What to Know About Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

 What to Know About Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

During pregnancy, people are more vulnerable to yeast infections due to the spike in hormones. Here are some safe methods for treating yeast infections.

You might observe a change in your vaginal discharge throughout pregnancy as your body adjusts to the growing baby and hormonal changes. While a clear or white discharge that is odorless and clear is typical, if you experience swelling or itching along with a thicker, more textured discharge, you may have a yeast infection.

We asked professionals for their advice on safely treating yeast infections during pregnancy so that you can feel better as soon as possible.

A Yeast Infection: What Is It?

Firstly, a painfully prevalent vaginal condition are yeast infections. You are not alone if you get them, in actuality: According to certain research, 3 out of 4 vaginal havers will get a yeast infection at some point in their lives.1. Regrettably, increased estrogen levels and the amount of glycogen in vaginal discharge provide the perfect conditions for yeast growth, which is why yeast infections are unfortunately more common in pregnant women.

Yeast is a normal occurrence, according to Jill Krapf, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN, vulvar and vaginal health specialist, and medical advisor to Evvy. In small levels, yeast—also referred to as Candida in medicine—lives naturally on our skin, in the vagina, and in the stomach. On the other hand, symptoms may appear when yeast overproliferates. Usually, we refer to this as Yeast Infection.

What Leads to a Pregnancy-Related Yeast Infection?

Excess yeast, which naturally exists in the vagina, on the skin, and in digestive systems, is the main cause of a yeast infection. Normally, a vagina's pH balances out yeast, but naturally, pregnancy alters everything.


Vaginal yeast infections are regrettably fairly prevalent, according to Dan Jackowiak, a holistic health care practitioner and nutritional consultant with expertise in candida yeast infections.

Glycogen levels in the vagina are determined by elevated estrogen levels, which can promote yeast overgrowth. Women are more susceptible to this condition because of the body's elevated estrogen levels during pregnancy, he affirms.

 

What Indicates a Pregnancy-Related Yeast Infection?

There are many unpleasant things about being pregnant, but one of the worst could be having a yeast infection and having an itchy, swollen vagina. A yeast infection manifests as itching, redness, swelling, and discomfort along with a thick, white discharge from the vagina that resembles curd. According to Dr. Krapf, the inflammation may cause stinging when urinating and pain during vaginal insertion.

Therefore, it may be time to consult an OB-GYN or other healthcare professional if you notice any unusually textured discharge and are experiencing discomfort. Treating your yeast infection is crucial. According to Jackowiak, failing to do so may eventually result in bladder infections and other urinary problems.

How Are Pregnancy-Related Yeast Infections Treated?

Fortunately, there are pregnancy-safe treatments available for yeast infections. Antifungals that are frequently prescribed, such as diflucan, can aid in controlling yeast overgrowths.4 According to Dr. Krapf, antifungals can be applied topically as creams and ointments for the vulva's skin, ingested as pills, or inserted into the vagina using an applicator.

A vaginal culture and gynecologic examination are crucial since many vulvovaginal illnesses that are not infections can have symptoms similar to those of a yeast infection. Furthermore, some Candida species that do not react to over-the-counter or regularly used medications are the source of some yeast infections, the author adds.

 

What Effects Do Yeast Infections Have on Pregnancy?

Your body's hormone levels alter throughout pregnancy, particularly those of estrogen. Your vagina's pH may also be impacted by these modifications. Due to hormone fluctuations that might alter the pH of the vagina, which encourages yeast overgrowth, yeast infections are more likely during pregnancy. Dr. Krapf affirms that yeast infecti

ons often have no effect on pregnancy or the developing fetus.

Treating your yeast infection is essential, though, particularly as you approach term. "It's crucial to make sure you treat any infections before giving birth if you're close to labor, as vaginal yeast can enter the baby's mouth during delivery and cause them to have an oral yeast infection," says Jackowiak.

When to See a Doctor About Yeast Infections While Expecting a Baby

If a pregnant person suspects they have a yeast infection, they should ideally get in touch with an OB-GYN or other healthcare professional very away.

Your doctor will probably perform an examination and take a vaginal sample in order to identify the type of yeast and rule out other illnesses, such as STDs. Dr. Krapf advises patients to get in touch with their physician or schedule additional tests if their symptoms do not go better within a few days or appear to return even after treatment.

Make careful to see a doctor again if you decided to try an over-the-counter medication before calling a health care provider, particularly if your symptoms do not improve.