• About
  • Contact
  • Pinterest
Pregged.com
  • Pregnancy
    • Getting Pregnant
      • Am I Pregnant?
      • Unplanned Pregnancy
      • Miscarriage
      • Pregnancy Symptoms
      • Pregnancy Health
      • Mental Health
      • 1st Trimester
      • 2nd Trimester
      • 3rd Trimester
    • Week by Week
    • Getting Ready
      • Labor
      • Birth
      • Postpartum
      • Baby
      • Baby Names
      • Baby Astrology
      • Breastfeeding
    • Essentials
      • Pregnancy Products
      • Maternity Wear
      • Baby Gear
      • Diapers
      • Postpartum Products
      • Gift Ideas
  • Local
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Technology
  • Pregnancy
    • Getting Pregnant
      • Am I Pregnant?
      • Unplanned Pregnancy
      • Miscarriage
      • Pregnancy Symptoms
      • Pregnancy Health
      • Mental Health
      • 1st Trimester
      • 2nd Trimester
      • 3rd Trimester
    • Week by Week
    • Getting Ready
      • Labor
      • Birth
      • Postpartum
      • Baby
      • Baby Names
      • Baby Astrology
      • Breastfeeding
    • Essentials
      • Pregnancy Products
      • Maternity Wear
      • Baby Gear
      • Diapers
      • Postpartum Products
      • Gift Ideas
  • Local
  • Lifestyle
  • Relationships
  • Technology
Home » Pregnancy » Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy? 13 Tips to Beat it

Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy? 13 Tips to Beat it

   Medically reviewed by Kristy June Dinampo MD
  Published on April 22nd, 2024
Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy? 13 Tips to Beat it
Advertisment

During pregnancy, your body goes through all manner of changes. It is growing a new human being after all.

Because of that, it’s highly likely you will experience some symptoms which are different or unexpected. One of which could be vaginal itching.

Vaginal itching during pregnancy is much more common than you might think and can be due to a variety of different reasons.

The good news?

None of them are dangerous but they will need checking out by your doctor in case you need treatment.

Causes of Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy

The itching you might experience is down to the skin around your vagina, and just inside become irritated and perhaps even swollen.

This can be caused by hormonal changes, an infection, or it could be due to something as simple as the clothing you’re wearing or the washing powder you use.

1. Increased Vaginal Discharge

During pregnancy, you will probably have experienced an increase in vaginal discharge and any area which is damp can easily become irritated.

This is one of the most common causes for vaginal itching in pregnancy and isn’t anything to be concerned about.

It can be annoying and uncomfortable but it can also be managed and reduced.

More on that a little later!

2. An Allergy

If you have recently changed your washing detergent or any washing products you regularly use, the itching could be down an allergic reaction.

Your skin in that area could also have become more sensitive due to your pregnancy, so even detergents that you’re used to can cause problems.

If you suspect that’s case, switch to an unscented or hypoallergenic detergent and the itching and inflammation should clear up pretty quickly.

3. Vaginal Infections

Another possible cause for vaginal itching during pregnancy could be something a little more troublesome and require treatment to clear it up.

The most common vaginal infections are yeast infections (thrush), bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomoniasis.

These are all infections which will require a simple course of treatment to clear up so make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect an infection.

Yeast infections are very common in pregnancy. If you have ever experienced one before you will know how intense the itching can be but you will also know how easy it can be to treat too.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include a lot of thick, white discharge that may look like cottage cheese.

BV discharge is watery, grey and will have a fishy smell.

Trichomoniasis signs include clear, white or greenish discharge with a fishy smell.

4. HPV and Herpes

Other possible causes of vaginal itching are a little more worrisome and include herpes and HPV viruses.

If you are at all concerned that your itching problem could be due to one of these viruses, have a chat with your midwife or doctor who will be able to arrange the appropriate tests and treatments.

Should You Visit Your Doctor With Vaginal Itching?

It’s a good idea to get anything checked out if you’re concerned or when the itching doesn’t go away with home remedies.

For that reason, you should visit your doctor in the following circumstances:

•   The itching and/or swelling doesn’t reduce or go away after trying home methods

•   If you experience any discharge which is abnormal for you at the same time as the itching

•   If you notice any lumps, bumps, ulcers, or tiny cuts on the vulval area, alongside the itching

In these cases it is likely that you need a course of treatment. Your doctor will know which medications are safe for pregnancy and be able to prescribe the correct ones.

Useful Home Treatments For Vaginal Itching

To help treat and prevent vaginal itching at home you can try the following remedies.

  1. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid tight-fitting jeans and leggings – allow your vagina to breathe!
  2. Always wear clean cotton underwear.
  3. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics as these make your vagina hot and sweaty.
  4. Use an unscented vaginal wash product to keep the area clean.
  5. Sleep without underwear.
  6. If you wear a pantyliner, make sure you change it every two hours or so and go for unscented brands
  7. Try applying natural unsweetened yogurt, to ensure a natural balance of bacteria within your vagina, especially if you have been given antibiotics for a yeast infection. Eating it helps too.
  8. Cut right down on the amount of sugar you consume. Sugar is the perfect food for yeast and eating lots of it can promote bacterial overgrowth.
  9. Stick to bathing and washing products which are unscented, including bubble bath, shower gel, soap, etc
  10. Try mixing half a cup of apple cider vinegar into your bath water and have a soak. Make sure you arrange yourself so that the water can effectively get to your vagina.
  11. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  12. Try a cold compress on the area.
  13. Avoid itching! Difficult, we know, but it will only make the problem worse and even more itchy than before

These natural at home methods can help to relieve the itching and redness whilst taking the swelling down and preventing future problems.

Remember to refrain from scratching as much as you can. One scratch leads to another, which leads to another, and another, and before you know it, your lady parts feel like a burning inferno.

If you’re at all worried about your vaginal itching head to see your midwife or doctor. They will be able to put your mind at rest and if need be prescribe you a course of treatment to clear the problem up.

 

Stop the Burn! Stop the Itch! Learn 13 ways to prevent and treat vaginal itching in pregnancy. It's a common pregnancy symptom that has a few different causes. You can find out more here srcset=>>” width=”735″ height=”1250″>

Sources:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm
  2. https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/vaginal-itching-during-pregnancy-causes-and-remedies/
  3. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/aches-pains/vaginal-infections-during-pregnancy/
  4. https://pregnancy.lovetoknow.com/wiki/External_Vaginal_Itching
  5. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginal-itching-burning-irritation#1
  6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322210.php
Advertisment

Related Posts

  • Pregnancy Myths Debunked: What’s True and What’s Not?
  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
  • Pregnancy Myths and Facts: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Advertisment
Advertisment
Trending Now
21 Brilliant Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Pregnancy

21 Brilliant Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Pregnancy

Is anxiety taking over your pregnancy and stopping you from enjoying it? Would you like to take back control and find ways to reduce your

8 Ovulation Myths to Ignore When You Want to Get Pregnant

8 Ovulation Myths to Ignore When You Want to Get Pregnant

When you’re trying to get pregnant it’s normal to start spending a lot of time thinking about ovulation. If you get pregnant very easily you

Read more...
How Long Does Induction of Labor Take From Start to Finish?

How Long Does Induction of Labor Take From Start to Finish?

For many first time moms, induction of labor is one of those mysterious possibilities which causes worry and anxiety. We wonder what induction really means;

Read more...
What is a Postpartum Doula and Why Should You Hire One?

What is a Postpartum Doula and Why Should You Hire One?

What is a postpartum doula, you ask? I’m glad you asked! If you want an easier postpartum recovery, time to rest and bond with your

Read more...
What Medications Can Affect a Pregnancy Test Result?

What Medications Can Affect a Pregnancy Test Result?

There are surprisingly few medications or substances that can affect the accuracy of a home pregnancy test. So if you’re worried that your hormonal birth

Read more...
Advertisment
10 Things Women Hate About Being Pregnant

10 Things Women Hate About Being Pregnant

Pregnancy is a wonderful and magical time. It’s also a time of feeling constantly irritated, annoyed and bloated. Life has ups and downs and so

Read more...
Molar Pregnancy – What is it and Why Does it Happen?

Molar Pregnancy – What is it and Why Does it Happen?

A molar pregnancy is a rare abnormality which is caused at conception — that moment when the sperm meets the egg. But what exactly is

Read more...
7 Ways to Stop Smoking in Pregnancy (that Actually Work)

7 Ways to Stop Smoking in Pregnancy (that Actually Work)

You’re pregnant — or you’re trying to get pregnant. And…you smoke. You probably already know that smoking and pregnancy are not a good combination. But

Read more...
Negative Pregnancy Test but No Period? 10 Common Reasons Why

Negative Pregnancy Test but No Period? 10 Common Reasons Why

Your period’s late. You dig that pregnancy test out from the bottom of your drawer and pee on the stick, expecting to see a big

Read more...
10 Things to Expect From Your Newborn in The First 48 Hours

10 Things to Expect From Your Newborn in The First 48 Hours

When we’re getting close to our due date, our focus is often entirely on the labor and delivery itself. It’s rare for us to spend

Read more...
Advertisment
Labor Without Pushing — A Guide to Breathing Out Baby

Labor Without Pushing — A Guide to Breathing Out Baby

If you’ve looked into hypnobirthing or other methods of coping with labor and birth, you might have come across the phrase ‘breathe the baby out’.

Read more...
When Did I Get Pregnant?  How to Calculate Your Conception Date

When Did I Get Pregnant? How to Calculate Your Conception Date

One of the first questions you might ask yourself when you find out you’re expecting is when you conceived. This can be for a few

Read more...
Does Sex Feel the Same After Giving Birth Vaginally?

Does Sex Feel the Same After Giving Birth Vaginally?

Sex after giving birth. It’s on every new Mom’s mind at some point during or after pregnancy. Will it hurt? How long until you’ll be

Read more...
Should I Buy a Home Fetal Doppler? Are They Safe?

Should I Buy a Home Fetal Doppler? Are They Safe?

Fetal dopplers for home use are now widely available and many parents-to-be understandably like the idea of being able to check on baby whenever they

Read more...
Weird Dreams During Pregnancy – What They Mean & Why We Have Them

Weird Dreams During Pregnancy – What They Mean & Why We Have Them

We all dream 3-4 times each night, but 90% of these dreams don’t come close to dreams you have when you’re pregnant. Even though dreams

Read more...
Advertisment
Join the Pregged Community
Follow us
  • Pinterest
Disclosure

Some of the links on Pregged lead to sites we are affiliated with, such as Amazon, and we may earn revenue from them.

The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or in place of therapy or medical care. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Links
  • About
  • Contact
  • T & C’s
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Standards
Copyright © 2023 Pregged.com. All rights reserved