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Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

2 Jun 2023 | 6 min Read

Sudeshna Chakravarti

Author | 799 Articles

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy is normal and mainly caused due to hormonal changes in your body. As you may know, the surface of your vagina remains lubricated and moist with a layer of clear fluid, which is produced in response to oestrogen production in your body. However, a drop in the oestrogen hormone level during pregnancy may affect the functioning of the mucus membranes, leading to vaginal dryness and itchiness.

While this condition is temporary and not a matter of concern, it may cause you discomfort, especially, while having sex intercourse. Read on as we tell you more about the possible causes, symptoms, and useful ways to manage this condition during pregnancy.

Is Vaginal Dryness In Early Pregnancy Normal?

Vaginal dryness may temporarily occur during early pregnancy in case of a drop in the oestrogen level in your body.

However, don’t be alarmed, because as your pregnancy progresses, the oestrogen levels in your body rise, which naturally help keep your vagina healthy while maintaining a slightly acidic mucus-rich fluid. This fluid further serves as a physical and immunological barrier that wards off infection and helps natural flora and healthy vaginal bacteria to thrive.

Possible Causes Of Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy is usually caused due to hormonal changes or certain cold medications / Image credit: Freepik

While vaginal dryness is a temporary condition experienced during pregnancy due to hormonal fluctuations, it may be triggered by several other factors as well. Some of the possible causes of vaginal dryness during pregnancy include:

Increased stress: During pregnancy, you may experience several bodily changes, which may result in increased stress. This may further impact your hormonal system and lead to vaginal dryness.
Certain medications: Certain allergy and cold medications may contribute to hormonal changes in your body, leading to vaginal dryness as a side effect. Make sure to address this concern with your healthcare provider and ask for an alternative medicine if required.
Microbial infections: As discussed, there may be a change in your oestrogen hormone level during pregnancy. A dip in these hormones may increase the risk of microbial infections, which may also cause vaginal dryness and itchiness.
Allergic to a certain product: Certain soaps or intimate products may contain high amounts of chemically-loaded ingredients, such as fragrances. These ingredients may cause sensitivity and irritation, further contributing to vaginal dryness.

Symptoms Of Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy

Other than general itchiness and dryness in your vagina, some other uncomfortable symptoms include:

Pain while urinating
Discomfort while standing, sitting, or exercising
Frequent urge to pee
Discomfort during sexual intercourse
Frequently suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI)

How To Treat Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy?

Drinking plenty of water and using a natural intimate wash can help you maintain good vaginal health during pregnancy / Image credit: Freepik

We have discussed some useful tips to help maintain your vaginal health during pregnancy and prevent infections or dryness.

Avoid Using Harsh Soaps

Using harsh soaps can irritate your already sensitive vaginal skin and cause dryness and discomfort. Moreover, certain soaps contain harmful chemicals that may affect your vagina’s pH balance and also increase the growth of unhealthy bacteria.

This can further disrupt the natural vaginal flora and cause painful infections. Hence, avoid using any kind of soap to maintain proper intimate health during pregnancy.

Use A Natural Intimate Wash To Tackle Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy

An intimate wash helps keep your vulva clean and healthy. For best results, you can opt for The Moms Co.’s natural intimate wash, which is formulated with botanical ingredients like tea tree oil, lactic acid, panthenol, chamomile, and calendula extracts.

While panthenol moisturises your vaginal skin, tea tree oil and lactic acid fight infection-causing bacteria and prevent vaginal odour. Additionally, chamomile and calendula extracts help relieve itchy and irritated skin and maintain a normal pH balance.

The Moms Co.

Natural Intimate Hygiene Wash

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Wear Cotton Underwear

Wearing synthetic, silk, or lace underwear may disrupt the airflow to your vagina. This can trap moisture and sweat in your crotch area, further becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Hence, always opt for cotton underwear during pregnancy, as they are soft, breathable, and absorb moisture quickly.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Did you know that hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy vaginal skin? Just like any other body part, the lack of water can dry your vagina and cause itchiness and discomfort. Proper hydration can also help maintain a healthy pH balance and prevent infections.

Hence, ensure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to maintain adequate hydration and encourage the production of healthy vaginal bacteria.

When Should You Be Concerned About Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy?

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy is mostly not a cause for concern. However, in some cases, it may occur due to an underlying health condition. Make sure to consult your healthcare provider in the following scenarios.

If vaginal dryness persists even after a few weeks of following precautionary measures.
If you notice unusual discharge or bleeding.
If it is affecting your day-to-day activities.

Conclusion

Vaginal dryness during pregnancy usually occurs due to an oestrogen drop in your body. Although it is seldom a matter of concern, its symptoms, such as pain while urination and itchiness can cause you some level of discomfort. But the good news is that it is easily manageable and can be resolved by drinking ample water and using a natural intimate wash.

However, if you experience vaginal dryness for a prolonged period or if this condition hinders your daily activities, then do consult your healthcare provider, as these factors could indicate an underlying health condition.