Optimal Vaginal Health

The vagina is naturally colonized with many types of beneficial bacteria which maintain proper health by regulating the pH and keeping the “bad” bacteria in check. Maintaining good vaginal health, a good balance of flora in the vagina also protects against yeast and other infections.

It is easy enough to maintain good vaginal health throughout pregnancy by following these simple guidelines:

  • Take a good probiotic supplement every day. Choose a probiotic that contains several billion live cultures of lactobacillus acidophilus. This will enhance your body’s ability to maintain a proper balance of flora.  We recommend Body Biotics which can be purchased at the birth center.

  • Wear cotton panties every day. This will help the area to “breathe” and maintain optimal temperature. Synthetic materials cause the area to get too hot. Avoid thongs or G-strings.

  • No douching. Even with “natural” substances. The vagina is self-cleaning and usually does pretty well on its own- especially if you are following these other guidelines.

  • Do not use anti-bacterial soap when taking a shower or bath. Anti-bacterial soap does not discriminate- it kills both good and bad bacteria. We recommend using a pH-balanced soap like Summer’s Eve.

  • Use coconut oil (or almond oil) for intimate lubrication. Synthetic lubricants can cause an unhealthy change in pH. Coconut oil provides clean-feeling lubrication and is naturally bacteriostatic.

  • Practice good nutrition and get exercise every day to optimize overall health and circulation.