Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy – Symptoms, Treatment & Risks to Your Baby

By Mrunal | Updated: 25/05/2026

Pregnancy causes several hormonal and physical changes in a woman’s body, which can increase the risk of vaginal infections. Changes in immunity and vaginal balance may make pregnant women more prone to infections such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginal yeast infection, trichomoniasis, and aerobic vaginitis. These vaginal infections during pregnancy are quite common and can usually be treated effectively if diagnosed early. Symptoms may include unusual vaginal discharge, itching, irritation, burning sensation while urinating, or unpleasant odour. Read on to learn about the common vaginal infections that can affect women during pregnancy, their symptoms, and treatment options.

What Are Vaginal Infections?

Vaginal infections are common infections that can cause itching, irritation, abnormal discharge, and discomfort in the vaginal and vulvar regions. According to experts, these infections may occur due to fungal growth, bacterial imbalance, or other microorganisms affecting the vaginal area (1).

Common Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy

Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, the immunity of the mom-to-be might be lower than usual, and may make it tougher to fight off vaginal infections. These infections may also harm the unborn baby if left untreated. Hence, it is important to recognise the symptoms of such infections, diagnose them correctly, and treat them immediately.

1. Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy is very common. Around 10% to 40% of pregnant women reportedly get infected with bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is caused when the bacteria that are naturally present in your vagina begin multiplying and growing, resulting in unpleasant symptoms.

Signs

Some women with BV may not show any signs of the infection. The symptoms of BV are (2):

Burning sensation while urinating
Fishy odour from the vagina
Irritation and itching around the vaginal area
Vaginal discharge that is grey or white, has a thin, watery consistency

BV can be diagnosed by doing a pelvic exam and a vaginal culture.

Treatment

Bacterial vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics that are safe for pregnant women. Generally, doctors avoid prescribing antibiotics in the first trimester, and will wait till you are in your second trimester. Sometimes, BV goes away without treatment, if it is in the initial stages. However, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical help. Some ways to prevent BV are (3):

Following safe sex practices.
Practising good hygiene.
Wearing clean and dry underwear.
Refraining from douching.
Keeping the vagina clean and dry.

If left untreated, BV can cause problems like preterm delivery, low birth weight in the baby, infection of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or amniotic fluid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (3).

2. Yeast Infection

Yeast infections during pregnancy is another frequent problem among mothers-to-be. Yeast infections are more common in the second trimester. They may be caused by hormonal changes, taking medication like steroids or antibiotics, excessive douching, diabetes, or an STD (4).

Signs

The signs that you have a yeast infection are:

White or brown cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge that smells like yeast
Redness and irritation in the vulva and labia
Burning pain while having sex or urinating

Treatment

Yeast infections are diagnosed by a vaginal exam, or by examining a vaginal swab under a microscope to confirm the presence of yeast. These infections are usually treated with anti-fungal creams that have to be applied to the affected area. If not treated, the yeast can infect the baby’s mouth during delivery and cause a condition called thrush. Yeast infections can be prevented by (5):

Wearing breathable underwear.
Keeping the vaginal area dry.
Wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
Limiting sugar intake.
Including yoghurt in your diet.

3. Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis during pregnancy is caused by a parasitic microbe called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is sexually transmitted from an infected partner during intercourse. However, research has shown that it can be transmitted by sharing toilet seats or towels and even through swimming pools (6).

Signs

The signs and symptoms of Trichomoniasis include:

Frothy green or yellow smelly vaginal discharge
Redness and irritation in the vaginal region
Pain during urination
Discharge that may be clear or white with a fishy odour

Treatment

Trichomoniasis is treated with antibiotics that are not harmful to the unborn baby. Some prevention measures are (7):

Following safe sex practices like using condoms and not having multiple partners.
Practising good hygiene like keeping the genital area clean and dry.
Avoiding public toilets and swimming pools during pregnancy.

4. Group B Streptococcus

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus agalactiae. This bacteria can be present in the intestinal tract, vagina, or rectum of about 15 to 20% of women. If left untreated, a GBS infection can cause complications like endometrial inflammation, urinary bladder infection, premature birth, and even stillbirth. If GBS is passed onto a newborn, it can cause sepsis, meningitis, and neurological problems (8).

Signs

Most healthy women with GBS do not show any obvious symptoms. It is not known why some women do exhibit symptoms. However, GBS can cause a urinary tract infection, which will cause a burning sensation during urination, cloudy urine, and frequent urge to urinate.

Treatment

Your doctor will test you for the GBS bacteria when you are 35 weeks pregnant with a vaginal or rectal swab. If you test positive for it, if you have premature labour, or fever during labour, you will be treated with antibiotics during delivery, so that you do not pass on the infection to your baby. Usually, the antibiotic is given through an intravenous drip. After your baby is born, he or she will be monitored for infections, and if they develop, they will be treated with antibiotics (9).

It is not possible to prevent a GBS infection, as the bacteria are commonly present in our bodies.

5. Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are caused when bacteria enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply in the urethra or the bladder. UTIs frequently occur in pregnant women, as the growing uterus presses onto the bladder and urinary tract, trapping the bacteria inside. The urine is also concentrated in pregnant women, and this provides the bacteria with an ideal environment to multiply.

Signs

The symptoms of UTIs include (10):

An urge to urinate very often
Burning or pain while urinating
Bloody or cloudy urine
Pain or discomfort around the bladder
Pain around the pelvic area or lower back
Nausea and vomiting
Fever

Treatment

UTIs are treated with pregnancy-safe antibiotics that can be taken orally. Some prevention measures are (11):

Practising good hygiene.
Wiping from front to back after using the toilet.
Emptying your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
Staying well hydrated.
Not holding in your urine for an extended period of time.

6. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is an infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. It is a sexually transmitted disease. It is a common STD, but if left untreated, it can lead to an ectopic pregnancy, infections of the fetal membranes and amniotic fluids, and eye infections in newborns.

Signs

Most women do not show symptoms of chlamydia. However, some signs to watch for are (12):

Bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy
Green or yellow discharge from the vagina
Pain or burning during urination

Treatment

Your doctor will test you for chlamydia through a urine sample or cervical swab. Antibiotics taken orally will treat the infections. Chlamydia can be prevented by practising safe sex and using condoms (13).

7. Syphilis

Syphilis is another sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum (14). Syphilis during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby. It can cause preterm childbirth, miscarriage, and even death of the newborn. Syphilis can also cause anaemia, meningitis, skin rash, and nervous system problems in the newborn.

Signs

Symptoms of syphilis include:

Painless red sores in the mouth or in the genital areas
Rashes on palms and feet
Joint pain

If left untreated or undiagnosed, stage 3 symptoms of syphilis include damage to organs like the heart, brain, nervous system, and eyes.

Treatment

Syphilis is routinely screened for during pregnancy. It is treated with antibiotics. Early detection and treatment will help prevent the baby from being harmed, because if left untreated, there is a very high chance that the infection will be passed on to the baby. It is best to prevent syphilis by following safe sex practices, using condoms, not having multiple partners, and getting yourself and your partner tested regularly for STDs (15).

8. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common fungal infection caused mainly by the overgrowth of Candida yeast in the vaginal area (16). Pregnancy-related hormonal changes can increase the chances of developing this infection, especially during the second and third trimesters.

Signs

The common symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis include:

Intense itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva.
Thick white discharge resembling cottage cheese.
Redness and swelling in the vaginal area.
Burning sensation during urination or intercourse.

Treatment

Doctors usually diagnose this infection through a pelvic examination or by testing a vaginal swab. Treatment generally includes antifungal creams or medications that are considered safe during pregnancy. Some preventive measures include (17):

Wearing loose, breathable cotton underwear.
Keeping the vaginal area clean and dry.
Avoiding scented hygiene products or excessive douching.
Limiting excessive sugar intake.

If left untreated, the infection may cause discomfort and can sometimes be passed to the baby during delivery, leading to oral thrush.

9. Aerobic Vaginitis (AV)

Aerobic vaginitis is an inflammatory vaginal infection caused by the growth of harmful aerobic bacteria and a reduction in healthy vaginal bacteria (18). Although less common than bacterial vaginosis, AV during pregnancy may increase the risk of complications if not treated properly.

Signs

Symptoms of aerobic vaginitis may include (18):

Yellow or greenish vaginal discharge
Unpleasant vaginal odour
Vaginal redness, irritation, or swelling
Burning sensation while urinating
Pain during intercourse

Treatment

Aerobic vaginitis is diagnosed through a vaginal examination and laboratory testing of vaginal discharge. Treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or probiotics depending on the severity of the infection. To lower the risk of AV:

Maintain proper intimate hygiene.
Avoid using harsh soaps or vaginal sprays.
Wear clean and dry underwear.
Attend regular prenatal check-ups during pregnancy.

Early diagnosis and timely treatment can help reduce the risk of pregnancy-related complications such as preterm labour or infections affecting the baby.

FAQs

1. Can vaginal infections harm the baby?

If left untreated, certain vaginal infections may increase the risk of complications such as preterm labour, low birth weight, or infections in the newborn. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce these risks.

2. How can pregnant women prevent vaginal infections?

Maintaining good intimate hygiene, wearing breathable cotton underwear, avoiding scented products, staying hydrated, and practising safe sex can help reduce the risk of vaginal infections.

3. Is it safe to use home remedies for vaginal fungal infections during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should avoid trying home remedies without consulting a doctor. Some remedies may irritate the vaginal area or worsen the infection instead of treating it.

Several of the common vaginal infections in pregnancy have similar symptoms. Check with your doctor as soon as you see any signs of an infection, so that you can be diagnosed accurately and treated right away. Early detection and treatment ensure that your unborn baby is safe. The best way to minimise the risk of contracting vaginal infections during pregnancy is by maintaining good personal hygiene, wearing comfortable and breathable underwear, keeping your genitals clean and dry, practising safe sex, and getting tested early on for STDs.

Also Read:

Vaginal Pain during Pregnancy
Vaginal Itching while Pregnant
Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy
Vaginal Changes during Pregnancy

Was This Article Helpful?

Our Editorial Policy

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.