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Thursday, August 26, 2010

Bacterial Vaginosis... yuck, yuck, double yuck...

Before I begin, I would like to thank Shannon and Nicole for their maternity clothes recommendations... awesome. Old navy... here I come! Although... it may have to wait a few days. I have been delinquent in writing for two days, for I have been contending with horrific cramping in the pelvic region, coupled with contractions. Last evening, in fact... I thought "Elizabeth... it's the big one"... the pollywog was sure to arrive... VERY early!

I started to have contractions at about 7 pm, and they patterned and didn't cease until about 2 am, coupled with unceasing pelvic cramps. The reason that my doctor didn't have me sprint (okay... waddle quickly) to the hospital is because I had been into her office on tuesday on an emergency basis because of the same (on a much smaller scale) symptoms.

After being monitored, prodded and poked (the pollywog is fine, thankfully) my OB decided that I may have Bacterial Vaginosis, which could possibly be causing the side effects. After a highly unpleasant culture (youch), she found two cells that confirmed her diagnosis, and sent me home with a prescription for Flagyl a.k.a. metronidazole, an oral antiprotozoal and antibacterial antibiotic that fights infections caused by bacteria or amoeba in your body.

Nowhere have I found evidence that Flagyl causes contractions and/or pelvic pain, and I have had none of the symptoms that are associated with Bacterial Vaginosis, but I am thinking that there must be some kind of correlation. Who knows. Perhaps you have any insight? If you do, please write and share your ideas, experiences. In the interim... here is a little ditty that will tell you all about Bacterial Vaginosis, provided by AmericanPregnancy.org. Something to file under easy listening, perhaps?

"Approximately 10% - 30% of pregnant women will experience Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) during their pregnancy. Bacterial Vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria that exists in a woman’s vagina. It is not transmitted sexually, but is associated with having vaginal intercourse. You may or may not experience symptoms.

How do I know if I have Bacterial Vaginosis?
One of the symptoms of BV is a gray or whitish discharge that has a foul fishy odor. However some women do not experience any symptoms. Diagnosis is made through a pelvic exam. Vaginal discharge is tested through a wet mount (microscopic slide test), pH test (BV often causes a pH level of 4.5 or higher), KOH slide (microscopic slide test) or a whiff test (a mixture that causes a strong fishy odor).

What causes Bacterial Vaginosis?
Bacterial Vaginosis is an imbalance of bacteria which leads to an over growth of bacterial species. The cause has not clearly been identified. It is not transmitted sexually but it is associated with having vaginal sex and therefore may be listed under sexually transmitted diseases when you look it up.

How can Bacterial Vaginosis affect my pregnancy?
There is significant evidence that links Bacterial Vaginosis with preterm labor. There have been many recent studies that have been conducted to verify this information and find a method of prevention. Other studies have also shown a possible link to miscarriages, low birth weight and premature rupture of membranes.

If I am pregnant, will I be screened for Bacterial Vaginosis?
It is not necessary to screen non-symptomatic pregnant women for BV. When obtaining your prenatal care, Bacterial Vaginosis is not routinely screened. It is important that you discuss any concerns you may have about BV with your health care provider.

Why am I being screened for Bacterial Vaginosis?
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that all pregnant women with symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis be screened and treated. The CDC also supports screening women who have had a previous preterm labor. Screening for BV is left up to your healthcare provider to decide.

What treatments are available for pregnant women with Bacterial Vaginosis?
Treatment is highly recommended to avoid any chance of preterm labor. There are various treatments which include:

Oral medications – Clindamycin 300 mg or Metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days

Topical medications – Clindamycin 5 g or Metronidazole at bedtime for 5 days (this treatment may give symptomatic relief but is insufficient in preventing pregnancy complications)

Research done in 2004 by McDonald H, Brococklehurst P and Parsons J, suggests that antibiotic treatment may reduce the risk of premature rupture of membranes and low birth weight for women with a history of preterm labor, who have BV. This study did not find any significant evidence that treatment reduces premature labor."

So there you have it! Recommended Kindle Reading:


(You can also pick it up as a traditional read, too... if it floats your boat.)

Good Evening...
Amanda xo

Please don't forget to check out Ana's current mental state...
http://dearprudence-peekintoanassecretworld.blogspot.com/
and
Please download the Song of the Day, top right... in fact, check out the band "Beirut" in general... good stuff.

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