Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy

[BlissfulCS]

Hey ladies- looking for advice and/or experience with BV during pregnancy. Here is my story:

I went to the doctor at 11 weeks because I had discharge and when he did the pelvic exam he found a couple of large wads of estrace pills that I had taken vaginally for the first 9 weeks of pregnancy per my RE's orders, but that the pills hadn't dissolved, they had just congealed. Because it had been so long and there was an ammonia like odor the OB went ahead and prescribed a topical cream for bacterial vaginosis (even though he didn't test for it). I asked him if I was at higher risk like I had read on the internet of PT labor and PROM because of the BV and he said no, the correlation between BV and adverse pregnancy outcomes had been disproven.

I did a little more research and found no such thing, in fact everything I found suggests that I am 3 to 6 times more likely to have PROM or PT labor because sometimes the bacteria get into the upper reproductive system and cause the membranes and amniotic sac to soften. Many studies state that as a result of the upper reproductive infection that topical creams are ineffective treatments and that an oral antibiotic is necessary to knock out the infection and change potential pregnancy outcomes.

Well at my next visit I told the OB that I still had itching and discharge and he then...with no testing...presribed a yeast infection pill assuming the topical cream for BV created a yeast infection. I took it and two weeks later had discharge, itching, and odor again. So I called to get an appointment and let them know that I wanted an oral prescription this time if it was BV. The OB called back and said they were very busy and that I didn't need to come in because he would just call the script in for me. So to this date I still haven't actually been tested for BV (although I am pretty confident that is what it is after having those pills there for so long and based on the symptoms).

I was okay with not coming in, because I wanted the oral antibiotic anyway not getting it the first time in case the infection was in the upper reproductive system. Here is the thing though...I am so worried that after nearly 15 weeks of potential infection the damage has already been done. One study I found had 17% of women with BV and recurrent BV with adverse pregnancy outcomes. I know that I can't undo the past, but of course I am still worried.

Wondering if any of you had BV during pregnancy (30% of women do and some don't even know it) and if you have any words of inspiration or advice? Please feel free to PM me as I know its kind of an personal topic.

I am so upset with my OB for not addressing it with oral meds sooner. But I am even more upset with my RE who I told TWICE that I thought something was wrong because I was occasionally passing small pieces of clumps of pills. He didn't even check and told me not to worry about it. That was at 6 weeks! Just think of all the damage that could have been done since then. Ugh!

I'd love success stories or advice, especially from those that have recurrent infections because I have a feeling that is the case here. Of course I also want any stories that may not have been success stories, especially if there is something to learn from it that may help me with my situation.

Thanks,

Bliss

[cherry5.]

ya know i had that right before my fet transfer and they gave me antibiotics for it. she told me it happens all the time and antibiotics is what they normally do to treat it. i guess i must have gotten rid of it because they did fet transfer and it worked.

[BlissfulCS]

Thanks Cherry. Studies showed that BV did not affect conception, only carrying the baby to term. As long as the infection cleared...you are in great shape!

Glad to see things are progressing well for you!