Pregnancy changes everything — from hormones and skin to sleep and mood. But there’s one part of maternal health that still doesn’t get enough attention: the vaginal microbiome. It plays a real protective role — for both mother and baby. And when that balance is disrupted, the consequences can be bigger than most women are ever told.
The Vaginal Microbiome: Your Built-In Protection System
The vagina isn’t meant to be sterile. It’s meant to be balanced.
A healthy vaginal environment is supported by three key factors working together:
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Good bacteria (especially Lactobacillus)
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A naturally acidic pH
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Normal discharge
When this system is working well, it helps protect against infections by keeping harmful bacteria from thriving.
Lactobacillus is the hero here. It supports an acidic environment and helps strengthen the body’s natural defence against unwanted bacteria.
What Happens During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the vaginal microbiome often becomes more stable and more strongly dominated by Lactobacillus. This is considered a protective adaptation — one of the body’s ways of supporting a healthy pregnancy.
But here’s the important part:
Even though the microbiome often becomes more stable, it can also become more sensitive to disturbances. Which means pregnancy is not the time for harsh products or over-cleansing.
When Balance Is Disrupted
When the balance shifts, levels of Lactobacillus may decrease. As a result, the intimate area becomes more vulnerable and the risk increases for infections such as:
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
These are common, treatable conditions — but during pregnancy, they matter more.
Why Infections in Pregnancy Can’t Be Ignored
Vaginal infections during pregnancy have been linked to serious pregnancy outcomes, including:
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Preterm birth
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Miscarriage
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Fetal growth restriction
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Neonatal illness
Research also shows that even without an obvious infection, a higher vaginal pH may be associated with an increased risk of premature birth.
In other words: balance matters.
The Microbiome Doesn’t Just Affect the Mother
The maternal microbiome influences the baby’s long-term health too.
During a vaginal birth, the baby is naturally exposed to the mother’s microbiota — which plays a role in stimulating the baby’s immune system.
That’s why maintaining vaginal balance isn’t just about comfort. It can be part of supporting the baby’s early microbial foundation.
What Can Disrupt the Microbiome During Pregnancy?
Several factors can shift the balance:
Antibiotics
Sometimes necessary — but antibiotics reduce beneficial bacteria in both the gut and the vagina.
Stress
Psychological stress affects the gut microbiome, which can influence the vaginal ecosystem too.
Sex
Sex introduces new bacteria and may cause micro-tears, increasing vulnerability.
Hygiene
Over-washing, foaming cleansers, and the wrong products can disrupt pH, weaken the skin barrier, and increase dryness and irritation.
Prevention Is the Key
The good news: prevention doesn’t need to be complicated.
Supporting the microbiome during pregnancy often comes down to small, consistent routines:
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Use antibiotics only when medically needed
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Reduce friction and irritation (use a vagina-friendly and pH-balanced lube when having sex)
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Cleanse gently (and not too often). Don't let foaming product come near your vulva.
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Seek care early if symptoms appear
Intimate Care: The Overlooked Daily Habit
Intimate care is something most women do every day — yet it’s rarely discussed during prenatal visits.
But product choice can matter more than many realise.
Foaming cleansers can disrupt the microbiome, disturb pH, and weaken the skin barrier. That can lead to dryness, irritation, and a higher risk of imbalance.
That’s why gentle, oil-based and microbiome-friendly intimate care is a simple but important preventive step.
How to Cleanse the Vulva Safely During Pregnancy
Within the folds, sweat, discharge and buildup can collect and cause infections if not gently washed. So gentle cleansing is important. The goal is to cleanse without stripping, and to support the skin barrier while respecting pH and microbiome.
Lip Intimate Care: Microbiome-Friendly Cleansing
Cleansing + Moisturising Oil Prebiotic + Postbiotic is an oil-based intimate cleanser developed to cleanse without disrupting the natural balance.
It is designed to:
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cleanse without drying
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moisturise and soften
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support the skin barrier
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respect pH and the microbiome
It is also Kind to Biome® certified, meaning it is documented not to disturb the microbiome — unlike many traditional foaming products.
Takeaway
During pregnancy, a stable vaginal microbiome is one of the body’s natural protective factors. When balance is disrupted, the risk of infections increases — and infections in pregnancy can be linked to complications for both mother and baby.
Because intimate care is a daily routine, it’s also one of the simplest places to support prevention.
Gentle, microbiome-friendly cleansing that respects pH, the skin barrier, and the microbiome isn’t just “nice to have” — it can be an important part of supporting vaginal balance throughout pregnancy.
