Cervical mucus test is also another authentic method of testing pregnancy symptoms.

During pregnancy, there is a greater flow of blood into the vagina. Therefore, the estrogen level increases. As you approach the time of labor, the vaginal discharge also increases. Cervical discharge indicates pregnancy only at a later stage. Cervical mucus cannot determine pregnancy at an early stage.

In case of pregnancy, vaginal yeast infection may be fatal. It may even cause termination of pregnancy. There may be a frothy discharge which is yellowish in color, it secreted from the yeast infected vagina during the time of pregnancy. It is not necessarily accompanied with pain, itching and irritation.

The microscopic fungus belonging to the Candida family is commonly responsible for yeast infection in the vagina. It may result in foul smell and colored vaginal discharge. The best solution is to consult a doctor so that you baby is unharmed.

There may be bacterial development in the vagina. OTC bacterial vaginosis treatment is available but you can have yogurt on a regular basis to fight vaginal infection (particularly). If you can reduce the infection, then there will be no foul discharge and your irritation will also vanish.

The symptoms of vaginitis include itching, irritation, or abnormal vaginal discharge.

There are 6 common types of vaginitis, each with their own causes and symptoms. These are:

1. Bacterial vaginitis − It is caused by an overgrowth of vaginal bacteria. It causes a thin, milky discharge from the vagina that may lead to vaginal odor.

2. Candida or yeast infections − It occurs due to overgrowth of the fungus Candida in the vagina. Yeast infections produce a thick, white, watery discharge from the vagina, causing the vagina and vulva to become itchy and red.

3. Trichomoniasis vaginitis − It is caused by a single-celled member of the protozoa family. It leads to a frothy, greenish-yellow, odorous discharge. Women with trichomonal vaginitis complain of itching and soreness of the vagina and vulva, as well as burning during urination. This is caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, spermicidal products, soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. It can cause burning, itching, or vaginal discharge.

4. Chlamydia vaginitis − Sexually transmitted disease can cause chlamydia vaginitis. It may lead to vaginal discharge. A woman might experience light bleeding especially after intercourse.

5. Viral vaginitis − It can be caused by herpes simplex virus that is spread by sexual intercourse. The primary symptom is pain associated with lesions or sores. These sores are visible on the vulva or the vagina and can only be seen during a gynecologic exam.

6. Non-infectious vaginitis − It is caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from vaginal sprays, douches, or spermicidal products. The skin around the vagina can also be sensitive to perfumed soaps, detergents, and fabric softeners. No infection is present.

Prescription bacterial vaginosis treatments use antibiotics such as metronidazole and clindamycin

Vaginal Yeast infection is a kind of disease in the vagina caused due to Candida albicans (a kind of yeast). Inside the vagina, there is a small amount of bacteria and yeast. Yeast is even present in our skins. When the amount of the yeast in the vagina increases considerably, it interferes with the normal function of the vagina.

How yeast grows abnormally?

The vagina is generally acidic and this acidic nature prevents yeast from growing too much. During menstruation, there is an acidic imbalance. This can induce the yeast to grow. Yeast may also increase during pregnancy and diabetes. Douche products and antibiotics can also induce yeast growth. Moreover, birth control pills and steroids have a positive effect on yeast growth inside the vagina.

How do I know of the yeast growth?

There will be itching and burning in the vagina and around the vulva. Your vaginal discharge may look similar to cottage cheese. There will be pain associated with sexual intercourse and subsequent swelling of the vulva. All these indicate the growth of vaginal yeast. Bacterial vaginosis treatment is available from specialized doctors. But if you have any other infection in the vagina and start with yeast infection treatment, then your condition may worsen. Therefore ensure that you have no other infection before starting yeast infection treatment.

• Trichomoniasis − It is a parasite transmitted through sexual intercourse with an infected individual. It results in vaginal discharge with a strong odor, mild vaginal bleeding, itching and irritation. Trichomoniasis can be prevented by proper use of a latex condom during sexual intercourse.
• Bacterial Vaginosis − It is caused by an abnormal increase in the amount of vaginal bacteria. The symptoms are a strong fishy odor, pain, burning during urination, grey or yellow discharge, itching or vaginal redness. Oral or topical medication is used as treatment. If left untreated in pregnant women, it can cause premature birth or low birth weight.
• Vaginal yeast infection − It occurs when the growth of the yeast outpaces healthy rates. Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy may also contribute to yeast infections. In addition to vaginal odor, yeast infections cause vaginal irritation and discomfort, and sometimes, a whitish discharge. Anti-fungal creams are a remedy for yeast infections.

To avoid unhealthy vaginal odors, keep away from douches, scented sprays and soaps, and bubble baths, as they disturb the pH balance in the vagina. Also avoid wearing wet clothes for long durations as bacteria grows in wet, warm and closed areas.

• Most of the women suffering from vaginal infection have a foul smell (often fishy smell) in their vagina.
• There is a white or colored discharge accompanied by pain
• Sometimes, blood may flow out
• There is often dryness in the vagina or lack of vaginal secretion
• Dryness of the vagina is accompanied by itching and burning sensation.
• Candidal infection may be caused due to a variety of reasons. Candidal infection must be treated with care and attention since it can cause trouble by interfering with child birth.
• There may be problems during sexual intercourse and terrible pain following it.
• Vaginal infection is mainly associated with persistent gynecological problems like delay in menstruation and uneven flow during the menstrual cycle.
• There may be local irritation from panties, condoms and soaps.
• Use of biological washing powder and tight fitting clothes are harmful for the vagina. They may cause vaginal infection.
• Recurrent urinary trouble may cause vaginal infection.

The menstrual history of a person determines whether the person has an infection-free vagina or not. In case of any vaginal infection, the menstrual flow is disrupted and there are complications.

Vaginal discharge is often one of the temporary changes pregnancy brings. It is necessary to observe normal sanitary procedures like keeping the genital area clean, wearing cotton underwear, avoiding perfumes and deodorant soaps. Also, avoid douching during pregnancy, as it might result in introduction of air into your circulatory system through the vagina, which can cause serious complications.

However, vaginal discharge during pregnancy can also be a sign of Bacterial Vaginosis. This is caused by an imbalance in the vaginal bacteria and you will need to consult a doctor for a proper bacterial vaginosis treatment. A foul-smelling, thick, yellow or green discharge might be a symptom of Bacterial Vaginosis. It can cause itching or burning. A brownish discharge with no bleeding must also be reported to the doctor immediately.

During pregnancy, you can easily prevent vaginal discharge caused due to Bacterial Vaginosis by eating a bowl of yogurt everyday. The lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt fights infection. Also cut down on intake of refined sugar.

1. Waiting and watching. In 25% of the cases, bacterial vaginosis resolves on its own.
2. Self-care. Vinegar douches, sitz baths in a solution of 1 teaspoon of vinegar for every gallon of water, and eating yogurt containing live acidophilus cultures may sometimes prove effective.
3. Yeast infections are treated with an anti-yeast cream or suppository placed inside the vagina. Oral fluconazole, itraconazole or vaginal clotrimazole are often prescribed.
4. Bacterial vaginosis is treated with antibiotics that kill the problem bacteria. However, the symptoms may recur.
5. Sexually transmitted forms of vaginitis need to be treated by a health care provider. Avoid sexual contact until you have been treated to prevent spreading the infection.
6. Trichomoniasis and Chlamydia are both treated by antibiotics.
7. Genital herpes or HPV cannot be cured totally, but both can be controlled with the help of antiviral medications that reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks.
8. Non-infectious vaginitis can be treated by stopping the use of the product that caused the allergic reaction or irritation. Medicated creams help reduce the symptoms until the reaction goes away.

Proven bacterial Vaginosis treatments also include over-the-counter products like a vaginal gel called RepHresh. Lactobacillus supplements may also be used. Fem-dophilus is a lactobacillus product which specifically claims to help maintain healthy vaginal flora

Diet: Your diet is the main thing which you have to take care of. If you take less than 25% oil in your diet, then you will stay fit. If the amount increases, then there are chances of your falling sick and suffering from vaginal diseases and heart infection.

Addition of soy in your diet: If you intake a lot of soy flour and soy tofu, then chances of vaginal infection decreases. There must be plenty of fresh vegetables, organic vegetables and grains, legumes and nuts in your diet.

Calcium: 1,000 mg of calcium is required everyday for women. You must take more calcium so that your bone mass remains intact. Therefore, intake of calcium will help you to keep your bone mass intact. The bone mass starts decreasing from the age of 35 till menopause; after menopause the bone mass decreases at the rate of 4-5% per year.

Alcohol skipping: Alcohol and coffee dilates the blood vessels. They interfere with the normal functioning of the vagina and cause vaginal infection and trouble.

There are many ways which you can adopt to prevent vaginal infection. Some will also be good treatments for bacterial vaginosis. They are enlisted below:

Blood Sugar Level: When you blood sugar level rises up, there is a chance of developing vaginal infection. So if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, then try to reduce it so that you do not develop bacterial or yeast infection in your vagina.

Supplements of Vitamins: You can take supplements of vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Along with these vitamins you can include selenium in your diet. They help to decrease vaginal infection.

Antioxidants and their functions: Any form of antioxidant which helps the body to fight ageing is useful to prevent infection of the vagina. It also strengthens the immune system.

Body Creams: You can use body creams which contain Mexican yam roots (which is progesterone like compound), supplements of bioflavonoid and a large amount of citrus fruits.

Exercise is the best option: It has been seen that women loose their bone density at a rapid pace after their menopause. To fight best, you should start exercise from now to fight menopausal problems. An exercise for 30 minutes does the needful. You can do exercise 5 times a week. Walking and running also helps a lot. They reduce the cholesterol level in the body and keep the bone density intact. They also reduce the problem of heart.

You can consult a doctor if you have a vaginal tract infection.

• Avoid wearing tight fitted cloths and those made of synthetic materials. They induce the growth of yeast in the vagina.
• Wearing cotton panties is the best option, in normal times as well as during menstruation.
• Never use a blower to dry up the genital area near vagina. It may induce the growth of yeast in your vagina.
• After using the toilet, it is always recommended that your wipe from front to back. There are bacteria that live in your rectum. They can enter into your vagina if you do the reverse movement.
• Wet swimsuits and damp clothes must be removed as early as possible.
• Feminine douche and hygiene sprays are harmful, for the vagina. The best way is to avoid them. Deodorant sanitary pads should not be used.
• Using colored toilet paper is harmful they seem to affect the acid balance in the vagina and cause yeast infection.