Vaginitis or colpitis in pregnant women is as common a diagnosis as acute respiratory disease. It often develops in women of childbearing age and is expressed as severe inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. Colpitis is especially dangerous during pregnancy, because improper treatment or its absence contributes to the spread of infection deep into the vagina, to the cervix, appendages. This leads to the development of endometritis, erosion, and even infertility.

What is colpitis during pregnancy

The disease often occurs against the background of hormonal changes and disorders of the immune system during pregnancy. Sometimes the disease is a complication of pathologies such as mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, genital herpes. Colpitis during pregnancy is an infectious process caused by dysbiosis (imbalance) of the vaginal microflora and the growth of bacteria. If the disease is not treated or done incorrectly, then it can spread deep into the uterus, adversely affect the development of the fetus.

Symptoms

The inflammatory process is accompanied by swelling of the external genital organs, as well as copious discharge of white, putrid character with an unpleasant odor, sometimes with blood impurities. The main manifestations of colpitis are swelling of the vaginal mucosa and bleeding when touched. What other symptoms are characterized by colpitis or vaginitis during pregnancy:

• itching of the external genital organs;
• burning;
• mucous discharge from white to greenish (sometimes with pus);
• pain in the lower abdomen (in the uterus).

Late Symptoms

Colpitis can begin at any stage of pregnancy, so it is very important to detect it on time in order to conduct treatment. Symptoms of the disease do not change depending on the term, but the discharge is so plentiful that the expectant mother takes this process for water leakage. In any case, it is best to consult your doctor and take tests as soon as possible.

Causes

Pregnancy can in itself cause colpitis. During the period of gestation, the mother’s body experiences immunosuppression (its protective functions are reduced). In this way, nature protects the fetus from rejection. Also, in a pregnant woman, the hormonal background changes, and the acidic environment in the vagina becomes alkaline. This is a favorable condition for the growth and development of pathogenic flora. Other causes of colpitis:

• early sexual activity;
• antibiotic treatment;
• illegibility in sexual intercourse (frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse with different partners);
• wearing tight underwear made of synthetic materials;
• improper nutrition during pregnancy;
• allergic reactions;
• non-observance of the rules of personal (intimate) hygiene;
• chemical or mechanical damage to the vaginal mucosa (when douching).

Types of colpitis

The manifestation of vaginitis during pregnancy can be different and depends on the form of the disease. There are three types of colpitis: acute, subacute and chronic. Each of these types is characterized by features:

1. The acute stage of the disease causes many inconveniences, especially during pregnancy. Redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the vulva, an unpleasant odor, and discharge are observed. Depressing pain appears in the pelvic area, itching and burning. Irritation can affect the inner thighs and buttocks.
2. The subacute form may manifest with less severe symptoms. Edema and discharge are not as strong as in acute vaginitis.
3. The chronic type is the most dangerous. Symptoms may be non-specific, which complicates the recognition of the disease. If a woman had chronic colpitis before conception, then during pregnancy a relapse often occurs.

Consequences of colpitis during pregnancy for a child

Vaginitis and pregnancy often go hand in hand. However, it is extremely important to detect the infection in time in order to prescribe competent therapy. Untreated mycotic colpitis can cause serious complications, threatening not only the mother’s body, but also the child. The consequences of the disease during pregnancy:

• Ascending infection. The pathogenic condition affects the cervix, which leads to the development of endometritis, cervicitis, erosion.
• Infection of amniotic fluid and placenta. Chorioamnionitis may develop, which threatens the baby with developmental delay and other complications during pregnancy ..
• Intrauterine infection of the fetus. Increased risk of pyoderma, pneumonia in the baby.
• Colpitis causes a risk of premature birth.
• Fetoplacental insufficiency. The child does not receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen, which causes the development of fetal malnutrition.
• Miscarriage.
• For a pregnant woman, the risk of tissue rupture during childbirth increases.
• Purulent-septic postpartum processes.

Can I get pregnant with colpitis

One of the complications of vaginitis is infertility, but it does not always develop. If you detect colpitis in time and begin to treat it, then negative consequences can be avoided. Women with a chronic type of disease may become pregnant, but they must be prepared for a relapse. In this case, it is very important to monitor your health and get tested on time so that the infection does not spread to the fetus.

Prevention

In order to prevent colpitis during pregnancy, effective measures should be taken. It is not difficult and should become a habit, especially in women prone to bacterial and fungal infections. What do we have to do:

• Do not use aggressive detergents for intimate hygiene. Even odorless soap sometimes gives irritation and leads to colpitis, so it is better to give preference to soft, hypoallergenic gels.
• Wear underwear made from natural materials.
• Do not abuse douching. Some decoctions remove beneficial bacteria that protect the vagina from colpitis.
• Practice safe sex, use a condom.
• To be examined by a gynecologist.
• Do not engage in self-treatment, especially during pregnancy.
• Avoid frequent stress.
• Normalize the diet. Include more Vitamin A, E.
• Temper, strengthen immunity.
• If symptoms of colpitis are detected, immediately consult a specialist for qualified help.