Vaginitis and pregnancy.

Vaginitis in pregnant women can affect the outcome of the pregnancy through preterm labor, premature rupture of the membranes, chorioamnionitis, neonatal infection and postpartum endometritis. Women can be screened for group B streptococci, and infection in the newborn can be prevented by the institution of antibiotic therapy in labor. Screening pregnant women for bacterial vaginitis can reduce the risk of premature rupture of the membranes, premature labor and neonatal infection.