Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

Vaginal itching during pregnancy can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases or infections; however, the most common reason for vaginal itching during pregnancy may be the normal change to the vaginal PH level which can cause topical irritations. Vaginal yeast infections are also common during pregnancy and are notorious for persistent vaginal itching.

What can be done about vaginal itching during pregnancy?

Before trying any self-treatments or over-the-counter medications for vaginal itching during pregnancy, you should see your healthcare provider to rule out any STDs or STIs.

• If vaginal itching during pregnancy is found to be caused by the normal PH changes of the vagina that occur during pregnancy, there are a number of self-help treatments that you can try to relieve the itching and lower the PH of the vagina.
  • Vaginal PH can be lowered by taking baking soda baths.
  • You can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply the paste to the area that itches.
  • There is a possibility that having sexual intercourse may help due to the lower PH levels of the male semen.
  • Some women find that cold compresses help relieve vaginal itching during pregnancy.

  How can I prevent vaginal itching during pregnancy?

  • Practice good hygiene. Keep the vulvar/vaginal area clean and dry.
  • Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina.
  • Don't use douches.
  • Use only fragrance-free soaps, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners.
  • Practice good hand washing habits.
  • Wear clothing that is not tight or binding especially in the crotch.
  • Wear white cotton panties and avoid wearing nylon panties or hose that decrease the airflow to the vaginal area.
  • Wear a nightgown with no underwear to encourage airflow to the vagina during the night.
  • Use warm bath water and do not add bubble baths or other fragrant products which can irritate the vagina and urinary tract.
  • Use a bath soap for sensitive skin such as Dove or Oil of Olay. Although you might think that Ivory soap is gentle, it is not! In fact, Ivory soap is one of the most drying and thereby itch causing bath soaps on the market.

  Should I use an over-the-counter cream product to relieve vaginal itching during pregnancy?

  • The use of hydrocortisone creams is not usually recommended since it can contribute to the breakdown of the skin, causing continued itching.
  • Lidocaine gel is good for relieving vaginal itching during pregnancy because it is a pure anesthetic.
  • If you have a genital yeast infection, one of the over-the-counter yeast infection creams or vaginal suppositories should quickly relieve the itch, as well as the other symptoms of vaginal yeast infections.
  • Some women find relief from vaginal itching during pregnancy just by using a yeast infection cream externally once or twice a day.

  Recipes for Relief From Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

  • To your bath add:
    • goldenseal
    • Aveeno Oatmeal Bath Treatment
    • Vagisil Cleansing Foam
      
      
  • Make a compress out of a combination of:
    • 20 ml calendula tincture
    • 20 ml goldenseal
    • 10 ml myrrh
    • 2 drop essential oil ofchamomile
    • 5 drops oil of marjoram
    • 5 drops tea tree oil

    Use 1/2 cup of water to which you have added 1/2 teaspoon of this combination. Soak compress in this solution and apply on external vaginal areas where itching is a problem.