Yeast infection while pregnant: What causes it and how to treat it

Women frequently develop yeast infections in while pregnant. Increased estrogen can cause imbalance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina.

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Especially during pregnancy, women frequently develop yeast infections, also known as candidiasis. Increased estrogen in a pregnant body can throw off the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina.

As a result, the yeast may grow excessively. The main culprit behind yeast infections while pregnant is the fungus Candida albicans. Two more yeast species, candida glabrata and candida tropicalis, can also cause them.

Yeast infection while pregnant is unpleasant, but it won’t harm you or the unborn kid. A topical lotion can usually be used to treat them safely.

Yeast infection while pregnant

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A yeast infection of the vulva and vagina is referred to as moniliasis, commonly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. Yeast is a form of fungus.

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According to American Family Physician, three of every four women will experience at least one yeast infection at some point in their lives. Two or more infections will be contracted by about 45 percent of people.

Yeast infection while pregnant occurs more frequently. According to one study, 20% of women frequently have Candida yeast in their vaginas. That proportion increases to 30% while pregnant. 

Yeast infection while pregnant should be treated immediately as you can pass it to your baby during birth. 

What causes yeast infection while pregnant

When the usual quantity of fungi that ordinarily reside in the vagina grows to the point at which symptoms arise, candidiasis develops. The most typical causes of yeast infections in women are as follows:

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  • pregnancy
  • diabetes
  • the use of antibiotics, birth control pills, or corticosteroids like prednisone (Rayos)
  • Diseases that weaken the immune system (i.e HIV)

The pH balance in the vagina changes during pregnancy due to changing hormone levels. Because of this, yeast may grow in a more hospitable environment.

Yeast infection while pregnant symptoms

The most typical symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection are as follows:

  1. Itching in the vulva or vagina
  2. Pregnant yeast infection discharge: thick, cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge that is white and thick
  3. Bread or beer-like smell coming from the vagina
  4. Pain in or around the vagina.
  5. Discomfort or burning feeling when having sex

Can yeast infection while pregnant cause complications

Serious complications are rare when yeast infections affect non-pregnant women with strong immune systems.

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Yeast infection while pregnant frequently has no harmful effects on the mother. However, the yeast may be passed on to your newborn after delivery.

When a baby has a yeast infection, it typically only affects their lips or the area around their diapers. Yeast infections in newborns are infrequent, but their underdeveloped immune systems have a higher potential for developing into extremely hazardous illnesses.

It might affect the infant’s heart rate and respiration as it spreads throughout the body. Infants with immune systems that are already weakened due to factors like preterm or an underlying infection are most likely to experience this.

In addition, serious consequences from yeast infections, such as systemic infections, are more likely in women whose immune systems have been compromised by diseases like HIV.

READ MORE: 

Swollen lymph nodes during pregnancy, what are they telling you

Bacterial vaginosis: What moms-to-be need to know about this pregnancy infection

Pregnancy Gingivitis: Why your gums are always bleeding

How is yeast infection while pregnant diagnosed

Your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask you about your health issues. Your doctor will use a cotton swab to collect a sample of the suspected pregnant yeast infection discharge to confirm the diagnosis. 
The sample will be placed under a microscope to look for signs of infection-causing yeasts.
In some cases, your doctor may decide to culture, or grow in a lab, a sample of your vaginal discharge. With the help of cultures, they can rule out other yeast species like C. C. Tropicis and glabrata.

Yeast infection treatment for pregnant women

Yeast infection while pregnant can typically be treated with an antifungal cream or suppository. The drug should eliminate your symptoms in seven days. 
However, you should visit your doctor before initiating treatment while pregnant. They might check that you do, in fact, have a yeast infection and make sure you receive a treatment that is safe to use while pregnant.
Using oral drugs while pregnant may not be advised. An increase in the risk of miscarriage was linked to oral fluconazole (Diflucan) use during pregnancy, according to a 2016 study published in JAMA. Oral antifungal medicines have also been linked to poor birth outcomes.
For the treatment of yeast infections, over-the-counter options include the following creams, ointments, and suppositories:
  • Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF)
  • Miconazole (Monistat 3)
  • Terconazole
These products don’t increase the chance of miscarriage or other pregnancy problems and are safe to use at any stage of pregnancy. The finest outcomes come from using a seven-day strategy. Oral drugs should not be taken when pregnant.
One of the most often given antifungals, fluconazole (Diflucan), should be avoided, especially in the first trimester.
Before starting treatment, it is advisable to confirm with your doctor that your symptoms are actually caused by a yeast infection.

Yeast infection while pregnant natural remedies

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Yeast infection while pregnant natural remedies. | Image from People photo created by yanalya – www.freepik.com

Some of these therapies’ ingredients may already be in your home. The majority of the evidence for their performance is anecdotal, and their effectiveness varies.
When utilized in addition to your doctor’s recommended treatment, complementary therapies could provide some comfort.
IMPORTANT: If you encounter recurrent yeast infections, discuss with your doctor possible preventive measures or alternate, risk-free treatments. Consult your doctor before using these natural remedies as well.

  • Greek yogurt

Probiotics may be helpful in the fight against C. albicans.
Yogurt may be classified as a probiotic due to the live bacteria it contains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are required to keep the environment in your vagina healthy. They can help with the control of an encroachment brought on by an imbalance.
According to a 2017 study, eating yogurt can assist enhance intestinal flora and also lower levels of yeast in the body. If you don’t like yogurt, take probiotics. Probiotics should ideally be taken with food.

  • Probiotic supplements

Probiotics help the body’s normal bacteria-yeast balance to return.
By establishing a habit of oral probiotics that contain strains of the Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria, you can restore balance to your vaginal and intestinal flora. Yogurt consumption is one method for increasing probiotics.
Because oral supplements take about 10 days to take effect fully, some people choose to use probiotics as vaginal suppositories in order to see effects faster.
Additionally effective in treating vaginosis are suppositories with probiotics.

  • Coconut oil

The fatty oil known as coconut oil comes from the flesh of coconuts. The oil’s antifungal properties are among its many health benefits.
According to studies, coconut oil is effective against C. This one targets Candida albicans and is one of the few home remedies with substantial evidence that it actually works.
If you’re going to utilize coconut oil to get rid of a vaginal yeast infection, make sure to use pure, organic coconut oil. It is feasible to apply the oil directly to the affected area.
An effective remedy for yeast infections is an apple cider vinegar soak.
Vinegar has a variety of medical uses, some of which have strong research support. When a half cup of apple-67 cider vinegar is added to a lukewarm bath and left to soak for 20 minutes, the acidic component can eliminate harmful microorganisms, including yeast.
Douching, which aims to eradicate all germs from your vagina, both healthy and bad, is not the same as taking an apple cider vinegar bath. If you do this, your chances of developing the yeast infection increase. ACV should not be poured all over you.
Vinegar should be mixed with water before being applied to the skin. Think considering including apple cider vinegar in your diet as well.

  • Tea Tree Oil

Applying tea tree oil, an essential oil, will get rid of germs, viruses, and fungi.
According to studies from a reliable source, a vaginal suppository containing tea tree oil may help in treating vaginal infections because of its antifungal properties.
Tea tree oil is an extremely strong essential oil. Make careful to mix it with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, if it will come into touch with your skin. Premade tea tree vaginal suppositories are the finest option.
Use tea tree oil sparingly and never ingest it. If you have delicate skin, avoid using tea tree oil. Stop using the product if you experience any pain.

Avoid using undiluted tea tree oil on skin.

Consult your doctor

When you are pregnant, you are more likely to experience repeated yeast infections. Having four or more yeast infections in a calendar year is considered to be recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
If you continue to get yeast infections, consult your doctor. You may need to have any risk factors, such as diabetes or an immune disorder, checked. If the infection was caused by pregnancy, it should go away after giving delivery.

 

Healthline, Mayo Clinic, Web MD, Healthline, Medical News Today

Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.

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Written by

Margaux Dolores