Bacteria infection?

well im 16 weeks pregnant, and i had a pap smear last week well yesterday my nurse called me for my results and told me i had a bacteria infection, she said that they wouldn't be able to prescribe me anything till i am 20 weeks, so she told me for the mean time i have to douch with hydrogen peroxide to clean out the bacteria once a week till my next doctor's appointment at the end of this month, i just want to know has anybody ever heard of that, and if u have is it safe? this is my first pregnancy i just dont want anything to happen to my baby.

Bacteria infection?
Get a second opinion.
Reply:It sounds like you probably have bacterial vaginosis, a very common infection that pregnant women get. I had it early on in my 1st pregnancy, and later in my 2nd. It's standard not to treat it until after 20 weeks, as a safety measure to avoid the antibiotics while possible during the fetus' development. The infection itself is basically harmless to you and the baby this early in pregnancy. Late in the third trimester, it is sometimes blamed for premature labor.


Symptoms are usually an odor and heavy discharge. I've never heard of using a hydrogen peroxide douche, and question the necessity of this, but if you are unsure, get a second opinion. Personally, during my 1st pregnancy, I did no treatments until the doctor prescribed the medicine, and I was fine.





Either way, be comforted in knowing that this infection will not cause any harm to your developing baby.
Reply:Although a douche won't reach your baby, I find the nurse's instruction of using a hydrogen peroxide douche odd. I would have expect her to recommend a betadine douche.





I would called your doctor's office and tell them you would like to speak with the doctor. You do have a right to speak directly to the doctor so if the office insists one of the nurses can answer your question simply say "I understand you are very knowledgeable, but I want to discuss this issue with the doctor. Please give him/her my message". If the doctor won't call you then I would reconsider whether s/he is the right doctor for you.
Reply:the nurse will have probably checked the instructions over with the doctor first,but for total peace of mind ring the doctor's surgery and ask to speak to a practitioner.I'm a nurse and I've not heard of hydrogen peroxide being used as a douche(that's not to say it doesn't work tho).i use it in work to kill bacteria in open wounds but i would have reservations about using it internally especially if i was pregnant.if it was my prescription,i would still have to challenge it before i was 100% happy to proceed.good luck with the baby and i hope i've helped you in some way.
Reply:ive never heard of waiting til your 20 weeks


bacterial infections are very very common in pregnant women. I had them alot with my first child and they put me on a antibiotic instantly. they knew when they did my exam I had it, without sending anyhing to a lab. your not even supposed to douch while pregnant(actually gyn's frown apon it most of the time)


I cant believe you were told this. I would be switching doctors if I were in your shoes!