Infections are a huge irritation, especially when you are already going through difficult things like pregnancy. It creates complications and raises the stakes of getting severe infections that may affect your and your child’s health. One of these infections is bacterial vaginosis, a very common infection in women that is quite risky at the time of pregnancy.

Nevertheless, it’s not that complicated when treated with doctor-recommended bacterial vaginosis medications. This article sheds light on how bacterial vaginosis is contracted and what complications it can lead to while being pregnant. Begin reading to increase your knowledge about bacterial vaginosis.

What Is Bacterial Vaginosis?

One of the most common contracted infections amongst women is bacterial vaginosis. In fact, according to research, almost more than 75% of women in their lifetime will acquire Bacterial Vaginosis at least once in their lifetime. Bacterial vaginosis is a yeast infection that occurs in a woman’s vagina. In a more profound sense, it’s the change of certain types of bacteria in a woman’s vagina. It is easily treatable with BV medications after a clinical prescription from a doctor near you.

Our bodies have both types of bacteria present, good, and bad, but balance is maintained to have a healthy body, and just like that, vaginas have two kinds of bacteria in them. However, when the balance gets tilted towards harmful bacteria, it can open up a window to get infections like bacterial vaginosis. This bacterial infection happens when the healthy bacteria increase or outbalance growth by multiplying. Gardnerella vaginalis, a very common bacteria present in a vagina causes bacterial vaginosis, also commonly known as BV. Bacterial vaginosis isn’t an STD or STI, but when a person who has multiple sexual partners may have an increased risk of catching BV.

How Is Bacterial Vaginosis Contracted During Pregnancy

Bacterial vaginosis is quite common in pregnant women as they are more vulnerable to infections. BV affects almost 25-30% of pregnant women every year. The main reason pregnant women easily catch BV is the hormonal fluctuations that occur in their bodies during pregnancy. However, how is bacterial vaginosis contracted during pregnancy? Let us look into it-

• Having unprotected sexual intercourse

• Having multiple sexual partners

• Taking antibiotics

• Applying vaginal based medications

How to Avoid and Control Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy

Although BV is easily treatable but ignoring, it can do you no good, especially if you are pregnant. A pregnant woman who may catch bacterial vaginosis is at a considerable risk of pregnancy complications. These complications include premature delivery, spontaneous abortion, miscarriages, and many more risk factors, which no one wants.

The question that might be bothering you now is how you can avoid bacterial vaginosis if you are pregnant; not to worry, the list below will help you-

1) Practicing Safe Sexual Activities- One of the most effective ways to prevent BV is to practice safe sex, i.e., always use a condom so that unwanted bacteria doesn’t enter your vagina hence reducing the risk of BV. Moreover, doctors recommend not to have multiple sexual partners if you are currently getting treated for BV.

2) Minimize Irritation- Vaginal irritation is a triggering cause of using vaginal-based medications, but it increases the risks of getting BV. Doctors recommend using warm water with mild soap to minimize irritation and the risk of contracting BV.

3) Stop Douching- In medical terms douching is known as cleaning a vagina with harsh chemicals mostly found in vaginal cleansing washes, which is not the best thing for your vagina, especially when pregnant. A vagina is a self-cleansing body part, but even if you experience irritation or anything else, it’s always best to use water and fragrance-free soaps.

Are There Any Bacterial Vaginosis Medications Safe For Pregnant Women?

As you may have heard, primarily pregnant women refrain from taking antibiotics as it affects the baby’s health and may harm the baby’s developing organs. This fact is actual, but as science and medicine have advanced over time, many antibiotics are safe for pregnant women, which cure BV quickly without any side effects on the mother, and the baby’s health.BV is a prevalent infection, but taking these precautions will reduce the risk of getting infected in pregnant women.