Is intimate wash enough during? An Excellent Playbook For Expectant Mothers

Written By - Gaurav Parab

Intimate hygiene during pregnancy is essential, especially during pregnancy. Moms-to-be are more susceptible to infections, diseases, and other issues related to vaginal health. Therefore, it is essential to prioritise vaginal health during this time.

And to answer your question, is Intimate Wash enough? No, it isn’t. You can start a routine soon, including using intimate washes, but to maintain good vaginal hygiene, you must take care of other things too

. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/person-holding-white-and-red-plastic-toy-car-m7HrMJJ0bW0

But first, let us check how pregnancy affects vaginal health?

• Elevated Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy:-

It's common for pregnancy to bring about an uptick in vaginal discharge due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. This discharge, often called leukorrhea, serves a protective function for the birth canal and the growing baby.

Keeping up with regular hygiene practices can help you counter this issue. Choose cotton undies and avoid douching, as it can disrupt the natural balance. If there's any unusual smell or consistency, consult your doctor.

 

• Hormonal Shifts Impacting Vaginal Well-being:-

Pregnancy shakes things up hormonally, which can mess with the pH levels and the good and bad bacteria balance in the lady bits. To tackle it, stay on top of those prenatal check-ups. If something feels off, don’t be shy to share it with your healthcare provider. A healthy diet and enough water can also play a part in keeping your vaginal health in check.

 

• Vaginal Swelling in Pregnancy:-

During pregnancy, increased blood flow and hormonal shifts commonly lead to some swelling in the pelvic region. However, if the swelling becomes excessive, it might indicate a condition such as preeclampsia. Stay hydrated, put your feet up when you can, and steer clear of standing for long stretches. If the swelling worsens suddenly, let your healthcare provider know.

 

• Increased Risk of Bacterial and Yeast Infections During Pregnancy:-

Hormonal shifts, more discharge, and a pH tweak can open the door for bacterial and yeast infections to develop during pregnancy. To prevent such infections, maintain cleanliness and comfort in the intimate area. Pick breathable undies and avoid potential irritants. If you notice any discomfort like itching or unusual discharge, don't ignore it.

Reach out to your healthcare provider promptly to address the issue early on. https://www.pexels.com/photo/an-animation-of-viruses-on-orange-background-5847518/

Now you know how vital it is to prioritise intimate hygiene during pregnancy. Let us dive deeper into care practices you can do at home after consulting with your gynaecologist.

Here are some ways to keep your intimate area clean and healthy:-

Avoid ill-fitted clothing:-

Avoiding ill-fitted clothing is paramount during pregnancy to prevent discomfort and potential health risks. Wearing comfortable, loose, and breathable clothing allows for better circulation and reduces the likelihood of chafing, irritation, or restricted movement.

It is crucial to prioritise comfort and flexibility in clothing choices to accommodate the changes in the body throughout the pregnancy journey.

Avoid shapewear:-

During pregnancy, avoiding shapewear is essential to allow the body to adjust naturally to the changes it undergoes. Shapewear can restrict blood circulation and compress the abdomen, potentially causing discomfort and complications.

Opting for comfortable, supportive maternity wear instead of restrictive shapewear promotes better circulation and overall well-being for the mother and the growing baby.

Use intimate wash or fragrance-free soap:-

Opt for a mild, pH-balanced intimate wash or fragrance-free soap specially formulated for the area down there. Avoid harsh chemicals or strong fragrances that may disrupt the natural balance and pH levels, potentially leading to irritation or infections.

Rinse with mild water:-

After using an intimate wash or soap, rinse it with lukewarm water. Gentle rinsing helps remove any residue and maintains the area's cleanliness without causing irritation or dryness.

Trim the hair:-

Keeping the hair in an intimate area, especially during hot and humid weather, can minimise sweat and bacteria buildup. Trimming also aids in maintaining hygiene and prevents potential infections.

 

Wear plant-based undies:-

Look for breathable, moisture-wicking undies made of plant-based materials. These fabrics allow for better air circulation, reducing the risk of sweat accumulation and promoting a dry, comfortable environment for maintaining intimate area health.

Consider exploring options from brands like Intimate Queen, which provides undergarments designed to prevent infections and maintain skin hygiene.

Did you know the right choice of undies can be a great help?

Breathable Fabrics

Breathable fabric allows proper airflow to evaporate sweat, water, & any moisture faster to keep you cool. Feel fresh and comfortable throughout the day. Wearing breathable undies all day long will ensure a healthy vagina.

Moisture-Wicking for Dryness

Moisture-wicking undies helps to keep moisture away, ensuring you stay dry and preventing any dampness that leads to fungal infection. Plant-based undies are more moisture-wicking than low-quality fabrics.

This feature is particularly beneficial for increased discharge flow during pregnancy. Moisture-wicking panties for women minimise the risk of chafing and irritation.

Hypoallergenic Materials for Skin Safety:-

Selecting hypoallergenic materials minimises the risk of skin allergies or irritations, ensuring a comfortable experience for your intimate area. It provides a protective layer safeguarding your Vagina from irritation even when you are working all day long.

Quick-Drying Fabrics for Cleanliness:-

Look for quick-drying fabrics to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, reducing the chances of bacterial growth and promoting freshness. Quick drying will help prevent any development of unpleasant odours and bacterial proliferation. You will feel clean and comfortable down there while carrying your baby.

https://www.pexels.com/photo/smiling-pregnant-woman-caressing-tummy-in-house-room-5427247/ 

Antibacterial Properties for Protection:-

Undies with natural antibacterial properties act as a safeguard against bacteria, supporting the balance of your vaginal flora and overall intimate area health. Opting for antibacterial protection in your undies at the beginning of the trimester would make a huge difference.

Body-Adaptive Fit for Comfort and Ease:-

Choosing undies with a body-adaptive fit provides the utmost comfort. Since your body weight fluctuates during pregnancy, it is heaven for you. Body-adaptive undies that grow with you throughout your maternity reduce the stress of buying new boring undies constantly.

Skin-Friendly Dyes:-

You should go for undies dyed with skin-friendly colours to avoid any potential allergic reactions, ensuring a soft and soothing motherhood journey ought to begin. 

Summary

Be mindful of your changing skin needs, as skin sensitivity becomes prevalent due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow. It can cause many skin problems, such as dryness, itching, redness, swelling, eczema and rashes can be a nuisance and cause irritation and unpleasant moods.

To all the expecting moms, prioritising intimate hygiene during pregnancy is the key to ensuring a comfortable and healthy journey. Opt for gentle, pregnancy-safe products and practices.

 

Don't hesitate to call your healthcare provider for any concerns or queries. Seeking advice from a healthcare professional, such as a gynaecologist, ensures accurate guidance on your journey to motherhood. 

Intimate Queen wishes you all the best on this incredible pregnancy adventure!

Do you have any maternity hygiene hacks? Comment down below!