Why do pregnant women get swollen vulva during pregnancy?

Swelling of the vulva during pregnancy is common, but it can also cause complications, so be extra careful.

Pregnancy is the greatest happiness but also causes quite a lot of trouble. During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through many changes. In addition to the change in appearance, the change in the genital area during pregnancy also makes many people concerned and worried, one of which is the swelling of the vulva. Why pregnant women have swollen vulva and how to fix it? All your concerns will be in the following shares of aFamilyToday Health.

Swelling of the vulva during pregnancy: The hidden anxiety of many pregnant mothers

Swelling of the vulva is a slight swelling of the labia. During pregnancy, this symptom is quite common and has a variety of causes. Here are some common causes:

Increased blood flow to the vulva

During pregnancy, to nourish the fetus, the flow of blood and fluids transported throughout the body and to the uterus increases by up to 50%. It is this increase that causes the mother's pubic and vulva to become swollen and sensitive. This is also one of the many changes in the genital area during pregnancy that increases the pleasure and satisfaction level of your sex life.

Poor hygiene

This is also a common cause of vulvar swelling. If you do not take good care of the "little girl" during pregnancy, the vagina becomes a home and breeding ground for bacteria, leading to swelling and inflammation of the vagina.

Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. One of the most influential changes is hormonal. It is this change that causes your body to swell in certain areas, including the vulva. This is due to the hormonal changes affecting the balance of the microflora of the vagina. Bacteria and viruses will "multiply" this opportunity to grow, causing swelling of the vulva.

Use inappropriate cleaning products

The inappropriate use of hygiene products can also cause swollen vulva during pregnancy. The reason is that these products may contain allergens, causing the vaginal area to become inflamed and red, leading to swelling of the vulva.

Have sex

Rough sex, lack of lubrication, or prolonged intercourse can cause swelling, abrasions, or bleeding in the vulva.

Cyst

Cysts in the genital area can also cause a swollen vulva.

Eat unhealthy foods

This may sound unbelievable, but it is true. Eating habits can affect the health of your genitals. If you eat too many junk food or other unhealthy foods, your vulva can become swollen and infected.

Bacterial inflammation of the genital area

Swelling of the vulva can also be a result of bacterial vaginosis . If you are in this situation, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to help you get better quickly.

Yeast infections

If Candida overgrowth in the vagina can lead to vulvitis. Common symptoms of this condition are burning, redness, burning pain during sex and urination, irritated skin, and a lot of vaginal discharge.

Sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases allow bacteria in the vaginal area to multiply, leading to inflammation and other symptoms of the disease, including vulvitis.

Signs of vulvar swelling during pregnancy

In addition to a swollen vulva, here are some common warning signs of vulvar swelling:

Vaginal discharge has an odor

Inflammation and itching of the genital area

Burning sensation when urinating

The vulva appears bleeding sores or blisters ...

Can vulvar swelling affect the baby's development?

Usually, the swelling of the vulva does not cause any harm to the baby in the abdomen. However, if your vulvae are swollen due to a group B streptococcal infection, this bacteria can infect your baby. In this case, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for you.

How to treat swollen vulva during pregnancy?

Here are some ways to treat vulvitis during pregnancy:

1. Limit scratching

During pregnancy, you may experience itching and discomfort in the “genitals”. However, you should limit scratching to avoid "little girl" blistering and hurt.

2. Keep the “private area” clean

Pregnant mothers should clean the genitals regularly and clean with appropriate gynecological washing water to avoid the infection becoming more serious. However, do not wash the "little girl" too much as this can cause irritation, and spread bacteria, fungi ... to other areas.

3. Not self-treatment

When your vulva is swollen, you should see a doctor to be diagnosed with the cause and have appropriate treatment. Avoid taking the medication on your own as this can cause pregnancy complications .

4. Take prescription medications

After a thorough examination, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic. In the event that the infection has spread to other areas, a stronger medication may be prescribed for you to use.

Measures to help reduce swelling of the vulva

You can also try the following remedies to get rid of itchy and swollen vulva during pregnancy:

1. Drink water

Pregnant mothers drinking water can help reduce swelling in the pussy during pregnancy. Not only that, but drinking enough water also helps to control the growth of bacteria and reduce the spread of infection.

2. Use a cold compress

You can use a cold compress to reduce vulvar swelling and inflammation.

3. Use garlic

Garlic is very effective in treating swollen vulva. This is because garlic has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help reduce swelling. You can add garlic to your diet to aid in the treatment or apply garlic to the swollen area to ease the symptoms. However, it is necessary to consult a doctor before applying.

4. Add probiotics

Supplementing with probiotics can help balance the overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeast in the body. To add probiotics, you can add oats and yogurt to your diet.

5. Apple cider vinegar

The antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar can help reduce swelling of the vulva. You can mix apple cider vinegar in a bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

Pregnant mothers with swollen vulva should go to the doctor when?

To prevent the swollen vulva from getting worse, you should see your doctor if:

The swelling and itchiness doesn't go away after a few days

Vaginal ulcers or small pimples.

How can i prevent vulvar swelling during pregnancy?

Here are some tips to help prevent vulvitis during pregnancy:

Be careful to keep your genitals clean: Pregnancy makes you vulnerable to infection, so special care should be taken in taking care of your genitals to avoid infection.

Do not use soap, perfumed gynecological washers to clean the "little girl" because these products can cause allergies.

Always wear comfortable underwear, preferably cotton. Do not use too tight underwear because it makes her "secret".

Maintain a nutritious and healthy diet. Don't eat unhealthy foods.

The swollen vulva can make you feel uncomfortable. However, with proper care and timely medical intervention, your condition is not only under control, complications can also be avoided.