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
A yeast infection of the vulva and vagina is referred to as moniliasis, commonly known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. Yeast is a form of fungus.
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:
- 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:
- Itching in the vulva or vagina
- Pregnant yeast infection discharge: thick, cottage-cheese-like vaginal discharge that is white and thick
- Bread or beer-like smell coming from the vagina
- Pain in or around the vagina.
- 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.
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
How is yeast infection while pregnant diagnosed
Yeast infection treatment for pregnant women
- Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF)
- Miconazole (Monistat 3)
- Terconazole
Yeast infection while pregnant natural remedies
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Greek yogurt
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Probiotic supplements
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Coconut oil
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Tea Tree Oil
Consult your doctor
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