How to Clean & Wash Your Vagina? Intimate Hygiene Rituals During Pregnancy

During your pregnancy, you will likely be focusing all your attention on the well-being of your child, but it is important to not forget about your own health and well-being. This includes maintaining a healthy intimate hygiene routine to ensure that you don’t get infections that may cause harm or discomfort to you or your baby.

Why are pregnant women more prone to intimate infections?

Your body’s pH levels change when you are pregnant, and, as a result, you may notice a few changes. The increased levels of estrogen makes your intimate area more prone to bacteria, which causes irritation and infection, and you may experience constipation as your body retains nutrients for your growing baby. Be sure to take extra care of your intimate areas with a feminine intimate wash, and drink lots of water and you will barely notice the increased estrogen in your body.

Preventing Intimate Infections

Here are some simple hygiene tips to help reduce the risk of infection:

1. Wash regularly, not excessively: When you’re pregnant, you may feel the need to wash frequently because of excessive vaginal discharge. However, don’t overdo it. Washing twice a day is more than enough to maintain good hygiene. Don’t forget to dry your intimate area thoroughly to prevent moisture.
2. Use a suitable intimate wash.: As your pregnancy progresses, you will experience changes in your vaginal environment. It is important to maintain the pH balance in your vagina with a specifically designed intimate wash that helps to restore vaginal pH balance. Soaps and normal body washes can be too harsh and should not be used in your intimate areas.
3. Use Cotton Towels: Make sure they’re made of 100% cotton, and that they’re always clean and dry. Never share the same towel with anyone.
4. Choose suitable panties: Choose those made of 100% cotton and wash them at high temperatures. Stay away from nylon panties because they tend to hold moisture, which is the perfect breeding environment for bad bacteria.
5. Use suitable panty liners: When you’re pregnant, your body produces more vaginal discharge than usual. During this time, it is important that you stay dry, and also allow your skin to breathe to avoid irritation. To keep discharge locked away while pampering your skin, use panty liners that are breathable and made from cotton, for example, CAREFREE® breathable liners with Cotton Extract. They are gentle on your sensitive skin and will keep you clean and dry all day long.
6. Remember to wash correctly: After using the toilet, remember to wash from the front to back to prevent yeast or bacteria from moving to the vagina or urinary tract. Also, of course, make sure to dry your intimate areas after washing to prevent rashes.

Further, if you notice any bad smelling or brown discharge, irritation, itchiness or burning sensations, contact your doctor. There is absolutely no need to be embarrassed, it’s just a part of being pregnant.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.