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Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy: When to Worry & How to Find Relief

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SemicHealth Pulse
June 27, 2025

Fresh health tips, inspiring stories, and more every Friday. Brought to you by SemicHealth

Hey,

Welcome back to SemicHealth Pulse.

When Sarah felt a persistent itch during her second trimester, she brushed it off as a harmless symptom. But as the discomfort increased and her discharge changed, she realized she needed answers, fast.

Many pregnant women are like Sarah who ignores vaginal itching, thinking it’s just “part of the process.” But sometimes, that itch is your body sounding the alarm.

In today’s newsletter, here's what we're unpacking:

  • What causes vaginal itching during pregnancy

  • How to tell if it’s an infection, irritation, or something more serious

  • When itching might mean a deeper health issue

  • Safe remedies and when to seek medical help

Sarah pregnant

Common Causes of Vaginal Itching in Pregnancy

Vaginal itching isn’t officially a symptom of pregnancy, but many people experience it during this time.

Why? Hormonal changes can shift your vaginal pH, increase discharge, and make your skin more sensitive. This creates the perfect conditions for irritation, infections, and discomfort.

Here are the lists of the common culprits:

  1. Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

  2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV)

  3. Skin Conditions (Eczema, Dermatitis)

  4. Irritants and Allergens

  5. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

  6. Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)

  7. Vulvar Varicosities

What Other Symptoms Come with Vaginal Itching?

It’s not just about the itch. Vaginal itching can come with other symptoms that point to infections or other conditions. Look out for:

  • Pain or burning during urination

  • Discomfort during sex

  • Unusual vaginal discharge (thick, gray, or foul-smelling)

  • Swollen, cracked, or sore skin around the vagina

  • Light spotting or bleeding

If you notice any of these, it’s time to get checked out.

Hands and hand sanitizer pump

Natural Tips to Soothe Itching

While you're treating the cause, these habits can help manage discomfort:

  • Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear

  • Use unscented soap and laundry detergent

  • Avoid douches and scented body washes

  • Pat dry after showers, don’t rub

  • Keep the vaginal area cool and dry

An obstetrician consulting a pregnant patient

When to Talk to a Doctor

If the itching:

  • Gets worse after a few days of treatment

  • Comes back again and again

  • Is accompanied by discharge, bleeding, or pain

…it’s time to see your healthcare provider.

Never ignore persistent symptoms. What seems like a small irritation might be a sign of a bigger issue.

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Thanks for reading, and take care, friends! We’ll be back next week to talk about "Are Face Oils Worth It—Or Just Skincare Hype?”. See you then!

Here’s your reminder to email [email protected] with any (general) health and wellness questions you’d like us to answer in a future edition.