Women and Infections
Many pregnant women may experience a vaginal discharge during their pregnancy which is usually normal. However, if the discharge becomes offensive, irritating or coloured, care should be given as these are the common symptoms of Candida albicans (thrush) or Bacterial vaginosis. Nonetheless, abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) as well, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea, therefore the screening to exclude STI's should be encouraged (Duffin and Nash, 2001).
According to Department of Health (2002), rates of STI's, such as Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV have been alarmingly rising. This can be a great danger both to women and their babies!
World Health Organization (2000) states that STI's may have serious consequences on women and may lead to stillbirth or blindness in their babies. It is therefore important women are aware of those consequences and prevention of STI's also during pregnancy especially as a number of women who are not in a monogamous relationship may be at higher risk!
Vaginal discharge should never be dismissed but investigated!