What to do if you have vaginitis in late pregnancy

Vaginitis in late pregnancy can be treated by keeping the perineum clean, wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding the use of irritating lotions, applying topical medications as directed by the doctor, and regular review. Vaginitis in late pregnancy is usually caused by changes in hormone levels, decreased immunity, bacterial infection, fungal infection, poor hygiene habits and other reasons.

1. Keep the perineum clean

Wash your vulva with warm water 1-2 times a day and wipe it from front to back to avoid bringing anal bacteria into the vagina. Keep the perineum dry after cleaning and do not over-wash or use alkaline soap. If the secretion increases, the frequency of cleaning can be increased, but the water needs to be wiped off in time after each cleaning. In the third trimester of pregnancy, the perineum is congested and sensitive, so you need to be gentle when cleaning.

2. Wear breathable cotton underwear

Choose pure cotton, loose and breathable underwear, and avoid wearing tight chemical fiber underwear. Underwear needs to be changed every day, washed with hot water, and dried in the sun for sterilization. It is not recommended to use panty liners. If they must be used, they need to be replaced every 2-3 hours. A moist environment can easily breed mold, so keeping the perineum dry can help prevent the recurrence of vaginitis.

3. Avoid irritating lotions

Vaginal douches or lotions containing fragrances and antibacterial ingredients are prohibited. These products may disrupt the balance of normal vaginal flora. You can choose a weakly acidic female-specific lotion with a pH value of 4.0-4.5, but the frequency of use should not exceed 2 times a week. Do not scratch when itching occurs. Use a cold towel to relieve the symptoms.

4. Follow the doctor’s instructions for local use of medication

For bacterial vaginosis, clindamycin vaginal suppository can be used as directed by the doctor, and for fungal vaginitis, clotrimazole vaginal tablets can be used. The type of infection must be clarified before use, and oral antifungal drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. Vaginal administration needs to be done before going to bed, and bed rest is required after placing the drug. If you experience abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding during medication, you must stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.

5. Regular review

After treatment, leucorrhea needs to be reviewed routinely to confirm the efficacy. It is recommended to have a gynecological examination every 2-4 weeks in the third trimester of pregnancy. If symptoms such as abnormal color of secretions, redness, swelling and ulceration of the vulva, frequent urination and painful urination occur, timely follow-up consultation is required. Those who are not cured near the expected date of delivery need to inform their obstetrician in advance to avoid infecting the newborn during delivery.

In the third trimester of pregnancy, you need to pay attention to a balanced diet and appropriately supplement yogurt or probiotic preparations containing lactobacilli to help maintain the balance of vaginal microecology. Avoid high-sugar diet and spicy food, and drink no less than 1500ml of water every day. You can do light exercise such as walking to improve your physical fitness, but you need to avoid sitting for long periods of time or overexertion. If symptoms of threatened labor such as frequent uterine contractions or vaginal bleeding occur, you need to seek medical attention immediately.