Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy induce physiological changes, such as pH values, in the lower genital tract of pregnant women. Such physiological changes can lead to congestion and hypertrophy of the vaginal mucosa. This provides an ideal environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms within the vagina. Increasing opportunities of infection result in inflammation in the vagina and cervix, thus increasing the risk of neonatal death.1

Vaginal candidiasis is a common fungal disease, usually reported in pregnant women. It can cause systemic infections in neonates, especially those with low birth weight (LBW) and prematurity after delivery.2

In pregnancy, bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Ascending uterine infection from the lower genital tract due to BV is a major causative factor for several pregnancy complications such as preterm labor (PTL), preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), chorioamnionitis and endometritis. Several studies have shown that BV is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.3

Recurrent asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida spp. in early pregnancy is associated with preterm birth and low birthweight.4

Prevention of vaginal infections thus seems judicious for the health and well-being of the mother and the fetus. The odds of vaginal infections are increased by poor hygiene practices.5 Use of soap to wash the vagina can affect the vaginal flora and can create potential opportunities for harmful microorganisms to cause infections among pregnant women. Excessive use of soap can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora.6

Therefore, maintaining good hygiene practices that maintain the ideal vaginal pH can help prevent the growth of pathogens and assist with the prevention of infections.

Maintaining a 3.5 to 4.5 acidic pH makes the conditions unfavorable for the proliferation of potentially pathogenic organisms. Lactic acid maintains the acidic pH and prevents uncontrolled growth of other bacteria present in the vagina.7

Thus, good intimate hygiene with lactic acid products seems beneficial to prevent and treat infections.

References

1. Xu F, Du X, Xie L. Vaginitis in pregnancy is related to adverse perinatal outcome. Pak J Med Sci. 2015 May-Jun; 31(3): 582–586.
2. Rasti S, Asadi MA, Taghriri A, et al. Vaginal Candidiasis Complications on Pregnant Women. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2014 Feb; 7(2): e10078.
3. Faruqui A. Bacterial Vaginosis: Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcome. J Gynecol Res Obstet 2018;4(2): 015-017.
4. Farr A, Kiss H, Holzer I, et al. Effect of asymptomatic vaginal colonization with Candida albicans on pregnancy outcome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015 Sep;94(9):989-96.
5. Sumarah S, Widyasih H. Effect of Vaginal Hygiene Module to Attitudes and Behavior of Pathological Vaginal Discharge Prevention Among Female Adolescents in Slemanregency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. J Family Reprod Health. 2017 Jun; 11(2): 104–109.
6. Sowole RO, Adegbite AA, Okemakin FY, Sowemimo RO. Correlation Analysis of Bacterial Vaginosis and Hygiene Practices Among Pregnant Women Attending Ante-Natal Clinic at General Hospital Ijebu Ode Ogun Southwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Medical and Health Research 2015;1(2):67-74.
7. Haya J, García A, López-Manzanara C, et al. Importance of Lactic Acid in Maintaining Vaginal Health: A Review of Vaginitis and Vaginosis Etiopathogenic Bases and a Proposal for a New Treatment. Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2014;4:787-799.