During a class on early pregnancy self-care, what should the nurse advise a woman regarding douching?

Douching is not recommended during pregnancy because it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vaginal environment. This disruption can lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, which are particularly concerning during pregnancy due to potential impacts on both maternal and fetal health. The vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanisms, and douching can interfere with these processes, increasing the risk of complications.

Additionally, douching has been associated with premature labor and low birth weight in some studies, making it especially important for pregnant women to avoid practices that could jeopardize their health or the health of their baby. For these reasons, advising against douching aligns with best practices for self-care during early pregnancy.