ArticleAJOG global reports2026
Intimate hygiene practices during pregnancy with demographic and preterm birth associations: a large cohort study.
Article in AJOG global reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Background: Intimate hygiene practices during pregnancy can influence maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Limited data exist on these practices among South African women. This study aimed to characterize intimate hygiene practices among pregnant women in Johannesburg and examine associations with demographic factors and preterm birth. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted on data from 18,076 pregnant women enrolled in the Group B Streptococcus Correlates of Protection Cohort Study in Johannesburg, South Africa. Participants completed questionnaires detailing their intimate hygiene practices, including frequency, methods, and products used. Statistical analyses assessed the prevalence of these practices, their association with demographic characteristics (age, race, education, occupation, dwelling type, parity, and HIV status), and preterm birth outcomes. Results: The mean age was 28.4 years (range 18-49). Most participants were Black (93.0%), single (80.4%), unemployed (64.7%), and resided in urban areas (70.7%). They reported a median intimate cleaning frequency of 14 times per week (IQR 8-14). Over half (53.3%) practiced douching, and 48.4% added products to their bathwater.Race was significantly associated with adding bathwater products ( Conclusion: Intimate hygiene practices are prevalent among pregnant women in Johannesburg and are significantly associated with various demographic factors. While some associations with preterm birth were identified, no consistent significant association was established, warranting further studies.
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