Yeast Infection During Pregnancy: Causes And Symptoms

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Vaginal thrush makes the vagina sore and itchy. It could become difficult during pregnancy as in some cases, it can pass on to your baby. MomJunction is here to give you all the information you need about yeast infection in pregnancy, and how you can manage it.

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What Is Yeast Infection?

Yeast infection, also known as vaginal thrush or vaginal candidiasis, is a fungal condition that develops when the yeast present in the vagina or intestinal tract starts to multiply.

This will alter the balance of microorganisms in the vaginal region causing irritation (1).

What Causes Yeast Infection During Pregnancy?

The most common cause of yeast infections is a microscopic fungus known as Candida albicans. As long as it stays in a stable state, the fungus, which is naturally present in the intestinal tract and the vagina, doesn’t pose any issues to vaginal health. But certain conditions can disturb the fungi, leading to overgrowth of the yeast and other microorganisms as well.

The factors that are responsible for the yeast infection are

1. Higher estrogen levels: The high amount of estrogen secreted during pregnancy stimulates your vagina to produce glycogenⁱA combination of several glucose molecules that store energy and help regulate blood sugar levels in the body. . This makes it convenient for the yeast to infest and grow. Estrogen also propels the speed of the growth, enabling the yeast to stick to the vaginal walls.

2. Antibiotics and steroids: Intake of antibiotics and steroids is another reason for yeast infection, especially if you take them for a long period (2). While killing the bacteria for which they are indicated, these drugs also affect the good bacteria present in the vagina making it vulnerable to yeast multiplication. Researchers from Maastricht University have outlined that approximately 80% of prescribed medications for pregnant women consist of antibiotics. In recent years, expectant mothers in various countries have received antibiotics significantly, ranging from 20% to 40%.

3. Sexual intercourse: Unprotected sexual activity can trigger a sudden yeast infection. If your partner has the infection, it would get transmitted to you during the intercourse (3).

4. High blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, you are likely to have a weak immune system. This would make you susceptible to yeast infections as well as other diseases (4).

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5. Douching: It is a process wherein the genital region is cleaned with a mixture of vinegar and water to keep the body parts clean during pregnancy. But sometimes, douching may trigger the growth of bacteria and lead to some infections including yeast (5).

6. Lack of hygiene: Not maintaining proper hygiene of the local parts.

Yeast infection can happen anytime between your puberty and menopause.

But you are more vulnerable during pregnancy.

Did you know?

Some women are more prone to developing yeast infections than others due to their genetics. Several gene mutations may interfere with the body’s ability to defend candida yeast (12).

Why Are Yeast Infections More Common During Pregnancy?

Your body undergoes several changes during pregnancy, and it is not easy for it to keep up the chemical fluctuations in the vaginal region. Also, the sugar content is high in the vaginal discharge, making the yeast to survive and thrive.

Yeast infections mostly occur at the end of the second and third trimesters. The chances are relatively low in the first trimester.

As the chances for the infection are higher during pregnancy than normal times, should you worry about the effect it has on you and the baby?

Complications Of Yeast Infections

Yeast infection while pregnant is not always harmful, but in some instances, it may lead to adverse effects:

• If the pregnant woman has a weakened immune system, i.e., immunocompromised (for instance HIV infected), yeast infections, in addition to the vaginal infection, could lead to serious gastrointestinal infections which will spread throughout the bloodstream. A study by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and a collaboration between King Edward Medical University and Mayo Hospital Lahore revealed that approximately 5,000 HIV-positive women in the United States give birth each year. Additionally, the incidence of perinatal HIV transmission is remarkably low, standing at just 1.1 out of 100,000 live births.
  

• Those who are on long-term nutritional supplementation would develop fatal blood-borne infections.

Whether or not you have the complications, it is good to be alert towards any signs of the infection.

Symptoms Of Yeast Infection

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The prominent symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• Itchiness
• Soreness
• Burning and redness
• Swelling
• Odorless vaginal discharge that is white, creamy or cottage cheese-type in appearance
• Curdy white vaginal discharge with foul smelling
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Lower abdominal pain
• Swelling and redness of the vulva

You should not ignore these symptoms as they might be signalling towards some serious conditions such as bacterial vaginosisⁱDisease caused by an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina, causing vaginal itching and discharge. and sexually transmitted diseases. If you experience green, yellow or gray discharge along with itching and burning in the genital area, take it to your doctor’s notice.

Yeast Infection Treatment During Pregnancy

Yeast infection is curable when diagnosed at an early stage. Your healthcare provider will diagnose the condition by performing a physical examination and testing a sample of vaginal discharge. Home remedies can be used to treat mild cases, while medical treatment options are available for severe conditions or yeast infections in the second and third trimesters.

Home Remedies For Yeast Infections

Here are some natural products that will help you be free of the infection:

1. Yogurt:

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Yogurt contains acidophilus and live bacterial cultures which stimulate good bacterial growth (7).

You can consume it directly or apply vaginally. For the vaginal application, choose unflavored yogurt. It can be used once or twice a day until the symptoms disappear.

Nelly Maduka, an expecting mother and vlogger, shares how yogurt helps her deal with yeast infections. She says, “The secret to curing yeast infection for me is yogurt. Yogurt helps with gut health, and organic yogurts have live, active cultures inside them… I love yogurt and will have two or three yogurts a week. But in pregnancy, I have had yogurt in a day, and I have not yet had any yeast infections throughout this entire pregnancy (i).”

2. Garlic cloves:

The anti-fungal properties of garlic help treat the yeast infection.

Place a freshly peeled clove in the vagina during bedtime. You will also get gel supplements which you can apply in the vagina. You will get relief in the morning. If you have any bleeding problems, you should not use garlic, as it can aggravate the condition.

3. Honey:

Honey is known to multiply the good bacteria in the intestinal tract, and thus treat infections. You should use raw or unheated honey for best results.

Apply some honey on the affected vaginal region, and let it remain for half an hour. Rinse it off using warm water and allow the area to dry completely. You can do it twice a day until the symptoms are gone.

4. Apple cider vinegar:

This is also anti-fungal.

Dab the affected region with apple cider vinegar for quick relief. You can add a cup of apple cider vinegar in the bathtub and relax in it for half an hour. Another alternative is to mix it with plain water and apply on the irritated and inflamed areas. Leave for some time until it dries and rinse off the area using water.

5. Oregano oil:

Oregano oil contains flavonoidsⁱA group of naturally-occurring antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds found in certain plant-based foods. and phenols, which work in killing harmful pathogens and fungi. Also, the rich vitamins and nutrients in it strengthen your immune system. Therefore, it is the best remedy to treat candidiasis.

You can either take the oil orally or apply it on the affected region.

6. Calendula:

Here is another antifungal and anti-inflammatory product.

Apply some Calendula ointment or lotion on to the affected area. You can also crush a few of its leaves and use on the area. Repeat it thrice a day for complete relief.

7. Coconut oil:

The antifungal properties make it an excellent remedy for treating fungal infections.

Apply some oil over the affected area thrice a day for best results. You can also mix it with cinnamon oil.

8. Cranberry juice:

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Unsweetened cranberry juice is known to treat urinary tract and fungal infections, and therefore it can be used for treating yeast infections in pregnant women.

Consume 100% unsweetened juice to improve pH balance.

9. Tea tree oil:

Tea tree oil contains terpinen-4-ol which kills fungi causing candidiasis. It also has alpha-terpinene and gamma-terpinene, which help in preventing the spread of candida. It restores good bacteria in the body and treats inflammation. Though an excellent remedy, you cannot use it without diluting.

Add ten drops of tea tree oil to one liter of water, and use it as a vaginal douche. You can also use apple cider vinegar instead of plain water. Apply to the infected region twice a day. You may also add certain essential oils to vinegar-tea tree oil mixture.

10. Olive leaf extract:

The extract is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal and antiviral. It helps restore good bacteria in the body.

Cut the leaves and immerse them in vodka. Store in a dark area for about a month. Strain the liquid and store it. You can apply to the affected region thrice a day.

You may try any of the above remedies if the infection is mild. However, note that there is little scientific evidence to prove their efficacy. Therefore, seek your healthcare provider’s advice.

In most cases, the infection lasts for a week or two. But if the symptoms do not go away within a couple of weeks, you should go for medical treatment.

Medical Treatments For Yeast Infection

Your doctor would prescribe medications based on the degree of the infection:

• Over-the-counter and antifungal medication creams and suppositories are usually safe. The commonly prescribed ones are Clotrimazole (Canesten, Gyne-Lotrimin) and Miconazole (Monistat) (8). These creams are applied in the vagina.

• Do not take any oral medications (such as fluconazole) for yeast infections without a doctor’s prescription. It is likely to increase the risk of congenital disorders such as autism in the baby.

However, some doctors may prescribe it in the second or third trimester, or after the baby’s arrival and while breastfeeding.

If you experience any irritation, talk to your doctor. Always complete the treatment course to make sure the infection does not come back.

Note: Medications can treat yeast infections only for a temporary period. The infection will often recur until post-delivery, and requires repeated treatments.

Treating any form of yeast overgrowth involves a three-step process: controlling the overgrowth or killing the fungus; taking probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus (good bacteria that prevent and treat yeast infections)(9); and a nutrient-rich diet.

Treating any form of yeast overgrowth involves a three-step process: controlling the overgrowth or killing the fungus; taking probiotics (good bacteria that prevents and treats yeast infections) and a nutrient rich diet.

Quick fact

Recurrent vaginal yeast infections are called recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Doctors often treat the condition with an antifungal for six months. However, researchers are studying the effect of vaccines on treatment (3).

How Long Do Yeast Infections Last?

Irrespective of the treatment, they do not last longer than one to two weeks. Using a starch-free drying powder or Nystatin powder after the infection has cleared and the sores have healed can aid in the prevention of future infections.

Quick fact

Topical nystatin is considered safe during pregnancy because it has no systemic absorption and does not adversely affect the baby (13).

How To Prevent Yeast Infections During Pregnancy?

Yeast infection is irritating, to say the least. Take steps to avoid the problem through hygiene. Despite the influence of hormonal changes, you can take measures to maintain a dry genital area and facilitate adequate air flow.

Here are some tips to prevent yeast from spreading:

• Wear loose cotton undergarments, which allow air circulation near the genital region.

• Avoid wearing pajama bottoms and underwear during bedtime.

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• Do not use scented soaps, bubble baths and hygiene sprays near the genital area. These things can increase the chances of infection.

• Keep yourself dry after activities such as swimming and shower. Ensure your genital area is completely dry.

• Avoid douching.

• Wipe front to back of the genital area with toilet paper. Back-to-front will increase the possibility of an infection.

• Do not sit in a wet bathing garment for a longer time.

• Eat a balanced diet containing a good amount of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy. Minimize the use of sugar and yeast products such as bread.

Can Yeast Infection During Pregnancy Affect The Baby?

No, yeast infections are not dangerous enough to affect your growing baby. But, if you have the infection at the time of labor, your child might contract it while passing through the birth canal. It will lead to yeast infection in the mouth, a condition known as thrush (10).

Your baby will develop white patches on the mouth — the sides, roof and also on the tongue. This fungus can come back to you when the baby is breastfeeding. However, the condition is not severe and can be treated easily. The treatment includes a mild antifungal medication for your baby and antifungal ointment for you.

What Happens When Yeast Infection Is Left Untreated?

Leaving a yeast infection untreated during pregnancy can cause a lot of discomfort.

• Women with this infection have the risk of delivering preterm and underweight babies.

• The infection can produce bad odor that is similar to the yeast smell we get from beer or bread.

Infographic: Helpful Tips To Prevent Yeast Infections In Pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations and bodily changes increase the risk of infections and diseases. Maintaining good hygiene and a healthy diet can indeed pave the way for good health. Check out the infographic below to learn about practical ways to prevent yeast infections during pregnancy.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Yeast infections can affect pregnant woman. Learn about the symptoms, treatments, and prevention of yeast infections during pregnancy and how they can affect your baby.

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Dr. Shashwat JaniMS

Dr. Shashwat Jani is a consultant obstetrician & gynecologist in Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. He has 14 years of experience with a special interest in high-risk pregnancy, infertility, and endoscopy.

Read full bio of Dr. Shashwat Jani

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Aneesha AmonzMSc

Aneesha holds a Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from USTM, Meghalaya and Master’s degree in Applied Microbiology from VIT, Vellore. With two years of experience, she has worked on different research projects in the field of Food Sciences.

Read full bio of Aneesha Amonz