy? Only in the event that this occurs with associated losses of an anomalous color such as greyish, yellow-green, reddish, accompanied by bad odor and creamy consistency. In all other cases of mild whitish and odorless discharge, there is nothing to alarm you.

Intimate itching in pregnancy: the causes

The causes that can lead to intimate itching in pregnancy are many, everything stems from the fact that the expectant mother becomes particularly sensitive not only to smells and tastes, but also to the skin and mucous membranes: contact with unsuitable synthetic clothing or detergents and too aggressive can cause real allergies that manifest themselves with itching and burning.

One of the first things to pay attention to is precisely the choice of intimate detergent avoiding the more aggressive ones, and also pay attention to the detergent that is usually used to wash clothes.
Then there are other causes of a pathological nature that can cause intimate itching in pregnancy, let's see what they are.

Candida

Due to a greater proliferation of the fungus Candida Albicans, normally present in the vaginal mucous membranes but which during pregnancy can proliferate excessively, causing an infection that manifests itself with burning, itching and pain. Candidiasis is accompanied by vaginal discharge of white color, dense and odorless, it is not dangerous if contracted during pregnancy and does not cause harm to the fetus, but during childbirth it can be transmitted to the baby causing thrush, for this reason it must be treated.

Vaginosis

It is a bacterial infection caused by Gardnerella vaginalis a from the guts and bacteria normally present in the vagina. It is characterized by symptoms such as burning, vaginal itching and foul-smelling discharge. It is important to fix it quickly because, in severe cases, it can cause miscarriages or premature births.

Herpes

Vaginal herpes can manifest itself with itching, burning and even pain while peeing. In general, herpes is a virus that once lodged in the human body, remains invisible and can appear suddenly in any part of the body. this happens during pregnancy and involves the genital areas, the doctor prescribes a therapy to reduce the risk of contagion to the fetus.If the virus reactivates close to the expected date of delivery, it may be necessary to schedule a caesarean section.

Cystitis

Cystitis is very common in women and becomes even more so during pregnancy. It often presents with pain in the lower abdomen, burning, as well as a constant feeling of having to pee. Cystitis can be treated with targeted therapy and to relieve discomfort, but a home remedy to be put into practice immediately is to increase the daily dose of water. Even some herbal teas with red fruits can be of help especially to prevent recurring cystitis. In general, it is important to always take care of intimate hygiene and use breathable cotton briefs.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection, which can cause the premature rupture of the water and therefore induce early birth. Trichomoniasis manifests itself with pain during urination and also during sexual intercourse, with loss of yellowish and foul-smelling vaginal fluids.

When to be alarmed by intimate itching in pregnancy?

As we said, intimate itching in pregnancy becomes an alarm bell when associated with the presence of vaginal discharge (leucorrhea) which may indicate infections of the genital area due to inflammation or the proliferation of fungi. was accompanied by vaginal discharge, the disorder may have a dermatological, hormonal or psychological origin. Stress can also play a role in the onset of intimate itching. In some cases, intimate itching without vaginal discharge may instead depend on allergic reactions, for example to soaps or detergents, or underwear itself.

If the intimate itch is external ...

When you notice that intimate itching affects only the external area of the genitals (clitoris, large and small labia), this may be due to candidiasis, or it could be cystitis, which can then manifest with itching of the external genitals, often associated with pain to the belly.
Usually bacterial infections manifest themselves with pain and itching both on the external and internal parts, while irritations (due for example to allergic reactions) can also be observed only on the external genitals.

What therapies to undertake?

In all the cases mentioned so far, the thing to do is to contact your doctor or gynecologist to better identify the causes of intimate itching in pregnancy and take the cure. Pregnancy is a particular period for women, nothing should be excluded or underestimated, but not even alarmed when there is no real reason. Your gynecologist, once the clinical picture is clear, may decide to prescribe additional tests such as vaginal swabs to investigate more deeply the microorganism responsible for the discomfort.
In most cases, the treatment will be based on antibiotics or antifungals, together with which it is always useful to take a specific product to rebalance and optimize the vaginal ecosystem and to prevent itching.

Some probiotics can be administered directly vaginally: in this way the passage through the digestive system is avoided, resulting in higher concentrations and faster colonization of the vaginal environment. The defense capabilities of the vaginal ecosystem increase in a short time thus also reducing the risk of the disease recurring.
Skin health is important, even more so in pregnancy! To immediately have a feeling of relief and relieve itching, it is also possible to resort to natural remedies, such as chamomile or oat-based creams, with soothing and anti-itch properties. Almond oil, soothing and nourishing, is also useful for the same purpose. In pregnancy, vitamin C tablets for local use are very suitable to normalize the pH.

Where to buy natural products to combat intimate itching

We have selected for you some products that are perfect as super effective natural remedies to combat intimate itching in pregnancy.

Calendula Cream 88% - 100ml - on Amazon for € 11.50

Indicated to calm itching due to irritation, infections. Perfect for sensitive and delicate skin. Soothing and emollient - Made in Italy.

Calendula cream - Marco Viti on Amazon for € 8.95

It also contains Shea butter and Vitamin E. Ideal for sensitive skin, it acts effectively against itching due to numerous causes (infections, irritation, insect bites, etc.)