Pregnancy and BV

I am 34 weeks pregnant. Back in November I got results that I was positive for BV. Since I always feel awful taking antibiotics and had 0 symptoms, I decided I would try a more natural route first (probiotics, oil of oregano supplement and garlic supplement). In February I asked the doc to check again for me just to make sure it was gone. It came back positive again. So they prescribed flagyl. In March, I started having contractions, so at the hospital they swabbed me again, positive again. Another script of flagyl. Two weeks later, back at the hospital for cramps, again it came back positive for BV! Frustrated that it’s not working, I forced a conversation of what other options we have and what risks. The doctor finally prescribed clindamycin. Within the week, I realized that the vaginal pain I have been SUFFERING from, that I’ve begged for attention on, tests on, and even went to pelvic floor therapy with no success, was improving tremendously - almost gone! But within 2 days after completing the medication, the pain was coming back. So I asked for another swab. POSITIVE AGAIN!! Can anyone relate?!?! What is happening to me and why won’t this go away?! Does anyone have advice or any knowledge on the matter to share with me???
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I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this! I was diagnosed with BV when I wasn’t pregnant and took Flagyl and Flagyl almost took me out. It is a terrible terrible drug. So later on when I got diagnosed with BV again I just let it be because I wasn’t having any symptoms. I know it’s different when you’re pregnant. But eventually, my BV did go away. Without antibiotics. But again I know you’re pregnant and they say that that can cause a whole of problems. At least you’re at 34 weeks. I’d see if you’re not comfortable taking the antibiotic and you don’t have any icky discharge or smell to just let it be if I were you.

I had the same experience. I tested positive 6 times during my pregnancy and did not want to take antibiotics but ultimately made the decision to take them in order to avoid preterm labor. I was prescribed metronidazole tablets and then gel for the first few rounds. Then I switched to clindamycin cream and eventually was put on “suppressive therapy” with the cream for the end of my pregnancy to keep my cervix from dilating. (Feel free to message me if you need more info on that) The BV never stayed away for more than a week so what I learned was that it was not the BV itself that causes preterm labor, it’s the symptoms down there that irritate you enough to cause dilation so you want to treat the symptoms. I did this by taking an apple cider vinegar soak every night. I would pour acv in a warm tub of water and soak in it for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly. In the morning I would rinse off again and use good clean love wash.

I had my baby at 38 weeks and then started taking bonafide Clairvee probiotic. It’s been 7 weeks and so far the BV has stayed away, not sure if it’s the pregnancy being over or the probiotic but regardless this is the longest it has stayed away since the first trimester of my pregnancy.

@Monique thank you for sharing! I have some extra discharge but honestly I just assumed it was an increase because of the pregnancy like my last pregnancy, not that something was wrong. None of the other typical symptoms like itching or smell. But I finally made the connection that my severe vaginal pain is related because I must be so severely inflamed. Lifting my leg to put my pants on, rolling over in bed, stretching, squatting down, some days even just the most casual movement of my knee or walking. And I have a high pain tolerance. My doctor couldn’t figure out what it was and sent me to pelvic floor therapy. Occasionally the muscle releases would temporarily help (for like 2-3 days) only slightly. It wasn’t until the stronger antibiotic that it was genuinely improving. So I’m on a second week of the clindamycin with prayers that it will help. Did you experience anything similar to that vaginal pain??

Yes! I had the discolored discharge every time and rarely had the itching or smell. I had severe pelvic girdle pain to the point I could not lift up my toddler without aching all day long. It’s the absolute worst, I am so sorry you are experiencing the same thing, I know the nightmare and frustration that comes with it.

@Monique thank you so much!! I am using acidophilus, but maybe I’ll make the switch and I’ll certainly try the baths ASAP!! It definitely is a nightmare and I’ve been so worried I’m already so sore I won’t be as prepared for labor/birth this time!

Oh also, I sadly had to stop consuming sugar to help the symptoms. I was prepared to have a horrible delivery based on how weak I felt on my pelvic floor but I actually had an amazing delivery with a few pushes and no stitches so have hope! Do what you can now for your baby and it will all work out.

Thank you so much!!

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