Yeast infections during pregnancy

Yeast infection during pregnancy is more common than at any other time in a woman's life, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. You may notice an increase in small white discharge with a strange smell. This is a common and normal symptom in the second trimester.

If you think you have yeast infection, the following information will prepare you to discuss this possibility with your doctor. While yeast infections do not have a major negative impact on pregnancy, they are often more difficult to control during pregnancy, causing you considerable discomfort. Don't delay your treatment!

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast infection occurs when the normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina are out of balance, allowing the yeast to overgrow, causing an unpleasant but not serious condition called a yeast infection.

If you have never been diagnosed or treated by a doctor for a yeast infection and are experiencing some symptoms, you should first see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Other infections have similar symptoms, so you need to make sure you treat the infection properly. There are also treatments that are not suitable during pregnancy.

What causes yeast infection during pregnancy?

Yeast infection can be caused by one or more of the following:

Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy or before your period
Taking hormones or birth control pills
Taking antibiotics or steroids
High blood sugar, as in diabetes
Vaginal intercourse
Douching
Blood or semen

Why are yeast infections more common during pregnancy?

Your body is going through so many changes right now and it's hard to keep up with the chemical changes in the vagina. There is more sugar in the vaginal secretions that the yeast feeds on, causing an imbalance that results in too much yeast.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

Symptoms of yeast infection may include one or more of the following symptoms:

Discharge that is usually white/tan in color, similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
Other discharge may be greenish or yellowish, also similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
An increase in discharge
Redness, itching, or irritation of the lips of the vagina
Burning sensation during urination or intercourse

What else could I be experiencing?

If you have symptoms that look like a yeast infection but have been ruled out by your doctor, you may have one of the following symptoms:

Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis.
A vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis.

How do I know for sure if I have a fungal infection?

At your doctor's office or medical clinic, the clinician will take a simple, painless swab to remove any vaginal discharge or discharge and examine it under a microscope. Usually, after a simple examination of the vagina, a doctor can diagnose a yeast infection. In rare cases, the culture can be sent to the laboratory.

How are yeast infections treated during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, doctors recommend only vaginal creams and suppositories. Not all vaginal creams and suppositories can be used during pregnancy, so it's best to check with your doctor or pharmacist to choose the right one. If left untreated, yeast infections can get into your baby's mouth during delivery. This is called "thrush" and is effectively treated with nystatin.

It may take 10 to 14 days to find relief or get rid of the infection completely while you are pregnant. After the infection has cleared and all wounds have healed, it may be helpful to use a non-starch drying powder to prevent re-infection.

How can I prevent a yeast infection or recurring yeast infections?

Most yeast infections can usually be prevented by doing the following:

Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and cotton underwear.
After regular, thorough washing (using unscented, hypoallergenic or gentle soap), 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.
Include yogurt with “lactobacillus acidophilus” in your diet.
Limit sugar intake, as sugar promotes the growth of yeast.
Get plenty of rest to make it easier for your body to fight infections.

Do not do it: