Over 3 million cases of bacterial vaginosis occur in the United States. This is an issue that can be somewhat limited in scope, but if it occurs during pregnancy, there are some issues that could be found. In fact, this is a conversation that women need to have with their doctors. Vaginosis could occur during pregnancy, and eve cause abnormal bleeding, and irregular pregnancy. To understand why this is dangerous, and what to do if there is bleeding, or any sort of abnormalities during pregnancy, consider a few notes.
Understanding Bacterial Vaginosis
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what bacterial vaginosis is. This is an issue that is spread through sexual contact. It’s a problem that women of childbearing age may get, and it’s something that doesn’t go away on its own. It’s an overgrowth of bacteria that is located in the vagina and could cause a few symptoms to manifest. However, in some women, the symptoms do not come through at first, making this a little difficult to diagnose. It’s for that reason why many women may want to know what symptoms to look for.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with bacterial vaginosis include discharge, redness, itching, and a foul odor. There are some people that may also see bleeding at times. This may be difficult to manage at first, but if these symptoms appear, it’s imperative to get a helping hand.
Pregnancy and Bleeding
In regard to bacterial vaginosis there are some issues that can occur within pregnant women. Pregnant women may be at risk of vaginosis. This is an issue that occurs due to the changes in the pH levels during, after, and in the early stages of pregnancy. Research indicates that no more than around 30% of women may face this issue. The symptoms are the same as when not pregnant, but there may be bleeding.
There is a link between bleeding and miscarriage, uterine lining issues, low birth weight, and stunted development in the womb. These issues are heightened if they are not dealt with immediately, which is why it’s important to call a doctor if there’s any bleeding during the course of pregnancy. Even if there’s light spotting or anything irregular, with blood, a call to a physician should be made, and a pelvic exam may be needed.
Treating Bacterial Vaginosis
Pregnant women should not wait for the symptoms of vaginosis to start showing. If there is any bleeding, call a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the issue with a pelvic exam, and will be able to determine if there’s a larger issue at play. The larger issue here can be addressed through prescription medication. Antibiotics may be given, or a topical solution may be given. Either option will help restore the pH levels to help with reducing the bacteria, and correcting everything properly. If treated correctly, this will not come back, and a full-term pregnancy will be simple. However, if left alone, without treatment, pregnancy can become difficult, and uterine lining may be effected.