All that a woman should know about Yeast infection during pregnancy; a common disease that should be treated with care!
Pregnancy comes as a boon to a women but is intervened at times following some complications, one being yeast infection during pregnancy. This occurs due to the result of some microbial activity at the woman’s vaginal opening. Yeast infection can take place among any woman but most Yeast Infection Pregnancy is the commonest of all. A woman after conceiving can acquire this kind of a vaginal infection especially during the second trimester i.e. from the 13th week after implantation of the ovule. A form of white discharge with a pungent smell ejaculated continuously from the vagina is the primary symptom to diagnose yeast infection during pregnancy. Although it does not have any such adverse effect on the pregnancy, yet yeast infection and pregnancy causes a sense of discomfort among pregnant women that can affect their normal health causing unrest to the developing fetus inside her.
Yeast infection during pregnancy is the result of an imbalance in yeast and acid activity in the vaginal opening. This infection is also referred as vaginal candidiasis or monilial vaginitis. The microbe that causes this disease belongs to the family of Candida albicans. When the acidic level of the vagina decreases, the growth of yeast increases, causing an influx in the fungal activity. As a result, the vagina gets infected with fungus. Every intestinal tract or vaginal opening has yeast in it. It doesn’t cause much irritation. The multiplication of yeast is controlled by the acid present in the intestinal tract or vagina, mostly being uric acid. With hormonal changes in a pregnant woman, often a change in the level of uric acid in the urine is caused; even the increase in the level of estrogen accelerates the growth of yeast causing yeast infection during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the increasing level of hormones like estrogen causes an increase in blood glycogen level. Since the urine contains more glycogen, it feeds the yeast multiplying their growth. Also with estrogen, researchers have found, the yeast can stick more easily with the vaginal walls. Yeasts found in the vagina is not harmful to the body, on the contrary it is protective. However, an increase in the growth of yeast is not just in either way. The irritation faced due to yeast infection during pregnancy is the main reason why it should be treated at the earliest.
Yeast infection during pregnancy; their causation and symptoms
The other determining factors that causes yeast infection other than hormonal changes are plenty indeed and that justifies why they are a common problem among many pregnant women. yeast infection and pregnancy can take place not only due to influx in the level of estrogen but also on taking up contraceptive pills. Antibiotics and steroids too have an alarming side effect. It combats the growth of harmful microbes in the body and in the process increases the level of yeast in the intestinal tract or vaginal opening, causing yeast infection. A diabetic woman can also get yeast infection fast as the glycogen level in the blood feeds for the yeast and makes the vaginal opening sticky enough for the yeast to stick around easily. Intercourse at time of sexual activity, douching or cleaning of the vaginal tract with solutions like vinegar etc can also make the opening alkaline helping the growth of yeast.
Yeast infection during pregnancy is most common because during pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes a lot of chemical changes due to fluctuations in the hormonal activity. As a result the vaginal secretions, even the urine has increasing level of sugar helping the fungal growth to take place faster and easier. With an increasing intake of antibiotics during pregnancy, the women make themselves prone to the first, second, third all the three generations of amplicillins and cephalosporins. They destroy the friendly bacteria, i.e. lactobacillus which keeps a check on microbial activity. As a result the yeast starts multiplying in number considerably causing infection. At the time of yeast infection and pregnancy the woman experiences a thick white secretion ejected from the vagina and similar to cottage cheese in terms of appearance and texture. At times they may also be yellowish or greenish in color. The smell of this secretion is puckering and pungent, sometimes like the smell of stale bread. The discharge amount is sufficiently in excess and is sticky. It causes a kind of redness to the vaginal walls causing irritation and a feeling of itching in the skin. The opening burns when urination occurs because of the action of the uric acid on the irritated, inflamed skin caused by the yeast activity. The times of intercourse during sexual activity also causes much problem in women. At times the doctor may rule out the cases of yeast infection. If so happens, this may get serious that requires treatment at the earliest. Similar symptoms yet least chances of acquiring a Yeast Infection Pregnancy means that the woman is affected by Sexually Trasmitted Diseases like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis. Bacterial Vaginosis is another kind of vaginal infection that is quite frequent and may be either case with similar symptoms of sticky white discharge and irritation of vaginal skin.
Diagnosis of yeast infection and pregnancy
To get confirmed about yeast infection only a primary detection of the sticky white secretion from the vagina on a slide under the microscope is sufficient. This is done in an easy way, the secretion is removed using a swab, a painless process and fungal growth is checked after the culture has been sent to the lab. Once the medical practitioner is confirmed that the problem is nothing but yeast infection, he can start up with his treatment freely. The patient need not worry as it has nothing to do with her pregnancy; the treatment is done only to bring back the normal acidic level in the vagina and intestinal tract, decreases the irritation of the skin and demeans the cause of irritation among women for the reason of continuous ejaculation of the sticky, pungent secretion.
- The doctor first prescribes for certain drugs and creams. These vaginal creams are suppositories only though.
- It is important, that the doctor knows the difference between medication prescribed to a woman at normal state and the one in her pregnancy.
- Drugs can pass on through the placenta to the baby’s body and cause harmful effects on its health causing serious complication at times of delivery.
- Miconzol, Clotrimazol are two effective drugs that can be used freely at times of Yeast infection during pregnancy. They are free from harmful effects to pregnant women and can be used with antifungal creams as well. The seven day formula is the best for pregnant women
- Other drugs for pregnant women are Amphotericin, Nystatin, Flucozole etc. Nystatin or commonly known as the “thrush” medicine is the best drug ever.
- Diflucan is an oral medication but not recommended for pregnant women. Women without a state of pregnancy can use them safely.
- yeast infection and pregnancy can also be treated by maintaining a few disciplines at home; diet being the primary requisite.
- Carbohydrate rich food items like white rice, four that gets converted into glycogen should be avoided as they have heinous results on yeast growth.
- Protein packed food like whole wheat, whole grains, fish, meat; beans should be taken that are also healthy for pregnant women.
- Nystatin powder, the starch free powder should be used after the skin inflammations are cleared out so that the area remains dry and clean and the infection do not re occur.
Yeast infection during pregnancy is a disorder that effects almost 90% of women and 75% of women get yeast infection at some point of time in their life weather they enter a state of pregnancy or not. Over creams purchased with self medication at the counter can help reduce the symptoms, make the secretion level fall and heal the soar, reddened and irritated skin. But in true sense they are not the real cure for yeast infection. It should be treated with greater care and importance. It is important that the root cause for this sort of an infection should be eradicated or else it may prove severe to the health and hygiene of a woman. Confusing a yeast infection to a diaper rash should be avoided. A diaper rash comes and goes; it lasts for only a few days. However, if the redness of skin lasts for long, it is the case of yeast infection. Diaper rash even is not caused for pregnant women as the menstrual flow stops on entering pregnancy. Drug companies are biased to make high profit. Thus they advice doctors to offer chemical medication rather than home -born tips to keep Yeast Infection Pregnancy under check. But the big, fat truth is while these drugs only work in keeping the yeast growth under control but not eradicating from the roots. It is a common case that women experience the coming back of the symptoms once they have stopped taking oral medication or suppository vaginal anti-fungal creams. This compel them to carry on with the medication for ever which is never good for the body immune system. Chemical medications prescribed by the doctor are sometimes like a garb on the disease, they only hide the symptoms for a limited period of time. In such cases a woman should take care that she keeps her vaginal opening clean, eats a balanced diet and gets treated at the earliest so that the disease do not take the form of other fatal infectious disease.
How to deal with Yeast infection during pregnancy after it is treated primarily
Try to wear clothes that are loose fitting, preferably of cotton and most importantly with cotton weaved undergarments. It is important that the woman should do a thorough washing of the vaginal area and blow dry the place so that it remains dry. Sweat can make the yeast infection reoccur again. However warm air from the dryer is not good for sensitive skin at the urinary place. Set up the blow dryer such that the area is blow dried with cool air. Wipe the area in the motion of back to front, as the reverse may sometime spread the yeast accumulated on the vaginal lips. After swimming, try to take a cool shower at the earliest to clean the area as often the pool water may be contaminated with fungus or yeast. Try to change the damp clothes at the earliest including work clothes that are sweaty or swim suit. Once the yeast infection has gone, stay clear of using feminine sprays or deodorants in that area no matter how much it is smelly. Perfumed and colored toilet paper should also be avoided for some time. Shower gels that give bubble bath should be kept aside for some time. Try having your bath under a shower rather than using a bath tub. Sanitary pads should be changed very frequently as the yeast may start germinating on using a pad for longer time at times of menstrual period. Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus and thus should be included in regular diet. At last try to stay clean and under rest to help the body’s normal immune system to fight yeast infection during pregnancy.
A common misconception among pregnant women is that yeast infection during pregnancy should be treated with boric acid capsules. They often insert them in their vaginal tract. However, as a matter of fact, they are harmful to the body; especially in pregnant women. But they are not healthy though and are only good to exterminate ants or roaches. Another misconception that needs to be eradicated is that yeast infection is only caused in women. On the contrary, it is caused in men as well. They show no symptoms though but they occur only from their sexual partners, as the disease is contagious. Often babies are born with a white coating on the mouth; this is the cause of yeast infection and pregnancy. Although, yeast infection is common and perceived as not much of an issue, it is important to stay healthy as Yeast Infection Pregnancy causes irritation that can degrade the health of mother causing drowsiness and frequent vomiting.
Yeast infection during pregnancy are pretty common because of all the hormonal changes that come together with the pregnancy and which are similar to those produced by menstruation. This ailment can occur whenever the normal acidity level inside the vagina increases, leading to an abnormal growth in the number of microorganisms called yeasts.
Although these small fungi are normally located inside the vagina, mouth and intestinal tract, in certain condition they can become harmful for the human organism so finding a yeast infection cure is important for reducing the symptoms and stopping the spreading of these microorganisms. But for identifying an efficient treatment, we have to know the causes of this ailment and also the manifestations and typical symptoms of yeast infection in pregnancy and in general.
As said before, hormonal changes induced by this special period in a woman’s life may lead to imbalances and perturbations in the normal characteristics of the vaginal fluids and content. But these are not the only causes of this medical condition: birth control pills or other drugs containing high amounts of hormones, as well as antibiotics and steroids are often linked with this type of infections. A yeast infection in pregnancy may occur due to vaginal intercourse or semen as well, and in some cases frequent showers and douching may trigger this ailment. Women affected by diabetes are more prone to yeast infections due to the high blood sugar levels accompanying this illness.
But how can a woman know she’s suffering from a yeast infection during pregnancy? Well the first and more common manifestation of these infections is a white and odd smelling vaginal discharge, often creamy and irritating, leading to an unpleasant burning sensation during urination. Also, itchiness, soreness and pain during sexual intercourse are common in women suffering by this condition. So in case you’re facing some of these symptoms, instead of looking for an efficient home made yeast infection cure you should see your physician as soon as possible. The earlier your condition is properly diagnosed and treated, the lower are the risks for you and your future baby.
Most of the times, a yeast infection and pregnancy requires a softer treatment, based on vaginal suppositories or creams which aren’t threatening for the pregnancy. Avoid oral drugs as much as possible, as most of them have side effects and aren’t recommended to women expecting babies. Besides applying the prescribed suppositories or creams, you could also try to avoid bubble baths and scented products or detergents, as well as intimate sprays or creams. You should clean the genital area only with warm water and special treated wipes, and never douche – this is important not only for women suffering from Yeast Infection Pregnancy but also for those who want to prevent this illness.
Avoiding tight clothes and underwear, keeping a healthy diet and eating lots of yogurts containing probiotics may also help reducing the symptoms of this medical condition. Those looking for a natural yeast infection cure to apply together with the medical treatment can try honey and diluted tea tree oil, massaged directly on the affected area and left there for about 15 minutes. Sitz baths may also be helpful in reducing the symptoms of yeast infections but just like the other home remedies, this one should be seen as a complement to medical treatment, not as a replacement.
