How to treat thrush naturally during pregnancy

Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans, which lives in the mouth or genitals. If present in excessive amounts, this fungus can cause white lesions, redness, and pain, among other symptoms. Candida albicans occurs naturally in the body in small amounts. Pregnant women often want to know how to naturally treat thrush during pregnancy.

However, when the immune system is not working at full capacity, the body cannot control the levels of the fungus, which can lead to thrush. Thrush can occur in the mouth, on the genitals, and on the breasts of breastfeeding mothers of infants with thrush.

Symptoms of stomatitis during pregnancy include:

Creamy white lesions on your tongue, inner cheeks, and sometimes on the roof of your mouth, gums, and tonsils
Slightly raised lesions with a cottage cheese-like appearance
Redness or soreness that may be severe enough to cause difficulty eating or swallowing
Slight bleeding if the lesions are rubbed or scraped
Cracking and redness at the corners of your mouth (especially in denture wearers)
A cottony feeling in your mouth
Loss of taste
Thrush can occur at any age, from babies, to healthy adults, and even to the elderly.

The following are possible risk factors for contracting thrush:

Being an infant or elderly
Having a weakened immune system
Wearing dentures
Having other health conditions, such as diabetes
Taking certain medications, such as antibiotics or oral/inhaled corticosteroids
Undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
Having conditions that cause dry mouth

How to treat thrush naturally during pregnancy

Treating thrush naturally while you wait is possible. Here are some natural options you can use to naturally treat thrush during pregnancy.

Good oral hygiene

One way to combat excessive mold in your mouth is to brush and floss your teeth daily. However, it is best to avoid mouth rinses during this time, as they can affect the initial amount of flora in the mouth.

Salt water rinse

Gargling with salt water can help relieve pain caused by mouth ulcers. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of salt in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Rinse it around your mouth, then spit it out. Don't swallow it.

Treating thrush during pregnancy when natural treatments don't work

There are options you can explore with your doctor or without a prescription when you have thrush.

Antifungal cream

An antifungal cream can be used to treat breastfeeding mothers who contract thrush from babies and women who develop thrush in the vagina. Babies with thrush can pass the disease on to a nursing mother.

In this case, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal cream to treat thrush that is on the chest. If your baby has thrush, it is likely that the fungus is also on the baby's nipple and bottles, so they should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. Your doctor may determine other ways to clean these items.

Sometimes cases of thrush are so severe that they cannot be cured with natural remedies alone. In this situation, your doctor may prescribe antifungal medications to help regulate the levels of Candida albicans in your body. It is important to note that pregnant women should not take the antifungal pills known as fluconazole as some studies show that they can cause birth defects. Check with your doctor before taking any medication.

If you think you have thrush, it's important to see a doctor right away, as thrush can spread to your throat, esophagus, and intestines, causing problems with eating and digestion.