Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks & Safe Treatments
29 Mar 2025
If you’ve been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy, you might be wondering: Is it dangerous? How do I treat it safely?
The good news? BV is treatable and often mild, but if left untreated, it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Let’s explore what BV is, why it happens during pregnancy, how to treat it safely, and how to prevent it.
Strong fishy odor, especially after sex
Mild vaginal irritation or burning
Occasional itching (though itching is more common in yeast infections) Some women have no symptoms at all! BV is often discovered during routine prenatal testing. BV vs. Yeast Infection: Yeast infections cause thicker, cottage cheese-like discharge with intense itching—BV does not.
Hormonal shifts that disrupt vaginal bacteria
Frequent intercourse (semen affects vaginal pH)
Douching or scented soaps, which upset the vaginal microbiome
Weakened immune system (pregnancy lowers immunity) Up to 1 in 5 pregnant women get BV at some point.
Low birth weight (baby weighing under 5.5 lbs)
Higher risk of uterine infections after delivery
Possible link to miscarriage (if untreated in early pregnancy) If you have symptoms, it’s important to get tested and treated early!
Clindamycin (Cleocin) – Available as vaginal cream or oral medication Most doctors prescribe a 5-7 day course of antibiotics to clear BV safely. Avoid over-the-counter yeast infection treatments—they won’t work for BV!
Eat plain yogurt with live cultures or take pregnancy-safe probiotic supplements.
Use unscented, mild soap for washing.
Wipe front to back to prevent bacteria spread.
Burning during urination
Increased vaginal irritation or itching
Cramping, back pain, or unusual pelvic pain BV is easy to treat—don’t wait until symptoms worsen!
Avoid harsh soaps and douching.
Support vaginal health with probiotics & good hygiene. With proper treatment, BV won’t harm you or your baby—so don’t stress, mama!
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)?
BV is a bacterial imbalance in the vagina, where harmful bacteria outgrow the good bacteria (lactobacilli). Unlike yeast infections, BV is not caused by fungi and isn’t an STD, but it can still cause unpleasant symptoms.Symptoms of BV During Pregnancy
Thin, grayish-white vaginal dischargeStrong fishy odor, especially after sex
Mild vaginal irritation or burning
Occasional itching (though itching is more common in yeast infections) Some women have no symptoms at all! BV is often discovered during routine prenatal testing. BV vs. Yeast Infection: Yeast infections cause thicker, cottage cheese-like discharge with intense itching—BV does not.
Why Is BV More Common During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes hormone levels and vaginal pH, making you more prone to bacterial imbalances. Common BV triggers during pregnancy include:Hormonal shifts that disrupt vaginal bacteria
Frequent intercourse (semen affects vaginal pH)
Douching or scented soaps, which upset the vaginal microbiome
Weakened immune system (pregnancy lowers immunity) Up to 1 in 5 pregnant women get BV at some point.
Risks of BV During Pregnancy
While BV itself isn’t dangerous, untreated BV can increase the risk of: Preterm labor & premature birth (before 37 weeks)Low birth weight (baby weighing under 5.5 lbs)
Higher risk of uterine infections after delivery
Possible link to miscarriage (if untreated in early pregnancy) If you have symptoms, it’s important to get tested and treated early!
Safe BV Treatments During Pregnancy
1. Prescription Antibiotics (Doctor-Recommended)
The safest and most effective treatments for BV during pregnancy include: Metronidazole (Flagyl) – Taken as pills or vaginal gelClindamycin (Cleocin) – Available as vaginal cream or oral medication Most doctors prescribe a 5-7 day course of antibiotics to clear BV safely. Avoid over-the-counter yeast infection treatments—they won’t work for BV!
Can You Treat BV Naturally During Pregnancy?
While antibiotics are the only proven treatment, some natural remedies may help prevent BV from returning.1. Probiotics (Yogurt or Supplements)
Lactobacillus probiotics may help restore good vaginal bacteria.Eat plain yogurt with live cultures or take pregnancy-safe probiotic supplements.
2. Maintain Vaginal pH Balance
Avoid douching, scented soaps, and feminine sprays.Use unscented, mild soap for washing.
3. Wear Breathable Cotton Underwear
Moisture-trapping fabrics promote bacterial growth. Avoid tight leggings or synthetic underwear.4. Safe Sex Practices
Use condoms to prevent semen from altering vaginal pH.Wipe front to back to prevent bacteria spread.
When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of the following, call your doctor right away: Strong, fishy-smelling dischargeBurning during urination
Increased vaginal irritation or itching
Cramping, back pain, or unusual pelvic pain BV is easy to treat—don’t wait until symptoms worsen!
Final Thoughts: BV Is Treatable & Shouldn’t Be Ignored!
Bacterial vaginosis is common during pregnancy but should be treated early to prevent complications. Talk to your doctor about safe antibiotics.Avoid harsh soaps and douching.
Support vaginal health with probiotics & good hygiene. With proper treatment, BV won’t harm you or your baby—so don’t stress, mama!
