Does pregnancy cause vulvar itching?

The female vagina is a place that is susceptible to bacterial infection, so for normal women, they should pay attention to protecting their vagina during sexual intercourse and menstruation, and clean their vagina regularly to prevent bacterial infection. During pregnancy, women will also have leucorrhea on their bodies, and leucorrhea is a phenomenon that is easily infected with bacteria. So will pregnant women experience vaginal itching?

Vulvar itching in pregnant women usually manifests as paroxysmal or persistent itching. The itching is mostly concentrated in the vagina and around the labia. In severe cases, it can spread to the vicinity of the anus in the perineum. It often worsens at night and seriously affects the sleep of pregnant women. Long-term itching can also cause symptoms such as ulceration, redness, swelling and inflammation, which in turn cause some unexpected serious consequences, requiring timely symptomatic treatment.

Vulvar itching during pregnancy is mostly caused by local factors, mainly leucorrhea irritation and vaginal bacterial infection. During pregnancy, the mother's estrogen level is high and the pelvic cavity is congested, which will increase cervical and vaginal secretions and leucorrhea. At the same time, the secretions of sweat glands and sebaceous glands in the perineum will also increase. If the vulva is not cleaned properly at this time, and if underwear made of poor material is used, it will irritate the vulva and cause itching. Vulvar itching caused by this reason can usually be solved by cleaning the vulva, changing underwear, and keeping the vulva fresh and dry. It should be noted that when cleaning, it is sufficient to use warm boiled water of appropriate temperature. There is no need to add certain agents to avoid affecting the fetus.

For vulvar itching caused by vaginal inflammation, the cause should be identified and local treatment should be given. The vulva can be cleaned with an alkaline solution. If oral medication is needed, it must be done with extreme caution, and a professional doctor must be consulted and consent obtained. When the condition is serious, antifungal suppositories can be placed into the vagina. The use of some traditional Chinese medicines that can dredge meridians, remove blood stasis, promote qi circulation and break stagnation, such as peach kernel, safflower, and rhubarb, must be strictly prohibited.

To eliminate vulvar itching in pregnant women, it is necessary to start from eliminating the local and systemic factors of itching. First of all, pay attention to the hygiene of the vulva, wash the vulva with soap, choose loose cotton underwear, and keep the vulva fresh and dry. Try to avoid scratching the affected area and do not use anti-itching drugs at will. Improve nutrition in diet, consume more high-protein and high-vitamin foods, avoid spicy food and alcohol. Keep a happy mood and avoid tension and irritability. By doing the above points, you will definitely be able to overcome the problem of vulvar itching.