Remedies for Vaginal Itching during Pregnancy

Vaginal itching and discharge during pregnancy: Motherhood is a beautiful phase of life. Carrying a new soul in you for nine months is incredible. Our ancestors often quote that 'motherhood completes a woman'. But it also brings various changes in your body. Pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy issues are different for every woman. Each woman goes through its's pros and cons. Hormonal changes, weight gain, mood swings are some of them. But vaginal itching and discharge is something which is faced by most of the women during pregnancy. There are a few home remedies to it, but it is always recommended to take doctor's advice first. As during pregnancy, even a pain-killer becomes a risk for your life. If you feel the following symptoms, then it is time to immediately see your doctor. 

Also Read: Pregnancy Constipation and How to Deal with it

Vaginal Itching Due to pH Changes

If you are experiencing vaginal itching due to normal pH changes of the vagina that occur during pregnancy, you can take a number of self-help treatments, which are efficient in relieving the itching by reducing the PH of the vagina. Here are certain ways in which you can reduce the pH of the vagina:

• Take baking soda baths. For this, prepare a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste on the itchy areas and wash after a few minutes. This will lower vaginal pH, giving you relief from itching
• Having sexual intercourse is another remedy to relieve vaginal itching due to the increased pH of the vagina. Male sperms are low on PH levels, thus, intercourse is recommended. But consult a doctor before having sex
• Some women find cold compresses helpful in relieve vaginal itching

Can Over-the-counter Creams Help in Relieving Vaginal Itching?

• Doctors do not recommend the use of hydrocortisone creams as they contribute to the breakdown of the skin, increasing the itching
• Lidocaine gel, which is a pure aesthetic, proves to be good for relieving vaginal itching
• Women who experience genital yeast infection sometimes use one of the over-the-counter yeast infection creams. These creams can quickly relieve the itch, as well as the other symptoms of vaginal yeast infections
• Some women use a yeast infection cream externally once or twice a day to relieve vaginal itching

How you can Prevent Vaginal Itching?

• Good hygiene is the key to remain free from vaginal problems. Always keep your vaginal area clean and dry
• After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the vagina
• Stay away from vaginal douches
• Use only fragrance-free soaps and laundry detergents
• Wear loose clothes as tight clothes do not let air pass to the crotch
• Avoid wearing nylon panties, wear cotton panties, especially white ones
• Do not wear underwear at night as this increases airflow to the vagina
• Avoid taking bubble baths or using other fragrant products on your crotch. These can cause irritation in the vagina and urinary tract. Take a warm water bath instead

Here are some quick tips:

• If you are experiencing vaginal itching, it could be due to normal pH changes
• Take baking soda baths to lower vaginal pH and finding relief from itching
• Some women find cold compresses helpful in relieve vaginal itching
• Good hygiene is the key to remain free from vaginal problems

Read more articles on During Pregnancy.