BV in Pregnancy Symptoms That Should Never Be Ignored

During my second trimester, I noticed something unusual—changes in discharge and a persistent odor that wasn’t typical for me. At first, I dismissed it as just another odd pregnancy symptom. But after a visit to my OB-GYN and a few questions, I learned it was bacterial vaginosis (BV). Many pregnant people don’t realize how common BV is during pregnancy, or how it can quietly impact both maternal health and fetal outcomes if left untreated. This experience led me to dig deeper—and what I found was worth sharing.

Why BV Symptoms in Pregnancy Can Be Overlooked

Pregnancy is full of changes—hormonal shifts, discharge variations, new sensations—so it’s not surprising that symptoms of bacterial vaginosis might go unnoticed or be mistaken for something else. The body’s natural flora is more sensitive during this time, and even a small imbalance can have amplified effects.

Common but Easily Missed Signs

• Watery or grayish discharge that differs from normal pregnancy discharge
• Fishy vaginal odor, especially after intercourse
• Vaginal discomfort like itching or mild irritation

These signs can be subtle, and many women I’ve spoken to didn’t connect them with an infection. They assumed hormonal changes were the cause—until a medical checkup revealed otherwise.

It’s worth noting that vaginal odor can be one of the earliest signs of BV. If this is persistent or worsens after sex, it’s time to bring it up during your prenatal visit.

How Hormonal Shifts Contribute to BV

Estrogen levels increase dramatically during pregnancy, influencing the balance of vaginal bacteria. Normally, lactobacilli help maintain a healthy pH level in the vagina, protecting against infection. However, pregnancy hormones can disrupt this balance, reducing the number of protective bacteria and allowing anaerobic bacteria linked with BV to flourish.

The Role of Vaginal pH

The typical vaginal pH in a healthy pregnant person stays between 3.8 and 4.5. With BV, this shifts to above 4.5, creating an ideal environment for bacterial overgrowth. A home BV test may help in catching these changes, especially if symptoms are mild.

When BV Affects Pregnancy Outcomes

While BV isn’t usually dangerous in non-pregnant individuals, in pregnancy it deserves more attention. Several governmental health bodies highlight potential complications such as:

1. Preterm labor – BV is linked with an increased risk of early delivery
2. Low birth weight – babies born to mothers with untreated BV may weigh less than average
3. Increased susceptibility to infections – both for the mother and the baby during delivery

During my consultation, my doctor emphasized the importance of treating BV promptly. She noted that treatment options during pregnancy are generally safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Diagnosis: What to Expect

Your OB-GYN may perform a vaginal swab test to check for abnormal discharge and measure pH. Often, the diagnosis combines lab tests with a review of your symptoms. A self-diagnosis can be tricky, especially when pregnancy symptoms mask typical BV indicators.

What Helped Me Get Diagnosed Sooner

Aside from the odor, I noticed my discharge had turned a pale gray and had a thinner texture than usual. I wasn’t experiencing pain, which made me think it was minor. But recalling a friend’s complications due to untreated BV made me bring it up with my midwife. It was one of the best decisions I made.

When Symptoms Are Present but No Pain

Bacterial vaginosis can sneak in without causing noticeable pain. This is especially common in pregnancy. You might experience discharge changes without itching or burning. This is one reason pain is not a reliable indicator for BV in many cases.

Don’t Wait for Discomfort

If anything feels off—odor, discharge texture, or even recurring discomfort after intimacy—it’s better to ask. As I learned, the earlier the detection, the easier the treatment and the lower the risk of complications. I also found that simple hygiene habits matter more than we think. And it led me to explore habits that may increase BV risk during pregnancy.

Looking Ahead: Prevention and Management

Once you’ve experienced BV during pregnancy, prevention becomes a priority. Wearing breathable underwear, maintaining balanced hygiene, and avoiding scented products helped reduce recurrences for me. You can also look into probiotics that support vaginal flora—something I now take regularly.

It’s also helpful to understand how BV fits into the bigger picture. To explore broader symptoms, visit the main BV Symptoms & Signs cluster page, or the full Bacterial Vaginosis overview for in-depth education.

Treatment Options During Pregnancy

Treating BV during pregnancy isn’t as intimidating as it may sound. Once diagnosed, your healthcare provider will weigh the best options depending on your trimester and overall health. I was prescribed metronidazole, a commonly recommended antibiotic, and was reassured that it’s safe when used as directed during pregnancy.

Some expectant moms may worry about antibiotics, and I understand—I hesitated too. But research cited by credible medical sources shows that treating BV reduces the risk of preterm birth and other complications more than leaving it untreated. If you’re unsure, a discussion with your OB-GYN can clarify things quickly.

To explore medications further, I found this breakdown useful: Metronidazole for BV vs. Clindamycin, both of which are common pregnancy-safe treatments.

Is It Necessary to Treat My Partner?

While BV isn’t classified as a sexually transmitted infection, it’s often influenced by sexual activity. I was advised that treating my partner wasn’t medically necessary, but practicing safe sex during treatment could help reduce recurrence. This aligns with what’s shared in partner treatment guidance on BV.

Can Natural Remedies Be Used During Pregnancy?

Let’s be honest—pregnancy makes us question everything we put into our bodies. I personally tried adding yogurt and probiotics to my daily routine (after my doctor gave the green light). While they weren’t a replacement for antibiotics, they did help restore balance post-treatment and prevented flare-ups.

• Yogurt – Plain, unsweetened, and with live cultures
• Probiotics – Oral capsules designed for vaginal health

Some people mention apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil, but these weren’t options I felt safe using during pregnancy. Always check with your provider before trying any natural remedy. You can learn more in the Natural Remedies Cluster.

What About Recurring BV During Pregnancy?

After my initial recovery, I had another episode of BV in the third trimester. I felt frustrated, but my OB explained that recurrence isn’t uncommon. Hormones are in constant flux, and vaginal flora can shift again. This time, I was quicker to act because I knew the signs and had strategies in place.

It helped me understand more about why BV relapses happen, and I focused on prevention through gentle care and diet. Interestingly, I noticed flare-ups were worse after consuming a lot of sugar, which led me to adjust my eating habits.

Can Diet Influence BV During Pregnancy?

Absolutely. After diving into the literature, I found some connections between high-glycemic foods and BV recurrence. Foods that support healthy bacteria, like fermented vegetables, plain yogurt, and leafy greens, became a regular part of my diet. I cut back on white bread and processed snacks. You might explore these tips in:

• Does Sugar Make BV Worse?
• Foods That Feed Good Bacteria

What Happens If BV Is Left Untreated During Pregnancy?

Neglecting BV symptoms can have serious consequences. If untreated, BV has been linked to:

1. Amniotic infection
2. Preterm labor
3. Miscarriage in rare cases
4. Postpartum uterine infection

These risks are why recognizing miscarriage risk factors and preterm labor links are so important. Even if the symptoms feel minor, treating BV proactively can protect both the mother and the baby.

Supporting Healthy Vaginal Flora During Pregnancy

Maintaining balance during pregnancy takes intention. I learned that vaginal health is sensitive to not just hormones, but also to habits and environment. After treatment, I developed a few consistent routines that helped keep me BV-free through delivery:

• Switched to unscented, pH-balanced hygiene products
• Wore only cotton underwear and avoided tight-fitting synthetic fabrics
• Incorporated daily probiotic supplements

It’s also worth looking into underwear tips for BV prevention and why douching may worsen symptoms—these small changes can make a big difference.

For those interested in the full spectrum of how BV interacts with pregnancy health, the BV in Pregnancy Guide expands on treatment, complications, and long-term management. It connects with the main Bacterial Vaginosis resource page for ongoing support and education.