Short answer: most gentle, pH-balanced feminine washes and external wipes are fine to use throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but internal products like boric acid suppositories are not, and you should always run anything new past your obstetrician or midwife, especially postpartum. This article is general information, not medical advice, your care provider knows your specific situation.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period both change a lot about how your body feels down there, and it's completely normal to want to know what's actually okay to use. Here's a general guide, with the caveat that your obstetrician or GP is always the final word for your specific situation.
Why Things Feel Different During Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect vaginal pH, discharge, and sensitivity. Many women notice increased discharge or a different scent than usual, which is a normal part of the hormonal shifts happening throughout pregnancy, not automatically a sign something's wrong.
What's Generally Considered Safe
External, pH-balanced washes. A gentle wash formulated for the external vulva area, free from synthetic fragrance and harsh sulfates, is generally fine to continue using throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
External wipes. Similarly, pH-balanced, fragrance-free wipes for external use are generally considered safe throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Gentle body oils for external use. Oils intended for external application only are generally fine, but always check the product is not intended for internal use, and patch test if your skin has become more reactive during pregnancy (which is common).
What to Avoid or Check First
Internal products, like boric acid suppositories. These are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should be avoided unless specifically approved by your doctor.
Anything with synthetic fragrance. Pregnancy can make skin more reactive than usual, so this is a good time to double-check labels even on products you've used before without issue.
Douching, at any stage. This was never recommended and matters even more during pregnancy and postpartum, when your body is working hard to maintain its own balance.
The Postpartum Period Specifically
The weeks after giving birth (vaginal or caesarean) come with their own considerations: healing tissue, lochia (postpartum bleeding), and possible stitches if you had tearing or an episiotomy. This is a time to be extra gentle and to follow your care provider's specific guidance on when it's safe to resume any product use, particularly anything applied directly to healing tissue.
Once you've been cleared by your care provider to resume normal hygiene products, a gentle, pH-balanced wash and external wipes are generally a comfortable option many women return to for the same reasons they used them before, gentleness and support for natural balance during a time when your body is doing a lot of readjusting.
When to Call Your Doctor, Not Just Switch Products
Pregnancy and postpartum are times to be a little more cautious about self-diagnosing. See your GP, obstetrician, or midwife if you notice a strong or unusual odour, unusual discharge (colour, texture, or amount), itching, burning, or any pain, rather than assuming a product switch will fix it. Some symptoms during pregnancy need medical attention specifically because of the pregnancy, not just general vaginal health.
What Laver Offers
Laver's external washes and wipes are gynaecologist approved and generally safe to use throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding, with the exception of internal products like our boric acid suppository. As always, it's a good idea to run anything new past your obstetrician. See the full range here, or check our FAQ page for more specifics.
FAQs
Can I use a feminine wash while pregnant? Generally yes, external pH-balanced washes without synthetic fragrance are considered safe throughout pregnancy, but always confirm with your obstetrician, especially if you have any pregnancy complications.
Is it safe to use intimate wipes after giving birth? Once your care provider has cleared you to resume normal hygiene products postpartum, gentle external wipes are generally fine. Follow your provider's specific timeline, especially if you had stitches or tearing.
Why does my discharge change during pregnancy? Hormonal shifts during pregnancy commonly increase discharge and can change its consistency or scent. This is usually normal, but a sudden strong odour, unusual colour, or accompanying symptoms like itching should be checked by your doctor.
Are boric acid suppositories safe during pregnancy? No. Internal products like boric acid suppositories are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding and should only be used if specifically approved by your doctor.
This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your obstetrician, midwife, or GP about what's right for your pregnancy or postpartum recovery.
Lāver is an Australian-owned, gynaecologist-approved, vegan feminine hygiene brand making pH-balanced (3.5–4.5) washes, oils, scrubs and wipes with botanical ingredients. Shop the range →