Intimate Hygiene Tips During Pregnancy

When you're feeling uncomfortable, and your pregnancy body is changing daily, keeping on top of your general and intimate hygiene routine can become difficult, and often feels like a bit of a chore. But maintaining overall health, can help contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy. Here are some key reasons why hygiene is crucial during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, you might notice an increase in vaginal discharge, don't worry, this is absolutely normal and helps prevent infections from traveling up from the vagina to the uterus. Hormonal changes, such as increased levels of oestrogen and progesterone, contribute to this increase in vaginal discharge.

Here’s Our Top 5 Intimate Hygiene Tips During Pregnancy

• Clean Gently and Regularly

  • Use warm water to wash your genital area daily.
  • Avoid using harsh soaps, douches, or scented products as they can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels.

• Wear Breathable Fabrics

  • Opt for cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes to allow for better air circulation and reduce the risk of infections.

• Change Your Underwear Frequently

  • Due to increased discharge, changing your underwear more frequently can help you stay fresh and prevent irritation.

• Practice Safe Wiping

  • Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent the spread of bacteria from the rectal area to the vagina.

• Stay Hydrated

  • We know you're probably fed-up already of the constant visits to the loo. But drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

General Hygiene In Pregnancy

Maintaining good hygiene during pregnancy is crucial for your health and well-being, as well as that of your developing baby. Here are some general hygiene tips to keep in mind during this special time.

Facial Skin Care

Pregnancy can really play havoc with your skin, and you may find you need to rethink your usual skincare routine as hormone levels fluctuate.  Here are some common skin changes that occur during pregnancy and tips on how to manage them:

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy) Brown or greyish patches on the face, particularly on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip are caused by increased production of melanin due to hormonal changes.

How To Treat:

• Sun Protection: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and seek shade to prevent further darkening of the skin.
• Gentle Skincare: Use mild, non-irritating skincare products to avoid exacerbating pigmentation.

Acne

Increased oil production can lead to acne breakouts, similar to those experienced during puberty, again we have hormones to blame for these outbreaks and in increase in sebum production.

How To Treat:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser twice daily.
• Avoid Harsh Products: Stay away from acne treatments containing retinoids or salicylic acid without consulting a healthcare provider.
• Oil-Free Products: Choose oil-free moisturisers and makeup.

Increased Sensitivity

For 9 months your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight, heat and other irritants, in other words your skin may become more reactive to your usual skin products and household items.

How To Treat:

• Hypoallergenic Products: Use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skincare and laundry products.
• Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.

Bathing & Showering

There’s no reason why you can’t shower or bathe daily when pregnant to maintain cleanliness and comfort, and for some a warm bath can ease any aches or cramps, you may be experiencing.

• Temperature: You should avoid hot baths or showers, instead opt for warm water to prevent overheating.
• Products: Use mild, unscented soaps and toiletries and if possible, highly perfumed products such as bubble baths, or bath oils that can irritate your skin or increase the risk of infections.

Clothing

Comfortable clothing during pregnancy can make a significant difference in how you feel as your body changes. Here are some tips to help you choose and wear clothing that will keep you comfortable throughout your pregnancy:

• Comfort: Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics like cotton.
• Cleanliness: Chances are you will sweat more during pregnancy, especially if you carry during the summer months, and a daily or twice daily change of clothes can help you feel fresh and avoid skin irritation caused by sweating.

Hand & Nail Hygiene

Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to keep yourself healthy and prevent the spread of illness in your family. It physically removes germs through friction, so make sure to wash your hands properly and frequently, especially during pregnancy.

• Wash Regularly: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling raw food, touching pets, or caring for children.
• Use Hand Sanitiser: When soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

• Keep Nails Short: Trim your nails regularly to keep them clean and prevent infections.

Rest and Sleep

• Bedding: You’re going to be spending more time resting during your pregnancy and there really is nothing better than slipping into some clean and fresh bedding, especially if you are having sleepless nights and moving around a lot.
• Sleeping Position: Use pillows for support and try to sleep on your side, preferably the left side, to improve blood flow to the baby.

Maintaining good general and intimate hygiene during pregnancy is essential for your comfort and health. By following these tips and being attentive to any changes, you can help ensure a healthy pregnancy.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as itching, burning, unusual odour, or abnormal discharge colour, contact your doctor or midwife, these could be signs of an infection that may need medical attention.