How To Prevent A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Theres no guaranteed method of prevention, but whether youre pregnant or not, here are some ways to decrease your chances of getting a yeast infection. In general, you want to try to let the vaginal area breathe and minimize the amount of moisture down there, says Phillips.
Edit your underwear drawer. Make sure to choose underwear and tights with cotton crotches, and avoid wearing thongs or anything thats too tight. You should also remove underwear before going to bed.
Change out of damp stuff pronto. Dont wear wet swimsuits or gym clothes for longer than needed, and wash them each time you wear them.
With bottoms, go for a flowy look. If youre opting for pants, keep them loose-fitting and breathable.
Stock up on probiotic foods. For example, eating yogurt containing live Lactobacillus acidophilus cultures may help keep your vaginal pH in check.
Skip scented products. Dont take baths with scented products and avoid douching, vaginal sprays and sanitary pads with fragrance.
Get bathroom hygiene right. It bears repeating: Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
Expert bios:
Cara Delaney, MD, MPH, is an ob-gyn at Boston Medical Center and a Family Planning Fellow at Boston University School of Medicine. She earned both her MD and MPH from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
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Medication While Pregnant For Yeast Infections
Although yeast infection while pregnant is a common condition that can be managed effectively with proper diagnosis and treatment by a doctor, you should always seek help from a medical professional when yeast infection symptoms appear.
Pregnancy safe medications used to treat yeast infections include:
- Clotrimazole vaginal cream or shampoo Betamethasone dipropionate lotion miconazole cream Miconazole nitrate creams .
- Terconazole cream, suppositories or ovules butoconazole cream tioconazole ointments
- Clotrimazole pessaries are used to treat yeast infections in pregnancy miconazole pessaries are also effective.
I Am So Uncomfortable How Can I Find Some Natural Relief Working With What I Have At Home
The jury is still out on these natural remedies, but they may be worth asking your healthcare provider about.
Some research shows that applying natural honey topically may inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi due to its high concentrations of sugar. Honey also has a low pH, which is exactly the kind of environment Candida does not like. Adding antifungal plant chemicals by mixing it with powdered herbs will make an even more effective Candida fighting honey.
Note: Eating honey is not the same and can in fact aggravate your problem due to high sugar content diluted in the stomach, which Candida feeds on.
Coconut oil coconut oil is an established antifungal and may act as a natural remedy for yeast infection relief. This study found that the Candida albicans strain was most susceptible to concentrated coconut oil and less coconut oil was needed to get rid of the yeast than fluconazole.
ACV adding apple cider vinegar to a warm bath may help provide some relief from a yeast infection. The acidic component can eliminate harmful microorganisms, including yeast. You can also incorporate more ACV into your diet to help treat Candida. Take 1 tsp a day in a glass of water until you see results.
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What Increases My Risk Of Getting A Yeast Infection
Certain factors make you more likely to get a vaginal yeast infection.
Certain factors can increase your risk of getting a vaginal yeast infection. Some of those are:
Certain lifestyle risk factors also increase your risk of a vaginal yeast infection, such as:
- Sitting in a wet bathing suit.
- Not changing out of sweaty clothes.
- Wearing scented tampons or using a vaginal deodorant.
How Can I Prevent A Yeast Infection Or Recurring Yeast Infections
Most yeast infections can usually be avoided by doing the following:
- Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and cotton underwear.
- After regular, thorough washing , use your blow dryer on a low, cool setting to help dry the outside of your genital area.
- Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
- Shower immediately after you swim. Change out of your swimsuit, workout clothes, or other damp clothes as soon as possible.
- use sanitary pads and tampons that contain deodorant
- take a bubble bath/use scented soaps
- use colored or perfumed toilet paper
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What Can Cause Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
While pregnancy with a yeast infection is common, it is helpful to know what may cause it. Here are some factors that may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast leading to yeast infection early pregnancy:
- Normal changes in hormone levels
- A reaction to your partners natural yeast or bacteria
- Pre-existing conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
- Taking immunosuppressant medication, like steroids
- Taking antibiotics, which can disrupt the vaginal PH
- Birth Control Pills
- Allergic reaction in the vaginal area
- STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
- Another common infection called BV, or bacterial vaginosis
How Is Candidiasis Diagnosed
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will use a cotton swab to take a sample of the vaginal discharge. The sample will be checked under a microscope for signs of the yeasts that cause infections.
In certain cases, your doctor may want to culture or grow in a lab a sample of your vaginal discharge. Cultures help them rule out other types of yeast, such as C. glabrata and C. tropicalis.
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Symptoms Of A Vaginal Yeast Infection While Pregnant
If you think you have a vaginal yeast infection while youre pregnant, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- White or tan discharge that looks like cottage cheese and smells like bread or yeast
- Discharge that is green or yellow
- More discharge than usual
- A burning feeling when you urinate or have sexual intercourse
What Is A Yeast Infection
Yeast infection during pregnancy and yeast infection in early pregnancy is common because the increase in estrogen during pregnancy can throw off your pH balance. This is especially common in the second trimester. Although yeast infection while pregnant is unpleasant, thankfully, it will not harm your health nor your babys health. On the bright side, it is simple to treat yeast infection pregnancy symptoms.
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How To Avoid And Treat Thrush During Pregnancy
There are a number of precautionary steps every pregnant woman can take to lower the risk of developing thrush while pregnant. They are easy, practical and effective in preventing a vaginal yeast infection. Proper hygiene, breathable cotton underwear, and regular check-ups with your GP are some of the things that help lower the risk of thrush.
However, if you still develop a yeast infection, first see your GP before undertaking any yeast infection treatments. Thrush treatments often include recommending an anti-fungal vaginal pessary or cream. Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy. It is important to know that oral capsule containing fluconazole should not be taken during pregnancy for treating thrush.
Here are some tips to help you avoid thrush:
-
Wear breathable cotton underwear that is not too tight
-
Change underwear daily and wash it in hot water
How To Treat A Yeast Infection When You’re Pregnant
Even if youve had yeast infections before and are a pro at self-diagnosing, its best to call your provider before using an over-the-counter medication. Why? Some women who think they have a yeast infection actually have a bacterial infection like bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, and a yeast infection medication will only prolong the issue.
If you have a yeast infection, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription antifungal cream or vaginal suppository. The following over-the-counter and prescription yeast infection treatments are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but be sure to check with your practitioner before starting treatment.
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Symptoms In Moms And Babies
Though caused by the same fungal overgrowth, the signs and symptoms of a yeast infection vary depending on the location of the infection. Vaginal yeast infection symptoms in moms may include:
- Discharge that is white or creamy, including a cottage cheese-like appearance
Whereas yeast infection symptoms in babies may appear as:
- White patches in their mouth that do not wipe off
- Bright red diaper rash that doesn’t go away
If you have never had a yeast infection before, you should have your doctor or midwife look at a sample of your vaginal secretions or discharge under a microscope to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis. You shouldn’t assume it is a yeast infection and attempt to treat it without consulting your provider.
How Is A Yeast Infection Diagnosed
After receiving a physical exam and reviewing signs and symptoms with your physician, the diagnosis will be confirmed or denied through a sample of vaginal discharge. Your doctor will check the sample for yeasts that cause infections, and more harmful types of yeast infections will also be ruled out during this time.
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How Can I Prevent A Yeast Infection
Prevention is better than cure, but you may never completely prevent yeast infection in pregnancy, because hormones can sometimes play their part in causing that yeast/bacteria imbalance.
However, there are things you can do to minimize its occurrence.
The best ways to practice thrush prevention are:
- Wear cotton underwear, which is more breathable than synthetic materials
- If you can, sleep without underwear
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes on your bottom half
- Avoid using any scented body washes or bubble baths, as these can help to throw that balance off
- Avoid scented panty liners too for the same reason
- Try and limit your sugar intake this will help with maintaining the right balance
- Wash your underwear and bottoms at 140 degrees F , and put them through an extra rinse to remove any extra detergent
There is also some suggestion that eating foods which are high in natural probiotics, such as yogurt, or taking a probiotic supplement could help reduce the number of yeast infections you have.
Having said that there is little concrete evidence that this will help.
What Should I Do If I Have Frequent Yeast Infections
If you get more than four vaginal yeast infections per year, have a discussion with your healthcare provider. Your provider may:
- Test to confirm that you have a vaginal yeast infection.
- Order a blood sugar test for diabetes.
- Test for HIV/AIDS.
- Discuss any possible hormonal changes .
Your healthcare provider will use your test results to make sure you receive the right treatment. It can be important to treat the underlying cause while treating your yeast infection. Controlling the reason for the infection can help prevent future vaginal yeast infections.
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Checking In With The Doctor Or Midwife
Even if you are fairly certain what you have is a yeast infection, its a good idea to consult with a medical professional. This is especially true if you try something and symptoms go away. Its possible that it could be a bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis rather than a yeast infection, which can be much more dangerous.
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How Do You Prevent Yeast Infections While Pregnant
Whether or not you’re pregnant, the ways to prevent yeast infections include:
- Keeping your genital area clean and dry
- Avoiding douching, as well as hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area
- Wearing cotton underwear, and avoiding underwear made of silk or nylon
- Avoiding wearing tight-fitting pants or shorts
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Treating A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Pregnancy with yeast infection symptoms can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can safely treat these symptoms with over-the-counter vaginal creams and suppositories, such as miconazole or clotrimazole-containing products. Even if symptoms seem to be clearing up, be sure to finish the full course of treatment for your infection, and be sure to read and follow all instructions.
Yeast infections can cause persistent itching, but remember that scratching will only make things worse and more irritated down there. During pregnancy, yeast infections may not be treated with oral fluconazole tablets, as this has been shown to cause birth defects. Consult your doctor to confirm whether or not your pregnancy with yeast infection symptoms needs treatment before taking any medications. If there is no improvement within three days, or if symptoms worsen or return after treatment, contact your healthcare provider.
Q: Can A Yeast Infection Harm My Pregnancy
A:No. A yeast infection wont affect your developing baby thats why we dont treat yeast infections that dont have symptoms. However, most symptomatic yeast infections get worse when left untreated. This means more itching, redness, and inflammation. If the skin becomes cracked or torn from repeated scratching, a skin infection can result. In rare cases, an untreated yeast infection can lead to fatigue, oral thrush, or digestive problems.
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Uterine Infections During Pregnancy
An infection in the uterus can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. The infection may affect the placenta, harm the developing baby, cause premature labor, or lead to birth abnormalities.
Uterine infections can also make labor more dangerous and difficult. Some individuals experience organ failure and other life-threatening complications.
Treatment includes antibiotics and may require hospitalization. If a fever develops during labor, a doctor or midwife will monitor the fetus. If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may recommend a cesarean delivery.
Complications Of Vaginal Yeast Infection
Yeast infections may be passed to your baby during delivery. In infants, yeast infection presents in the mouth and/or diaper area. Rarely, a yeast infection can lead to serious complications in an infants body or heart, as their immune systems are not yet equipped to fight infection. This is most often seen in infants with underlying immune conditions or infections.
In pregnant women with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, a yeast infection may cause systemic infection or complications. This is why, even if you believe it to be a simple overgrowth of yeast, yeast infection early pregnancy is best treated under the supervision of a doctor.
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Preventing A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy:
- Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch to keep your vaginal area dry and let it “breathe.”
- Always wipe from front to back after you go to the bathroom.
- Avoid tight pants and pantyhose.
- Change out of a wet swimsuit or sweats immediately. This keeps the genital area dry.
- Avoid toilet paper, feminine sprays, bubble bath, and sanitary pads that are scented.
- Keep good control of your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Eat yogurt with live cultures some research suggests this can help.
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- Tags: Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy pregnancy habits, how to treat a yeast infection while pregnant, Pregnancy Blogs, Pregnancy Safety, pregnancy stages, Safe and Healthy, Staying Healthy, vaginal discharge during pregnancy, What to avoid during pregnancy, white discharge during pregnancy, Yeast Infection, yeast infection treatment while pregnant, yeast infection while pregnant, yeast infection while pregnant natural remedies
Yeast infection is a recurrent type of vaginal infection that affects women, especially pregnant women. It is normal for small amounts of fungi and microorganisms to be found in the genital area, but they can be problematic when they grow rapidly and affect other microorganisms. In this article, you will read about yeast infection while pregnant, the causes, prevention methods, and treatments.
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Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent A Yeast Infection
There are some things that can be done to help lower the chance of an infection developing. Make sure to talk to your OB or midwife about other ways to lower the chance for yeast infections.
Some of these include:
Unfortunately, you cannot control the pregnancy hormones, so it is not possible to completely prevent yeast infections! But the sooner you get it treated, the sooner you can go back to enjoying the regular miseries of being pregnant during the summer!
For more information please see:
How To Treat A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
For a yeast infection in pregnancy, treatment is generally an over-the-counter vaginal cream or suppositories. These might include Clotrimazole Miconazole or Terconazole. Oral medications such as fluconazole are not recommended during pregnancy.
If you have to wait a few days to see your doctor, Tahery says you can apply 1 percent hydrocortisone externally to help control itching. If you are desperate, you can use a small amount just on the lips of the vulva, which will offer some relief, he says.
But Tahery cautions against using boric acid suppositories to treat yeast infections during pregnancy. Boric acid and other homeopathic treatments havent been tested in pregnancy, so I wouldnt recommend them, he says.
If you have a yeast infection that somehow goes undetected, it will likely clear up after you deliver. These will usually self-resolve after pregnancy, unless you were having chronic yeast infections before you got pregnant, perhaps due to a condition such as diabetes, says Tahery.
Sometimes having one yeast infection during pregnancy can cause repeated ones until you deliver. If you are having recurring yeast infections during pregnancy, its best to work with your doctor to figure out a plan. Along with medication, you may need to make lifestyle changes like wearing more breathable clothing or changing your underwear more frequently, since yeast thrives in wet, humid conditions.
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