Do pregnant women need to undergo routine vaginal discharge examination during physical examination?

During the preconception period, gynecological examinations usually require routine examination of vaginal discharge. Routine examination of vaginal discharge can help evaluate the health of the vaginal microenvironment and screen for gynecological diseases such as vaginitis and cervicitis that may affect pregnancy. The main examination items include cleanliness, pH value, pathogenic microorganisms, and other indicators.

1. Evaluate the vaginal microenvironment

Routine vaginal discharge testing can determine whether there is an imbalance in the microbiota by detecting the cleanliness of vaginal secretions. The normal cleanliness level is I-II, and if it reaches III-IV, it may indicate the presence of bacterial vaginosis or aerobic vaginitis. If pregnant women have these conditions, it may increase the probability of premature birth or miscarriage and require early intervention.

2. Screening infectious diseases

The examination can find the infection of trichomonas, candida and other pathogens. Elevated levels of estrogen during pregnancy can easily induce fungal vaginitis, and if left untreated before pregnancy, it may lead to premature rupture of membranes. After discovering the pathogen through examination, standardized treatment can be carried out using clotrimazole vaginal tablets or metronidazole suppositories according to medical advice.

3. Testing acid-base balance

The normal vaginal pH value is 3.8-4.5. If the pH value increases, it may indicate mixed infection. Vaginal acid-base imbalance in pregnant women can affect sperm survival rate and reduce the probability of conception. abnormalities can be detected in a timely manner through routine vaginal discharge testing, and if necessary, lactobacillus vaginal capsules can be used to regulate the microbiota.

4. Prevention of Upward Infection

Untreated cervicitis may cause pelvic inflammatory disease due to retrograde infection, leading to tubal adhesions. Routine vaginal discharge combined with cervical TCT examination can detect pathogenic bacteria such as Chlamydia and Neisseria gonorrhoeae early, avoiding complications such as chorioamnionitis caused by pregnancy infections.

5. Pre pregnancy intervention guidance

Based on the examination results, targeted supplementation of vaginal probiotics or medication treatment can be carried out. If diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, clindamycin phosphate vaginal cream can be used. For fungal infections, miconazole nitrate suppositories can be used to ensure that the reproductive tract is in optimal condition before pregnancy.

Pregnant women are recommended to undergo pre pregnancy examinations such as TORCH screening and thyroid function testing in addition to routine vaginal discharge tests. Avoid sexual activity and vaginal lavage 24 hours before the examination. There may be slight discomfort during sampling, but it is non-invasive. If abnormal results are found, treatment should be completed before attempting to conceive. Daily attention should be paid to keeping the external genitalia clean and dry. Choosing cotton underwear and avoiding frequent use of pads can help maintain the balance of vaginal microbiota.