Bacterial Vaginosis during Pregnancy

About 1 in 5 women have bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis resolves on its own in up to 50 % of infected pregnant women. While, majority of women with BV have normal pregnancies and deliveries, developing bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is associated with premature labor, having a low birthweight baby, miscarriages, premature rupture of membranes.

The link between BV and these complications are not yet known. Bacterial vaginosis is not routinely checked during pre-natal check-ups but the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that symptomatic women undergo screening and treatment. Treating the condition is done to prevent premature labor but does not seem to reduce its likelihood. For this reason, routine screening of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is still a controversial issue. However, some experts recommend screening for and treating bacterial vaginosis in women with a history of premature birth.

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy usually involves antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women, usually in oral form. The partner is seldom treated. It is important for the patient to complete the entire course of treatment even if the symptoms have disappeared. In most cases, bacterial vaginosis resolves completely after treatment but may recur in some. It is not clear why recurrences happen. It could be caused by other “bad” bacteria not completely treated and/or by the slow growth of the “good” bacteria. You should inform your doctor immediately if this happens. Do not take antibiotics without seeing a doctor. The diagnosis of BV should be based on laboratory and clinical examinations. It can be difficult to tell if the discharge is caused by BV or a different kind of vaginal infection.

The best way to prevent bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is by taking preventive measures like practicing better hygiene and following safe-sex practices.

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