In a pregnant adolescent with bacterial vaginosis, which complication is most associated?

In a pregnant adolescent with bacterial vaginosis, which complication is most associated?

• A. Neonatal sepsis
• B. Cervical dysplasia
• C. Preterm labor
• D. Intraamniotic infection

Answer: (C)

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy signals a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, with loss of protective lactobacilli and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. This creates an inflammatory environment and increases the likelihood that bacteria will ascend from the vagina into the uterus, triggering uterine contractions and weakening membranes. That combination raises the risk of preterm labor. Cervical dysplasia is related to HPV and cervical neoplasia, not BV. Intraamniotic infection can occur with ascending infection, but the most recognized and direct association of BV in pregnancy is preterm labor, with neonatal sepsis being a downstream risk if preterm birth occurs.

Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy signals a disruption of the vaginal microbiome, with loss of protective lactobacilli and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria. This creates an inflammatory environment and increases the likelihood that bacteria will ascend from the vagina into the uterus, triggering uterine contractions and weakening membranes. That combination raises the risk of preterm labor. Cervical dysplasia is related to HPV and cervical neoplasia, not BV. Intraamniotic infection can occur with ascending infection, but the most recognized and direct association of BV in pregnancy is preterm labor, with neonatal sepsis being a downstream risk if preterm birth occurs.