How to Treat Vaginitis During Pregnancy

Vaginitis is a common gynecological disease that can affect women of all ages, including pregnant women. Pregnant women are a particular group with lower immunity and restrictions on medication use. Therefore, treating vaginitis in pregnant women requires careful consideration to avoid harming both the mother and the fetus.

How should vaginitis in pregnant women be treated?

Different types of vaginitis require different treatment methods:

1. Fungal vaginitis

If pregnant women suffer from fungal vaginitis, they often feel unbearable itching in the external genitalia, which is more pronounced at night and can cause restlessness and affect sleep in severe cases. At the same time, there will also be an increase in vaginal discharge, which appears as a thick white curd or bean residue-like appearance.

Local treatment is generally the primary approach for the treatment of fungal vaginitis. Under the guidance of a doctor, medications such as clotrimazole suppositories and miconazole suppositories can be used and placed deep in the vagina for treatment. 

It should be noted that in the early stages of pregnancy (the first three months of pregnancy), oral antifungal drugs should be avoided as much as possible, as this may have a specific impact on fetal development.

If the condition is severe, in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, after thorough evaluation by doctors and weighing the pros and cons, oral antifungal drugs such as fluconazole can be used with caution.

2. Trichomonas Vaginitis

After suffering from trichomonal vaginitis, pregnant women will experience pruritus and burning pain in the vulva, accompanied by an increase in leucorrhea. The leucorrhea is thin, purulent, yellowish green, foam-like, and smells peculiar. 

Due to the potential adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as premature rupture of membranes and premature birth caused by trichomoniasis vaginitis, timely treatment is necessary once diagnosed.

The main drugs used to treat trichomoniasis vaginitis are nitroimidazole drugs, such as metronidazole. However, caution should also be exercised in the early stages of pregnancy. 

In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, under the guidance of a doctor, local medication or oral low-dose metronidazole can be chosen for treatment. 

Meanwhile, since trichomonas vaginitis is mainly transmitted sexually, pregnant women's sexual partners also need to receive treatment simultaneously to prevent cross-infection.

3. Bacterial Vaginosis

When pregnant women suffer from bacterial vaginosis, their vaginal discharge increases, appearing grayish-white and thin, accompanied by a fishy odor, and may be accompanied by mild itching or burning sensation in the external genitalia.

The treatment of bacterial vaginosis is generally based on local medication. Common drugs include metronidazole suppositories, clindamycin ointment, and others. If the condition is severe or recurrent, oral metronidazole or clindamycin can also be taken under the guidance of a doctor.

In addition to medication, daily hygiene practices are crucial:

1. Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the external genital area: Wash the external genital area with warm water daily, avoiding harsh soaps or cleansers. Please wear loose, breathable cotton underwear, change it frequently, and sun-dry freshly washed underwear to disinfect and sterilize.

2. Dietary adjustments: Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and minimize intake of spicy, greasy, and overly sweet foods to prevent the worsening of vaginitis symptoms caused by internal dampness and heat.

3. Avoid excessive fatigue: Ensure adequate sleep and moderate physical exercise to boost immune function, aiding vaginitis recovery.

During the treatment of vaginitis in pregnancy, expectant mothers must strictly follow their doctor's advice, take medications as prescribed, and undergo regular check-ups. Avoid stopping or adjusting medication dosage without medical consultation due to concerns about fetal effects.

When prescribing medications to pregnant women, doctors carefully consider the safety and efficacy of the drugs, choosing the most suitable treatment plan after weighing the pros and cons. 

If vaginitis progresses to the chronic stage, the Chinese herbal medicine Fuyan Pill can help improve the local vaginal microbiota environment, gradually restore balance, promote self-repair of vaginal tissues, and restore normal function. Note that the Fuyan Pill should not be taken during pregnancy.

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