Abstract

Background: Presence of bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy and labour has potential risks. There is an increased risk for preterm delivery, in addition to progression of vaginosis to vaginitis and cervicitis. The steady progression of inflammation often affects the fetus, resulting in chorioamnionitis and premature rupture of membranes. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence and impact of bacterial vaginosis among pregnant women. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 106 pregnant women who were admitted in labour in our facility. Vaginal pH was determined by swabbing the lateral and posterior fornices of the vagina, and the swab was directly placed on the litmus paper to determine the pH. Whiff#x2019;s test was performed. Gram stain was carried out and diagnosis of Bacterial Vaginosis was made based on Nugent#x2019;s criteria. Results: The prevalence of Bacterial vaginosis based on Nugent#x2019;s criteria was 16.04%. There was a statistically significant association between Bacterial Vaginosis and preterm labour (plt;0.05) and also between Bacterial Vaginosis and low birth weight, with a mean birth weight of 2100 grams among participants with BV compared to 3210 grams among normal pregnant mothers (plt;0.05). Conclusion: Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis is possible by early detection and thereby prevention of preterm labour by treatment is possible which would play a great role in significant reductions in the preterm birth and its adverse sequelae.