Question: What Do I Need To Know About Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy?
Answer:
How Common is It?
Approximately one third of pregnant women have bacterial vaginosis, and it is even more common in African-American women.
Effect on Pregnancy Outcome:
Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes. It is also associated with infection of the placenta (chorioamnionitis) and post-cesarean infection.
Screening Recommendation:
Symptomatic women should be screened at their first prenatal visit. Screening for asymptomatic women has not been proven to be effective at reducing preterm birth, and is not generally recommended, although some doctors choose to screen and treat women who have a history of preterm labor.
Treatment:
Symptomatic women should be treated for bacterial vaginosis, but the evidence is mixed as to whether there is any benefit to treating asymptomatic women.
