The sensational journey to motherhood begins from the moment a woman realizes she is pregnant. She waits impatiently every moment for the time when her baby finally snuggles up to her. But in the interim, many women face pregnancy related issues. Foul fishy odor or discharge during pregnancy is one such disturbing melody that no women may like. Bacterial Vaginosis is the main culprit for foul fishy odor accompanied with grayish discharge.
Together with fishy odor, many pregnant women may complain of itching and inflammation in the genital region. Bacterial Vaginosis occurs when there is imbalance of bacterial flora in the vagina.
What Causes Fishy Smelling Discharge While Pregnant?
As mentioned earlier the real cause for foul and fishy discharge from vagina during pregnancy is a condition called Bacterial Vaginosis. Previously it was believed that the causative organism is Gardnerella bacteria, but later it was found that many types of bacteria can give rise to Bacterial Vaginosis.
Normally there are good bacteria and bad bacteria living in a woman’s vagina. Lactobacilli are good bacteria which keep check on bad bacteria. However, when the balance is disturbed, the multiplication of bad bacteria becomes out of control giving rise to various manifestations which include Bacterial Vaginosis.
No one is able to reason out why this imbalance occurs but probably researchers believe it to be a change in vaginal pH. Rise of vaginal pH gives chance for bad bacteria to breed fast and outnumber lactobacilli bacteria (good bacteria). The odor becomes extremely strong after sexual intercourse when the discharge mixes with semen.
Yeast infection is also common during pregnancy. It is overgrowth of Candida bacteria in the vagina. Medical name for it is candidiasis. There is more susceptibility of Candidiasis in a pregnant woman. The discharge is thick yellow and there is bread like odor from it. Burning urination, itching and vaginal swelling are some of its symptoms.
How To Get Rid Of Fishy Odor Discharge In Pregnancy?
If the doctor suspects the cause as Bacterial Vaginosis, he may collect a sample of vaginal discharge and send it in a laboratory for examination. If the cause is detected to be Bacterial Vaginosis he may prescribe conventional medications which are safe in pregnancy. However, there are several safe home remedies too which can curtail the stinky odor during pregnancy.
- Yogurt: Yogurt contains good bacteria. Eating yogurt during pregnancy not only keeps the balance of bacteria in genital area but also cures Bacterial Vaginosis and the stingy fish odor. You can also apply some yogurt on a tampon and insert it in the vagina for few hours.
- Garlic: Garlic eradicates vaginal fishy odor. The antibacterial activity of garlic is well known. Garlic also balances the vaginal pH.
- Goldenseal is another herb helpful in alleviating fishy odor from vagina. However, before taking any herbal preparations you should consult your doctor, especially when you are pregnant.
- Also wear loose fitting cotton undergarment. Change the undergarment two to three times in a day when you are pregnant.
- Avoid washing the vaginal area excessively with soap as the chemicals in soap may disturb the vaginal pH.