What Causes Yeast Infections While Pregnant
As if we dont have enough unwelcome symptoms during pregnancy, pregnant women are particularly prone to yeast infections .
This is because of the many and frequent hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes disrupt the vaginas delicate pH balance, giving bacteria a better opportunity to become out of control and cause an infection.
Hormonal changes arent the only cause behind yeast infections during pregnancy.
Infections can also be caused by:
Preventing A Vaginal Yeast Infection While Pregnant
If you are worried about or are prone to getting yeast infections while youre pregnant, there are some steps you can take to avoid them. Try avoiding unnecessary yeast infections by:
- Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
- Wiping from the front to the back after you go to the bathroom
- Removing damp clothes immediately after exercising or swimming
How To Get Rid Of A Yeast Infection While Pregnant
As a mother of two, I can soundly say that Ive experienced nearly every side effect of pregnancy like nausea, headaches, and restless leg syndrome.
One of the most common side effects that a lot of moms-to-be dont talk about is yeast infections. Though uncomfortable and itchy, the good news is that there are treatments available that will get rid of a yeast infection when a woman is pregnant.
So how do you treat a yeast infection while pregnant? There are over-the-counter options like anti-fungal vaginal creams and suppositories which can be found in pharmacies and grocery stores. Then there are also natural options that can be found in your kitchens such as garlic and yogurt.
Before you take any sort of treatment for a yeast infection, however, its critical that you speak with your health care provider first.
Not all treatments, both over-the-counter and natural, are safe to use when youre expecting.
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Why Do I Need To See My Provider To Treat A Yeast Infection
It may seem like overkill to see your provider because antifungal medication is available over the counter, but it’s not a good idea to try to diagnose and treat yourself. Studies show that most women who treat themselves for a presumed yeast infection miss the real cause. As a result, they often delay getting proper treatment.
Your symptoms may be caused by something else, such as a sexually transmitted infection, instead of or along with yeast.
How Is Candidiasis Treated
Most of the time, vulvovaginal candidiasis is easy to treat with an antifungal cream or suppository. The medicine should relieve your symptoms within seven days. However, during pregnancy, you should see your doctor before starting treatment. They can confirm that you actually have a yeast infection and ensure you get a treatment thats safe to use during pregnancy.
Both oral and topical antifungal drugs are used to treat yeast infections in nonpregnant women. However, oral drugs may not be safe to use during pregnancy. A 2016 study in found an association between higher risk of miscarriage and oral fluconazole use during pregnancy. Oral antifungal drugs have also been linked to birth defects.
Topical antifungal drugs that are safe to use during pregnancy include:
| Drug |
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Natural Yeast Infection Treatments During Pregnancy
Posted by The Spoiled Mama on March 29, 2014
According to the American Pregnancy Association, do NOT panic: this is totally normal.
While pregnancy can bring so much joy, it also can bring on morning sickness, stretch marks and an itchy belly. Getting a yeast infection while pregnant is certainly a nuisance, however, yeast infections are easily treatable. And better yet you can treat most infections with items already in your pantry! Read on about home remedies for yeast infection while pregnant.
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Yeast Infection During Early Pregnancy
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kitchensk over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
Hey Kichensk, you sound pregnant to me. I, too experienced constipation among many of the other symptoms you described. These symptoms hit me 3 weeks after I got pregnant of course I didnt know it then. If you havent already seen an ob/gyn, you should get checked out.By the way, according my calendar, I got pregnant at a time when I wasnt even ovulating. I must have screwed up somewhere, because Ive been charting my cycle for years.If youre not pregnant, I cant imagine what is ailing you. Whatever the outcome, I hope you are happy.
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Yeast Infection Treatment During Pregnancy
Having a yeast infection is unpleasant at the best of times, but having to worry about yeast infection treatment during pregnancy can be particularly troubling. There are two important things you should know. Firstly, the infection is unlikely to harm your baby. Secondly, unless you have the infection during birth and deliver naturally, there is little chance of your baby catching the infection. So the important thing then is how to safely manage the infection while you are pregnant.
If you are expecting and you require yeast infection treatment during pregnancy, it is always advisable to seek advice from your doctor. The safety of your child is of the utmost importance, so knowing what you can safely do to relieve the symptoms of a yeast infection during pregnancy is essential. Often the doctor will recommend that you dont receive any treatment during the first trimester.
Natural treatment options are often a good alternative that should be safe at any stage of the pregnancy. If the uncomfortable symptoms of a Candida infection are driving you to distraction and you are unable to take regular medication, then a natural alternative to relieve problems such as itching, burning and stinging may be the best option.
Here are some natural options for yeast infection treatment during pregnancy:
Tea Tree Oil
Reducing yeast rich foods in your diet
How To Prevent Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
While you cant control your hormones , you can take a few steps to prevent yeast infections during pregnancy. Some tactics to try:
- Try sleeping without underwear or pajama bottoms at night to allow for increased air flow.
- Take showers instead of baths .
- Avoid sitting around in a wet bathing suit.
- After showering or swimming, make sure your genital area is completely dry before putting on your underwear and clothes.
- Take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor and use them exactly as directed.
Adding yogurt containing live probiotic cultures might also help to keep symptoms at bay, and you can ask your doctor whether they recommend a probiotic supplement.
Some women with chronic yeast infections also find it helpful to cut back on foods that feed yeast, such as sugar and baked goods that are made with refined flour.
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How To Treat Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. She is a professional member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and has been writing about womens health since 2001. Rachel uses her own experiences with infertility to write compassionate, practical, and supportive articles.
If you’re an adult woman, chances are you’ve had a yeast infection at some point in your life and know that it’s anything but fun. But did you know yeast infections occur more frequently in women who are pregnant?
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a normal fungus. About one-third of all women normally carry this fungus in their vaginas, and both men and women carry it in their digestive tracts.
During pregnancyparticularly in the second trimesterwomen become more susceptible to yeast problems. The increased risk during pregnancy is at least partially due to the increased estrogen circulating in a pregnant womans body.
While they’re annoying and uncomfortable, yeast infections are not harmful to your health. Unlike with other types of infections, you generally wouldn’t be prescribed antibiotics for a yeast infection .
A yeast infection will also not harm your baby, although they may still get yeast infections, no matter how or when they are born.
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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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.
Does An Untreated Yeast Infection During Pregnancy Affect The Baby
As mentioned, the likelihood of a yeast infection impacting your baby while in the womb is slim to none. However, if the infection is left untreated, you can pass it on to your baby during the delivery. When traveling through the birth canal, the yeast can be transferred to their mouth and throat. This can develop into oral thrush.
While most babies can be treated without complication, premature infants or those with compromised immune systems can suffer dangerous complications. However, even the healthiest of babies can struggle with breastfeeding when diagnosed with oral thrush due to the extreme discomfort. Thus, it is best to always address these types of symptoms the moment that they arise. As we all know, babies are on their own timetable so time is of the essence.
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What Are Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection
Signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can vary. Here are some things you may experience and get checked out by your provider:
- Redness and/or swelling in the vulva
- Pain during intercourse
- Soreness or pain in the vulva
- Thick, white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese in appearance
In addition to vaginal signs and symptoms, an overgrowth of yeast or candida can also occur in the mouth, known as oral thrush. In infants, the infection may present as a red, persistent, irritating diaper rash. Like any infection, it is recommended to have your doctor examine your symptoms to determine the cause.
Q: What Steps Can Reduce The Risk Of Yeast Infection
A:During pregnancy and otherwise, take the following precautions:
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet.
- Avoid using scented tampons, pads, and pantyliners.
- Change tampons, pads, and pantyliners often.
- Avoid very hot baths and hot tubs.
- Wear underwear with a cotton lining to promote airflow.
- Wear loose fitting clothing.
- Manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- Remove wet workout clothes and swimsuits as soon as possible after activities.
If youre pregnant and notice signs of a yeast infection, discuss treatment options with your doctor so you can eliminate these disruptive symptoms. To request an appointment, call orrequest online.
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How And When To Use Clotrimazole
How long you use clotrimazole for depends on the type of infection you have.
It’s best to use it for at least 2 weeks, even if all signs of the infection have gone, to stop it from coming back. It can be used for up to 4 weeks if needed.
Apply clotrimazole to the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. It will work better if you use it 3 times a day.
If the affected area is large or hairy, it’s best to use either the spray or solution.
If you’re using clotrimazole on your feet, make sure you wash and thoroughly dry your feet, especially between your toes, before applying clotrimazole.
Complications For The Baby
When someone with a yeast infection gives birth, it is possible for them to pass the Candida fungus along to their baby during delivery. This typically happens in the form of oral thrush, consisting of thick, white patches in their mouth. Fortunately, oral thrush can be easily treated with antifungal medication and doesn’t cause any permanent harm to the baby.
At this point, there is preliminary data that suggests a yeast infection during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of complications, like:
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Congenital cutaneous candidiasis
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Q: Do Yeast Infections Appear Throughout Pregnancy
A:Yeast infections can occur any time, but they are most common duringthe second trimester. Talk with your doctor if you notice signs of a yeast infection while pregnant, even if you have had one before. Some more serious infections have similar symptoms, so your doctor will perform a simple fungal culture swap in the office to check for the presence of yeast.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Candidiasis
With candidiasis, youll most likely have itching in your and vulva. You may also notice a white vaginal discharge. This discharge may look similar to cottage cheese and shouldnt have an odor.
Other symptoms include:
These symptoms may last for a few hours, days, or weeks.
In newborn babies and in women who have a weakened immune system, candidiasis may occur in the mouth. This condition is known as thrush.
Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a yeast infection, including:
- an allergic reaction to a product youve used in the vaginal area, such as soap or a condom
- bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection
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Yeast Infection Vs Bacterial Vaginosis
| Bacterial Vaginosis | |
| Caused by an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, e.g., Gardnerella vaginalis | Caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida Albicans fungus |
| Causes a burning sensation often when urinating | Causes a burning sensation when urinating or during sex |
| Causes thin white, yellow, or grey vaginal discharge that is often noticed after vaginal intercourse | Causes white discharge that is often thick |
| Antibiotics prescription medications are used for treatment | Antifungal medications are used for medical treatment |
How Are Recurring Yeast Infections Treated
Because of the shift in hormones during pregnancy, you may be more susceptible to recurring yeast infections. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is when four or more yeast infections occur in a year. If you are experiencing recurrent candidiasis, we recommend consulting your physician to rule out any health conditions.
The pregnancy itself may simply be the root of infection, and after delivery, they should cease. Oral azole drugs effectively reduce recurrent infections, but this option is only available after delivery, as oral antifungals are not safe or advised methods of treatment while pregnant.
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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
Vaginal Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
If you develop a yeast infection during pregnancy, its important to understand the importance of choosing the right treatment. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are pregnant and develop a vaginal yeast infection. The CDC and health professionals recommend a 7-day vaginal cream for a yeast infection during pregnancy. The FDA issued a warning about the oral medication fluconazole in 20162. Using topical antifungal treatments like MONISTAT® during pregnancy is recommended. Again, talk to your healthcare professional.
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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!
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