What complications is bacterial vaginosis (BV) associated with during pregnancy?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with several complications during pregnancy, and one of the most significant concerns is its link to preterm delivery. This condition occurs when the balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted, allowing harmful bacteria to increase in number. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and other changes that may trigger preterm labor, where the body initiates labor before the pregnancy has reached full term.

Research indicates that women with BV have a higher risk of preterm birth compared to those without the condition. The mechanism behind this may involve the inflammatory response triggered by the presence of pathogenic bacteria, potentially leading to uterine contractions and cervical changes that initiate labor prematurely.

In contrast, options such as increased fetal weight, safe passage during labor, and reduced risk of infection do not accurately reflect the risks associated with BV during pregnancy. Increased fetal weight is not typically linked to BV; rather, adverse conditions like preterm birth could compromise fetal growth. Safe passage during labor is also not guaranteed in the presence of BV, as the condition can complicate the labor process. Furthermore, reduced risk of infection does not align with the reality that BV actually increases the susceptibility to various infections, including those of the amniotic sac and the uterus. Thus,