BV Treatment During Pregnancy That Keeps You and Baby Safe

When I found out I was pregnant, I was thrilled—but I’ll admit, I didn’t expect bacterial vaginosis (BV) to become part of the conversation with my OB-GYN. Turns out, BV during pregnancy isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s something you need to take seriously. Whether you’ve dealt with it before or this is your first time, understanding how to safely treat BV while pregnant is essential for both your health and your baby’s well-being.

Why BV Treatment Matters During Pregnancy

BV is caused by an imbalance of the normal bacteria in the vagina. While it’s common and sometimes symptomless, leaving it untreated during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications like preterm labor or low birth weight. According to CDC, BV affects nearly 1 in 5 pregnant women, and many don’t even realize they have it.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Unusual vaginal discharge—grayish, thin, or watery
Strong, fishy odor, especially after intercourse
Mild itching or irritation

Some women experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular prenatal checkups are crucial. In my case, it was the persistent odor that prompted me to ask more questions, and I’m glad I did.

Safe Medical Treatments Recommended by OB-GYNs

The good news? BV can usually be treated effectively during pregnancy with antibiotics that are considered safe for both you and your baby. Your healthcare provider might recommend:

Metronidazole – Often prescribed in oral form for 7 days. It’s been extensively studied and deemed safe for pregnant women. Learn more here.
Clindamycin – Available as a cream or oral medication, especially if metronidazole isn’t tolerated. You can explore this further in our clindamycin overview.

In both cases, it’s important to follow the full course of treatment—even if symptoms subside early. Stopping too soon can cause the infection to return, which I learned the hard way during my second trimester.

Should You Treat Your Partner Too?

This is one of the most common questions pregnant women have. While BV isn’t classified as a traditional sexually transmitted infection, sexual activity can influence its recurrence. Addressing sexual health and BV connection is often part of the broader treatment discussion.

What If You’re Allergic or Sensitive to Antibiotics?

Not everyone tolerates first-line medications. If you have allergies or previous sensitivities, your OB-GYN might adjust the dosage or recommend a different formulation. There’s ongoing discussion around boric acid suppositories in non-pregnant women, but these are not safe during pregnancy. You can read more about boric acid’s use outside of pregnancy in our article on boric acid for BV.

Addressing Recurrent BV in Pregnancy

Unfortunately, BV can come back—even after treatment. For me, managing recurring BV during pregnancy became part of my routine prenatal care. Your provider might recommend more frequent screenings or even additional treatment cycles if symptoms return.

Some steps you can take to reduce recurrence include:

Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
Avoiding scented soaps or douches—these can disrupt your natural flora
Maintaining proper hygiene without over-washing

These preventive tips are also detailed in our guide to BV relapse and underwear-related prevention tips.

Should You Consider Probiotics?

Some women swear by probiotics for maintaining vaginal balance during pregnancy. While not a substitute for antibiotics, certain strains—especially lactobacillus—may help reduce the risk of recurrence. Curious? Our article on probiotics for BV dives deeper into the research.

When to Speak Up and Get Help

Don’t ignore unusual symptoms, especially during pregnancy. If something feels off—whether it’s odor, discharge, or irritation—it’s always best to bring it up with your OB-GYN. They’ll likely perform a vaginal swab or pH test to confirm BV. Learn more about why self-diagnosis isn’t enough.

For more about diagnosis and symptoms, visit the main bacterial vaginosis overview or explore our symptom-focused cluster page.

BV and Pregnancy Complications: What You Need to Know

When I was first told I had BV during pregnancy, my main concern was immediate discomfort. But what really got my attention was the potential impact on my baby. Research from NCBI shows a strong association between untreated BV and risks like preterm labor, miscarriage, and low birth weight. These aren’t just rare outcomes—they’re real possibilities that deserve attention.

How BV Affects the Uterine Environment

BV alters the vaginal microbiome, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. This can lead to ascending infections, where bacteria move upward into the uterus. In some cases, it may trigger inflammation that contributes to early labor or rupture of membranes. That’s why recognizing and treating BV early is a priority in prenatal care protocols.

If you’re curious about the connection between BV and preterm labor, we cover this in detail in our article on BV and preterm labor.

BV and Miscarriage: Addressing the Fear

It’s one of the most dreaded words during pregnancy: miscarriage. While BV alone doesn’t guarantee this outcome, studies have found that women with untreated or recurrent BV may face a higher risk, particularly during early pregnancy stages. My own OB-GYN was very clear—early detection and treatment go a long way in reducing risks.

For more specifics, read our full discussion on BV and miscarriage risk.

Reassurance from Experience

Having gone through it personally, I can tell you that being proactive helped me regain peace of mind. Once I followed the recommended treatment and stayed consistent with checkups, my symptoms cleared and my pregnancy progressed smoothly.

What to Eat (and Avoid) to Support Recovery

There’s no magic food to cure BV, but your diet can support a healthier balance of bacteria. For example, I started adding plain Greek yogurt and kefir into my meals, which are rich in probiotics. I also became more mindful about sugar intake, since high-sugar diets can fuel the growth of harmful bacteria.

Eat more: Yogurt, leafy greens, whole grains, garlic
Avoid: Refined sugar, alcohol, heavily processed snacks

We’ve compiled more detailed recommendations in our BV diet guide, including how sugar affects BV.

Preventing Future BV Flare-Ups During Pregnancy

After two bouts of BV during my second trimester, I made a few changes that helped me stay infection-free for the rest of my pregnancy. Some of these were simple habits I hadn’t paid attention to before:

Switched to fragrance-free body wash
Stopped using panty liners daily—they trap moisture
Started sleeping without underwear when possible to allow airflow

These small tweaks were based on what I learned from our safe sex and hygiene practices section, and they truly made a difference for me.

Cross-Cluster Tip: Stress and BV

Something I hadn’t expected was how emotional stress could influence my BV episodes. While the science is still evolving, some evidence links high stress levels with immune changes that may disrupt vaginal flora. You might find our article on stress as a BV trigger eye-opening.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Make the most of your prenatal visits. If you suspect BV—or just want to be proactive—consider asking:

Can I be tested for BV even if I don’t have symptoms?
Which antibiotics are safest for me in this trimester?
Is it okay to use probiotics or supplements during treatment?
What signs should I watch for that might signal recurrence?

Every pregnancy is different. I learned that trusting your instincts and being honest about symptoms can make a big difference. Your doctor is your best resource, and our diagnosis guide can help you feel more prepared for those discussions.