Embarrassed pregnant mamma

[EmzH93]

Hi everyone.

im 17 weeks pregnant and feel quite self conscious and embarrassed about my current problem but need to see if anyone else has experienced the same.

the last week and a bit my vagina has been quite irritated. Not itchy just sort of a irritated dry feeling. I haven’t changed my washing powder or shower gel, neither do I have any changes in discharge. It is quite red and I have been using cannesten hydrocortisone to aid but it doesn’t seem to be helping. I will call my GP tomorrow as it’s affecting my mood but just looking for anyone who may have experienced something similar?

Sounds like it is hormone related.

I hit the second trimester and found it became quite "dry" and uncomfortable. Midwife told me so long as discharge isn't smelly or a funky colour it is natural. I found the area felt quite "swollen" too (although it wasn't!)

Was there anything you did to help relieve it?

It's important to speak to a healthcare professional if you develop a (potential) infection during pregnancy.

I wouldn't continue using the canesten hydrocortisone without medical advice either.

Try vaseline as a safe way to create a barrier for your skin to heal behind, in the meantime.

Vagina or vulva?

Try some water based lube?

I’d speak to a pharmacist

Not had the same but usually I go for Sudacrem fixes all!

The NHS pregnancy guide warns of vaginal infections at this stage. Call your midwife to be on the safe side, especially with redness xx

Yes I've had it all the way through and I'm currently 34 weeks. I was swabbed at 30 weeks and there is no infection.
It's my vulva that is sore, red, irritated and burning. I sometimes get a bit of relief from canestan cooling gel but not always. I don't know if it's hormones or if it's heat related as I'm constantly hot. I've had a lot of discharge as well so I'm going with hormone related but it's awful.

Sounds like it could be BV? Definitely go to your GP and have it checked out, absolutely nothing to be embarrassed over! Xxx

Thanks everyone. I have tried my midwife but can’t get in touch so will call my GP this morning!

Hi OP, stop using the hydrocortisone. It should only be used under GP advice and we don’t advise it’s use OTC in the pharmacy when pregnant, especially not around the vagina.

It would be best to ring your GP so they can swab and see if there is any form of fungal or bacterial infection. It could just be hormone related but always best to get it checked.