Constipation, hemorrhoids, and cystitis are common diseases that trouble pregnant women. However, they are reluctant to talk about their symptoms, so they are often left untreated. You need to be careful because even minor symptoms that seem insignificant can lead to a major illness.
Too much vaginal discharge
Even if you do not have vaginitis during pregnancy, secretions naturally increase under the influence of hormones. However, if there is too much discharge, vulvovaginitis can be suspected. Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and Candida vaginitis are common among vaginitis that occurs during pregnancy.
Bacterial vaginitis with a fishy smell is experienced by about 30% of pregnant women, but vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of occurrence, and it can also cause infection or inflammation in the amniotic fluid, leading to premature birth. Trichomonas vaginitis is usually diagnosed during a pelvic examination in early pregnancy. It is accompanied by bubbling discharge and itching and burning symptoms. Candidal vaginitis is characterized by okar-like discharge, itching, and redness.
Solution
Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear that irritates the cervix, and change it frequently to keep the vulva always clean. It is best to wear cotton underwear that is breathable. A panty liner is sometimes used when there is a lot of vaginal discharge, but it is rather poorly ventilated and stimulates the vulva, so avoid it.
When using water after boiling, use water that has been boiled and cooled as much as possible, and finish by lightly washing the vulva from front to back. In this case, you can use a feminine cleanser. However, if you are pregnant, it is difficult to maintain the acidity in the vagina, so it becomes neutral or alkaline. If the symptoms of vaginitis do not improve, you must see your healthcare provider , like an Alpharetta OBGYN.
A burning and stinging feeling when going to the toilet
In women, the urethra is short and the bladder is located near the vagina and anus, so it is easy to be infected with bacteria in secretions or feces. In particular, during pregnancy, the enlarged uterus presses on the bladder, which makes the bladder mucous membrane inflamed, more prone to cystitis.
If you have cystitis, you may feel itchy or burning when you urinate, and you will have to go to the bathroom more often than usual. Even when you urinate, you may feel a residual urination that does not look like you have finished urinating, and blood may be mixed in the urine. Before urinating, you may feel a stabbing pain in your side or lower abdomen.
Solution
SolutionDo not hold your urine, and when you feel the urge to urinate, go to the bathroom and empty your bladder completely. After defecation, wipe the anus from front to back, and gently tap with a tissue after urination to remove moisture.
Drinking plenty of water can help increase the amount of urine and help flush bacteria out of the body. It is usually good to keep the lower body warm, avoid tight pants or tights, and wear soft cotton clothes for good ventilation. Avoid sitting with your legs crossed as it also irritates the bladder. Cystitis can make symptoms worse and become chronic if you tolerate it or try to deal with it on your own. Above all, there is a high risk of bacterial infection leading to premature amnion rupture or premature labor, so if cystitis is suspected, seek treatment immediately.
Read Also: Eating Healthy Diet During Pregnancy
Bad breath
During pregnancy, iron deficiency and changes in hormones in the body lead to the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to oral diseases. The most common of these is gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, swelling and bleeding when brushing teeth. Appears around 2-3 months of pregnancy, and 70% of pregnant women experience it by 7-8 months, so it is called ‘gestational gingivitis’.
Also, during pregnancy, due to morning sickness, etc., it is not possible to properly brush your teeth, so cavities are more likely to occur. Many people are reluctant to undergo dental treatment due to concerns about anesthesia, but if left unattended, it can lead to chronic periodontitis.
Solution
Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C have the effect of strengthening teeth and gums, so it is good to eat them as snacks instead of sweet or sticky foods. Brush your teeth immediately after eating or rinse your mouth with mouthwash, and when brushing your teeth, brush your tongue as well as your teeth.
Flossing prevents bad breath and tooth decay, but gums bleed easily during pregnancy, so it is important to know how to floss properly. It is recommended to treat tooth decay or gum disease through oral examination before pregnancy, but if it occurs during pregnancy, consult a doctor before receiving treatment.
Itchy pruritus all over the body
In the middle of pregnancy, symptoms such as itchy stomach, legs, and chest appear for no apparent reason. Itching persists without any skin symptoms. It starts from the early stages of pregnancy and gets progressively worse. It does not appear in all pregnant women, and even if symptoms do occur, it does not affect the fetus. It also disappears naturally at the time of childbirth.
Solution
A shower regularly to keep your skin clean, and wear soft cotton underwear and clothes to minimize skin irritation. Also, apply oil or cream frequently to avoid drying out your skin. Avoid oily and irritating foods and instant foods, and eat plenty of fruits and seaweeds rich in vitamins and minerals. Rub the areas with severe itching with your palms and promote blood circulation with simple movements.
