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How To Treat Yeast Infection During PregnancyYeast Infection During PregnancyAs a woman, chances are you have experienced a yeast infection at one point in your life. Chances are, you may not be aware that pregnancy with a yeast infection is fairly common. University Park OBGYN is happy to share valuable tips about treating a yeast infection while pregnant. What is a Yeast Infection?The most common bacteria, Lactobacillus acidophilus, help in keeping yeast and other organisms under control in the vagina. A yeast infection, also called candidiasis, occurs when healthy yeast in the vagina grows out of control. When our pH balance is disrupted, this overgrowth of yeast may lead to an infection and cause symptoms. Yeast infection during pregnancy and yeast infection in early pregnancy is common because the increase in estrogen during pregnancy can throw off your pH balance. This is especially common in the second trimester. Although yeast infection while pregnant is unpleasant, thankfully, it will not harm your health nor your baby’s health. On the bright side, it is simple to treat yeast infection pregnancy symptoms. What Are Symptoms of a Yeast Infection?Signs and symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection can vary. Here are some things you may experience and get checked out by your provider:
In addition to vaginal signs and symptoms, an overgrowth of yeast or candida can also occur in the mouth, known as oral thrush. In infants, the infection may present as a red, persistent, irritating diaper rash. Like any infection, it is recommended to have your doctor examine your symptoms to determine the cause. How is a Yeast Infection Diagnosed?After receiving a physical exam and reviewing signs and symptoms with your physician, the diagnosis will be confirmed or denied through a sample of vaginal discharge. Your doctor will check the sample for yeasts that cause infections, and more harmful types of yeast infections will also be ruled out during this time. What Can Cause Yeast Infections During Pregnancy?While pregnancy with a yeast infection is common, it is helpful to know what may cause it. Here are some factors that may contribute to an overgrowth of yeast leading to yeast infection early pregnancy:
Treating a Yeast Infection During PregnancyPregnancy with yeast infection symptoms can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can safely treat these symptoms with over-the-counter vaginal creams and suppositories, such as miconazole or clotrimazole-containing products. Even if symptoms seem to be clearing up, be sure to finish the full course of treatment for your infection, and be sure to read and follow all instructions. Yeast infections can cause persistent itching, but remember that scratching will only make things worse and more irritated down there. During pregnancy, yeast infections may not be treated with oral fluconazole tablets, as this has been shown to cause birth defects. Consult your doctor to confirm whether or not your pregnancy with yeast infection symptoms needs treatment before taking any medications. If there is no improvement within three days, or if symptoms worsen or return after treatment, contact your healthcare provider. How To Prevent Yeast InfectionsConsistently practicing good genital hygiene is the key to preventing vaginal yeast infections. Here are some ways to avoid yeast infection pregnancy symptoms:
These methods of yeast infection pregnancy symptoms are avoidable when you take the proper precautions. But remember, there is usually no cause for concern because yeast infections during pregnancy are common and treatable overall. How Are Recurring Yeast Infections Treated?Because of the shift in hormones during pregnancy, you may be more susceptible to recurring yeast infections. Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis is when four or more yeast infections occur in a year. If you are experiencing recurrent candidiasis, we recommend consulting your physician to rule out any health conditions. The pregnancy itself may simply be the root of infection, and after delivery, they should cease. Oral “azole” drugs effectively reduce recurrent infections, but this option is only available after delivery, as oral antifungals are not safe or advised methods of treatment while pregnant. Complications of Vaginal Yeast InfectionThankfully, yeast infections that occur during pregnancy rarely have harmful effects. In more extreme cases, an infection may cause burning during urination and fissures or sores on the vulva or vagina. Yeast infections may be passed to your baby during delivery. In infants, yeast infection presents in the mouth and/or diaper area. Rarely, a yeast infection can lead to serious complications in an infant’s body or heart, as their immune systems are not yet equipped to fight infection. This is most often seen in infants with underlying immune conditions or infections. In pregnant women with conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, a yeast infection may cause systemic infection or complications. This is why, even if you believe it to be a simple overgrowth of yeast, yeast infection early pregnancy is best treated under the supervision of a doctor. When To Call Your DoctorIf you are experiencing a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy and any of the following symptoms occur, we recommend advising your doctor for a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Advice From Our PracticeAt University Park OBGYN, we are fully equipped to guide you through the comprehensive care you deserve. From treating a pesky yeast infection while pregnant to delivering your infant, we guarantee thorough, compassionate care. Give us a call or visit our website today to learn more about the various services we offer in gynecological, preconception, obstetric, and postpartum care. We look forward to hearing from you! How do you treat a yeast infection in your third trimester?Yeast infections are especially common during pregnancy because hormone changes can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina.. Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF). Miconazole (Monistat 3). Terconazole.. What is the best medication for yeast infection during pregnancy?A: Topical creams or vaginal suppositories are the recommended yeast infection treatment options during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Over-the-counter medications such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole, and Terconazole have been shown to eliminate a yeast infection safely and effectively.
Can a yeast infection harm baby?No, a yeast infection won't hurt or affect your developing baby. But it's important to rule out other causes for your symptoms, because other kinds of infections can affect your pregnancy and your baby.
Can you deliver a baby with a yeast infection?Yeast infections rarely cause any complications for you or your baby. These common infections, particularly during the second and third trimesters, are easy to treat and tend to stay localized in one area. But an untreated yeast infection has the possibility of passing to your baby's mouth during labor and delivery.
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