Abstract: Background: Vaginal discharge is one of the most common complaints of pregnant women. The discharge may be the result of normal physiologic adaptations of pregnancy or may result from infectious vaginitis. The activity of Lactobacillus is essential to protect women from genital infections and in normal conditions, Lactobacillus utilizes available glycogen produce lactic acid, which is able to acidify the vaginal pH to less than 4.5, inhibiting the growth of non acid tolerant microorganisms, known as potentially pathogenic. During pregnancy, alterations in estrogen and progesterone levels induce physiological changes, such as PH values, in the lower genital tract of pregnant women, and such physiological changes will result in vaginal mucosa congestion and hypertrophy, which benefit growth of anaerobic bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms within the vagina.
Aim of the study
1.To estimate the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and other vaginal infections during pregnancy (16 - 32 weeks).
2.To enumerate the various risk factors for vaginal infection.
3.To study the influence of vaginal infection on fetomaternal outcome.
Materials and Methods Methodology: This Prospective study was conducted in Govt. RSRM Lying In Hospital, Chennai during the period of October 2019 to September 2020 after getting approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee.
Conclusion: Abnormal Vaginal Discharge being an often overlooked symptom among women needs to be addressed as an important issue. Women hesitate to seek medical assistance until the complaint becomes intolerable and hinders routine activities. Thus, it is essential to spread awareness about the predisposing factors, symptoms and easily available treatment of vaginal infections among women particularly targeting the sexually active and reproductive age groups to reduce mortality and morbidity in mother and baby.
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