Yeast Infection And Pregnancy

 

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast infection and pregnancy do not necessarily go together but it is a common type of vaginal infection that can occur at any time during your life. It is however, particularly common in pregnant women.

A yeast infection can appear in your intestinal tract as well as your vagina, these types of infections are called - monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis. They are caused by a micro-organism or fungi often called candida albicans.

Yeast is naturally present in your vagina and intestinal tract but will only cause a problem if it is allowed to 'overgrow'. This means that the natural bacteria which is already present in your body has been compromised for some reason,therefore allowing the candida to grow out of control and overwhelm the good natural bacteria.

There are a number of reasons for this 'overgrowth', such as lifestyle, diet, general health and diet. But during pregnancy there is a higher level of estrogen which in turn causes the vagina to produce more glycogen which is advantageous for the yeast to grow. There is research to indicate that the estrogen might have a direct effect on the yeast therefore allowing it to grow even faster and adhere to the vaginal walls.

If you have recently been prescribed antibiotics by your doctor you may suffer an outbreak of yeast infection. This is due to the antibiotics killing the bacteria causing an infection but also killing the good bacteria that helps to keep the candida albicans in check.

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection in pregnancy?

These may be exactly the same as if you were not pregnant. However, if you do not treat the symptoms the infection may get even worse. There are many natural remedies for yeast infection that will not cause any harm to you or to your unborn baby. There is no reason to use over the counter preparations for most yeast infections but you should always seek advice from your doctor before you treat any symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Irritation
• Itchiness,
• Soreness
• Vaginal burning and or redness of the labia
• An odourless discharge, often white, creamy, or cottage-cheese consistency
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Burning when you urinate

What should you do if you think you have a yeast infection?

If you have some or all of these symptoms you should consult your doctor for advice. You may have a vaginal swab to establish exactly what is causing the symptoms. This may take a few days to confirm. Some symptoms are very similar to a sexually transmitted disease so it is best to have a test to make sure you actually have a yeast infection.

Your doctor may prescribe either an over the counter product which will be an anti fungal cream or suppository which can take a few days to alleviate the symptoms.

There are some very effective home remedies for yeast infection symptoms that you can easily prepare at home. These are safe and do not contain any pharmaceutical ingredients but are natural and have been used by many cultures for thousands of years. It is also clear that many of the traditional pharmaceutical products on the market to treat yeast infections don't work and can actually make the infection worse.

Read vinegar douche for a very simple method to sooth the irritated area. Your diet is also very important in pregnancy as well as to counteract the effects of a yeast infection, changing some of the things you eat can help to kill off the candida albicans.

Will a yeast infection affect my baby?

 

No, there is no evidence that a yeast infection will harm or affect the development of your baby.  There is a chance that if you have a vaginal birth that your baby could contract a yeast infection as it travels through the birth canal.  They could have a yeast infection in their mouth which is called thrush. This is easily treated though. However, it is better to try to clear any infection you may have before you go into labour.

Thrush consists of white patches on the roof and sides of the mouth and occasionally on the tongue. It is quite common for babies to develop a thrush infection even if you do not have a current infection.

How to reduce the chances of you getting a yeast infection?

There are a number of things you can do including, keeping your genital area as dry and clean as possible as yeast will thrive in a warm wet area. Try to wear loose clothing and cotton underwear rather than man made fibres.

• Don't wear underwear in bed to allow air to circulate the genital area.
• Don't use perfumed bathing products such as soaps and bubble baths.
• Don't use feminine hygiene products as these will alter the natural pH level of the vagina.
• Always wipe from front to back.
• Eat natural live yogurt as the live bacteria will help to support the natural bacteria in your gut but can also help to combat an overgrowth of the candida albicans. Yogurt can also be used as a soothing topical treatment for irritated areas.
• Garlic has fantastic healing properties - read more about this here.

Yeast infection and pregnancy do not necessarily go hand in hand but if you should be unfortunate enough to contract a yeast infection there are many natural remedies for yeast infection.