Summary

Bacterial vulvovaginitis is a polymicrobial infection characterized by increased vaginal discharge without signs of clinical inflammation. The frequency in pregnancy is 10%-26%. It has clinical importance because it can initiate preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. The diagnosis is made mainly by the following criteria: vaginal discharge, vaginal pH, presence of clue cells and positive whiff test. The treatment during pregnancy with metronidazole is effective. However, other antimicrobial agents, like ampicillin or clindamycin, are available and innocuous to the fetus.