Feminine intimate hygiene in any condition is of fundamental importance to protect one's well-being .
During pregnancy, the organism undergoes changes and hormonal changes that can put a strain on the balance of the vaginal bacterial flora. In fact, estrogens, in normal conditions, maintain a level of acidity in the vaginal environment which is suitable to counteract the presence of bacterial formations.
During the nine months of waiting, on the other hand, the level of estrogens peaks and, as an inversely proportional consequence, the degree of vaginal acidity decreases . This alteration of the balance of the bacterial flora leaves room for possible infections affecting pathogens such as Candida and Trichomonas.
It is therefore important to select the right intimate hygiene products, specific for this delicate period.
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Intimate acid cleaners
Given the premise, it goes without saying that we will have to favor the choice of intimate cleansers that help to rebalance the external vaginal environment depleted by the right degree of acidity due to the increase in estrogen.
The pH of the product to be used in pregnancy must therefore be slightly more acidic than usual: we read the labels carefully and choose a specific solid or liquid soap with an acid pH, the ideal is between 3.5 and 5.5, able to gently cleanse and help the natural defenses of the vaginal flora.
Intimate phyto-detergents
On the market we can also find detergents of phytocosmetic production . The natural components selected are those most respectful of the vaginal environment, with soothing, refreshing, antibacterial properties, with surfactants derived from vegetable amino acids, such as those of wheat for example.
Let's look at some natural functional substances that are good for the vaginal bacterial flora and intimate hygiene:
> Lichen from Iceland: rich in mucilage with soothing, refreshing, emollient, healing properties and usnic acid for a bactericidal action.
> Plantain: thanks to its iridoid glycoside component, it has an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiallergic action
> Essential oil of Melaleuca Alternifolia: it has an antimicotic and antibacterial action, so it also counteracts pathogens from yeasts.
> Calendula: it has a soothing and healing action thanks to the presence of carotenoids . It has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties.
We prefer products with these components: hygiene will be enhanced with a real repairing treatment, to protect vaginal mucous membranes, without aggressive chemical agents, but with natural antibacterials.
It is also important not to overdo daily hygiene practices : two washes per day are more than enough to avoid depleting the lipid barrier and when taking a shower do not make the mistake of using the bubble bath instead of the intimate cleanser!