Let’s face it, your vagina is indeed the most fascinating part of the body. It’s a self-cleaning organ that houses essential bacteria to keep several infections at bay. But that doesn’t mean you toss your intimate care routine out the window. No, not at all. You must practice vaginal hygiene at all times, more so during pregnancy. This will help prevent any infections that can otherwise lead to the risk of serious complications during your gestational period.
Why Is Vaginal Hygiene Important
Improper attention to your vaginal health can lead to serious infections both in the internal and external parts of your vagina. Moreover, since your vagina doubles up as the birth canal, you need to pay extra attention while taking care of it.
The term ‘vaginitis’ is used to describe a condition that causes infection and inflammation in your vagina. The term ‘vulvovaginitis’ is used to describe infection of both your vulva and vagina. Some of the common causes of vaginal infections are:
- Irritants: Certain soaps, perfumes, and body washes cause vaginal irritation. Sometimes even tight clothes can trigger rashes and inflammations in the vagina.
- Yeast infection: Caused by a fungus called Candida albicans.
- Bacterial infection: Overgrowth of the bacteria that are already found in your vagina can trigger bacterial vaginosis.
Now that you know about some of the major triggers of vaginal infections, let’s have a look at how pregnancy affects vaginal health and how to keep your vagina healthy during this time.
How Does Pregnancy Affect Vaginal Health
During pregnancy, the fluctuating hormone levels, as well as the increased blood flow in the body can cause a higher amount of vaginal discharge. Most times, the discharge is odourless and can appear yellowish after drying up. This is normal during pregnancy and shouldn’t cause any problem.
However, if you notice changes or a foul smell in your discharge, we recommend you consult your doctor immediately.
How To Keep Your Vagina Clean And Healthy
You can keep your vagina healthy by eating well-balanced foods, choosing comfortable clothing, getting regular checkups, and following good hygiene. You can also use an intimate wash to clean your vagina.
An intimate wash is a specially formulated solution, designed to cleanse the intimate areas. It is suitable for all skin types and keeps concerns like itching, infections, and odour of the vagina at bay.
Is It Safe To Use An Intimate Wash During Pregnancy?
The answer is ‘Yes!” It is absolutely safe to use an intimate wash during pregnancy, given you choose the product wisely. Look for an intimate product that contains pregnancy-safe ingredients, is fragrance-free, and is designed with mild and gentle plant-based ingredients.
Using an organic intimate wash will address your concerns, keep your vagina clean and healthy, and also prevent infections.
Reasons To Use An Intimate Wash During Pregnancy
You may be surprised to know that there is more than one reason why you need to use an intimate wash for vaginal care during pregnancy. Have a look at the multiple benefits that an intimate wash offers.
Helps Maintain Normal pH Balance
The normal feminine or vaginal pH is supposed to rank between 3.8 and 4.5. As you may already know, pH is the measurement of how acidic or basic a substance is. A pH of less than 7 is considered acidic and a pH of above 7 is basic. Ideally, your vaginal pH should be acidic. However, this value may show some changes during pregnancy. A high vaginal pH level, say about 4, can again lead to vaginal infections.
But don’t worry, an intimate wash is a great way to balance the vaginal pH level. All you have to do is choose an intimate wash that contains lactic acid to normalise the pH level in your vagina, and you will be golden.
Soothes Irritation And Inflammation
Another reason to use an intimate wash is to soothe irritation and inflammation caused in your delicate areas due to sensitive skin. Look for an intimate wash that contains chamomile and calendula extracts to hydrate your sensitive skin and also treat swelling and inflammations.
Prevents Odour And Fights Infections
Your vagina can also become the passage for germs to enter your body. This may risk the health of your child and therefore, you must use an intimate wash with tea tree oil to fight all kinds of infection-causing bacteria. Tea tree oil contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that aid in safeguarding vaginal health and also keep away odour.
Supports The Skin Barrier And Keeps It Moisturised
Choosing the right intimate wash, packed with ingredients like panthenol and coconut oil, can leave your intimate area feeling clean, healthy, and fresh, sans any dryness. It also helps deeply nourish and moisturise the vaginal area and prevents any itching. Using it regularly once a day can deliver the utmost care to your delicate areas and keep them infection and irritation-free.
How To Apply An Intimate Wash Correctly
Here’s how to correctly apply an intimate wah in your delicate areas:
- Step 1: Wash your intimate area with water
- Step 2: Take a few drops of the intimate wash on your palms.
- Step 3: Rub gently only on the external vaginal area. Do not run hard or try to cleanse the internal area.
- Step 4: Wash thoroughly with water and pat try with a soft towel.
An intimate wash plays a huge role when it comes to maintaining your vaginal health. So do consider including it in your daily hygiene routine and keep your delicate areas happy, healthy, odour, and infection-free.