Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Tips

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is a common concern, often caused by hormonal fluctuations, increased vaginal discharge, or infections like yeast or bacterial vaginosis. While occasional itching is normal, persistent irritation, redness, swelling, or unusual discharge could signal an underlying issue that needs medical attention. In this guide, we’ll explore what causes vaginal itching during pregnancy, how to treat it safely, and ways to prevent discomfort throughout each trimester.

What is Vaginal Itching and Why Does it Occur in Pregnancy?

Vaginal itching refers to irritation or discomfort in the vaginal or vulvar area and is a common issue experienced by most women at some point in their lives. It can be triggered by various factors such as harsh body washes, allergic reactions, fungal infections, or skin conditions like eczema. 

During pregnancy, this itching can become more frequent due to hormonal changes, increased vaginal discharge, shifts in vaginal pH levels, or heightened sensitivity in the genital area. 

As your body undergoes major changes to support the growing baby, these fluctuations can lead to irritation and discomfort “down there.” While usually harmless, persistent or severe itching during pregnancy could indicate an underlying infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What Causes Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy?

The following conditions carry potential causes for itching in the vaginal area during pregnancy:

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

It is an infection of the vagina caused by bacteria. It can sometimes spread between sexual partners. In some people, it can happen when something changes the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Bacterial vaginosis can damage and make you feel itchy. One of the most obvious problems is a fishy smell that develops after sexual activity. If the infection is not treated in a pregnant woman, it can cause the baby to be born ahead of schedule.

2. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is spread by a parasite. People who have the infection suffer the effects of it. When there are symptoms, they include itching in the vaginal area and painful urination.

Trichomoniasis makes it more likely that a baby will be born early or with low birth weight.

3. Due to pH Change

When a woman is pregnant, the pH of the vagina may fall, which can cause burning.

If a woman gets vaginal itching because of the normal changes in pH of the vagina that mainly happen all through pregnancy.

4. Enhance Vaginal Fluid

During pregnancy, a woman’s mucus generally increases. At the end of the pregnancy, the discharge may change into a sticky, pink mucus that looks like jelly. A yeast infection could also cause more discharge from the uterus.

5. Infection of the Urinary Tract (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infections are one of the most common types of infections that happen to pregnant women. Even though itching in the vaginal area is now not usually a sign of a UTI, sometimes two infections can happen at the same time. But a UTI complicates things for a pregnant woman because it makes issues more likely.

6. Infection From Yeast

In pregnancy, hormonal changes stimulate fungal growth in the vagina. Candida species cause the condition called Vulvovaginal candidiasis. While this fungus lives in the female reproductive tract of all women, there is a rise in its numbers during the last trimester of pregnancy.

Yeast (Candida species), already present in the body, can grow and make the genital area itch. While vaginal itching due to a fungal infection can be highly annoying, it poses little risk to the baby.

10 Effective Treatments for Vaginal Itching in Pregnancy

Itching in the vaginal area is normal during pregnancy, so there’s no need to worry if a woman feels this way. However, some remedies can prevent all symptoms at home. such as:

1. Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Avoid tight jeans and leggings to let the vagina breathe.
2. Use clean cotton underwear.
3. Avoid synthetic clothing, which makes your vagina sweaty.
4. Clean the area with an odourless vaginal wash or with plain water.
5. Don’t wear underwear to sleep.
6. Reduce sugar intake. Sugar stimulates yeast and can cause bacterial overgrowth.
7. Soak in a bath with half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Ensure water can reach your vagina.
8. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
9. Apply a cold compress to the area.
10. Avoid touching the area of scratching! We know it’s hard, but it will only worsen the problem and worsen the itch.

If home remedies do not relieve vaginal itchiness in a day or two, consult your doctor. They can help determine the cause of your vaginal itching during pregnancy and recommend safe, effective treatments.”

The type of treatment for vaginal itching during pregnancy depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

If your vaginal itching is due to a fungal infection, your doctor will prescribe antifungals to control the infection. These may be oral pills, topical or skin gel, ointment, or cream. 

Other itching and irritation in the vaginal area usually go away on their own. In the meantime, you can use creams or lotions with steroids to reduce swelling and pain after a doctor’s consultation. But you shouldn’t use them too much because too much can cause irritation and itching that lasts for a long time.

Recommended Medicines for Vaginal Itching

These are some medications you can use to balance vaginal pH levels & prevent vaginal infections. But always check with your doctor before using them:

• Gynact Vaginal Wash
• Evactive Vaginal Wash
• Intiwash Vaginal Wash

Here are a few prescription medications that are effective in relieving vaginal itching during pregnancy:

1. Candifem Vaginal Cream

Candifem Vaginal Cream is used to treat vaginal fungal infections, relieving itching, irritation, and discomfort. It helps restore vaginal health by eliminating the fungal overgrowth responsible for infections.

Candifem Vaginal Cream 30 g

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2. Premarin Vaginal Cream

Premarin Vaginal Cream is a hormone-based medication used to relieve vaginal dryness, itching, and discomfort caused by menopause. It helps restore moisture and elasticity to the vaginal tissue.

Premarin Vaginal Cream 14 g

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3. Crinone Vaginal Gel

Crinone Vaginal Gel contains progesterone and is used for hormone replacement therapy, infertility treatment, and supporting pregnancy in women with progesterone deficiency.

Crinone Vaginal Gel 1.125 g

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4. Isoflav Vaginal 0.05 % Gel

Isoflav Vaginal 0.05% Gel is formulated to relieve vaginal dryness and irritation, commonly associated with menopause. It also improves vaginal moisture and elasticity.

Isoflav Vaginal 0.05 % Gel 20 g

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5. Leezole Vaginal Gel

Leezole Vaginal Gel is an antifungal medication used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It helps reduce itching, discharge, and irritation caused by fungal overgrowth.

Leezole Gel 30 g

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How to Prevent Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy?

Vaginal itching during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, but there are ways to find relief. 

• Maintain proper personal hygiene. 
• Opt for gentle, unscented soaps and avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural pH balance. 
• Wear breathable cotton underwear to keep the area dry and reduce irritation. 
• Keep yourself hydrated to ensure your body remains balanced. 
• Incorporate probiotics into your diet to promote healthy bacteria, which may alleviate itching. While some studies show the benefits of dietary probiotics in improving vaginal health, there is limited evidence to prove the same.
• Apply a cool compress or take a soothing oatmeal bath for immediate relief. 

While these home remedies are helpful, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying new treatments to ensure they’re safe during pregnancy.

When Should I Be Worried About Vaginal Itching?

Vaginal itching can be a concerning symptom for many women, prompting questions about what causes vaginal itching, when to seek medical attention. Understanding what causes vaginal itching is crucial for knowing when it’s time to be worried. 

Speaking specifically about vaginal itching during pregnancy, it’s essential to differentiate between normal physiological changes and potential infections. While some degree of itching can be normal due to increased blood flow and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, persistent or severe itching accompanied by other symptoms like unusual discharge, odour, or pain should prompt a visit to the healthcare provider. 

Additionally, itching that disrupts daily activities or affects sleep should not be ignored. Seeking timely medical advice ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding maternal and fetal health.

Takeaway

While mild vaginal itching during pregnancy is usually harmless, recurring or severe symptoms should not be ignored. Always speak to your healthcare provider before trying new remedies or medications. Maintaining hygiene and choosing the right products can go a long way in keeping discomfort at bay.

Expert Quote:

“Vaginal itching is uncomfortable and can disrupt one’s daily routine. While some amount of vaginal itching is common during pregnancy, it is recommended to get it evaluated by your doctor before trying home remedies or over-the-counter medications to relieve it.”

– Dr. Mandeep Chadha

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

• “Itchy Vulva (Pruritus Vulvae).” Patient.info, https://patient.info/womens-health/vulval-problems-leaflet/itchy-vulva-pruritus-vulvae 
• Disha, T., & Haque, F. (2022). Prevalence and Risk Factors of Vulvovaginal Candidosis during Pregnancy: A Review. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2022, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6195712
• Wu, Ling-Ying, et al. “The Role of Probiotics in Women’s Health: An Update Narrative Review.” Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, vol. 63, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2024, pp. 29–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjog.2023.09.018