How to get Pregnant » Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
During pregnancy is the most likely time a woman will get a yeast infection, also known as vaginal candidiasis, or monilial vaginitis. Yeast infections are most common during the second trimester of pregnancy and there are ways to help prevent them, as well as to treat them. If you think you may be experiencing a yeast infection but are unsure, this information should help you to determine if you do.
Explanation of a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection occurs when the amounts of yeast and acid in the vaginal area are out of balance. This allows the yeast to overgrow, causing an uncomfortable condition called a yeast infection. Although they are not serious, they certainly are unpleasant. If you've never been diagnosed or treated for a yeast infection by a physician and have the correct symptoms, contact your doctor for diagnosis before treating it the first time.
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection during Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman may notice an increase in the amount of thin, white, strange smelling discharge, which is normal during the second trimester. This discharge can be similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast or bread. The discharge also may have a greenish or yellowish tint to it, and there is normally an increase in this discharge. It is often accompanied by itching, swelling, irritation and may cause burning during urination and intercourse.
The Causes of a Yeast Infection during Pregnancy
A yeast infection could be caused by one or a combination of hormonal changes during pregnancy, antibiotics or steroids, high blood sugar, especially in those with diabetes, vaginal intercourse, blood or semen, and douching. These are all more likely to cause a yeast infection while a woman is pregnant.
How to Prevent a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
There are ways to help prevent getting a yeast infection during pregnancy, and are also recommended to do if a woman has already started seeing symptoms.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and non-restrictive, breathable clothing
- Use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting on the vaginal area after cleaning to help dry completely
- Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom
- Shower immediately after swimming or working out
- Never douche or use feminine hygiene sprays, bubble bath, or colored or perfumed toilet paper
How to Get Rid of a Yeast Infection during Pregnancy
There are several ways to get rid of a yeast infection, as well as to help speed up the process, besides using over-the-counter yeast infection medications. Oral antifungal drugs should not be taken during pregnancy as they may harm the fetus. Eat yogurt with Lactobacillus Acidophilus, limit your sugar intake since sugar encourages the growth of yeast, and get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
If you have a yeast infection when nearing the expected end of your pregnancy, contact your physician. There is a chance that a yeast infection is passed to the baby in the birth canal during birth, causing your baby to develop a yeast infection in his mouth. Fortunately yeast infections have no major negative effect on pregnancy, although they may be more difficult to control due to fluctuating hormones.