Is Yeast Infection Medicine Safe During Pregnancy

Safe Prescribing Is Key

Anick Bérard

The study re-emphasizes safe prescribing practices in pregnancy, commented Drs. Vanessa Paquette and Chelsea Elwood, of Vancouvers British Columbia Womens Hospital and Health Centre, writing in the CMAJ.

Doctors should take the right steps by first confirming the correct diagnosis and then choosing the safest medication with the largest body of data in pregnancy at the lowest appropriate doses, they advised.

Women shouldnt be unduly worried, however. The risk of complications is, on the whole, very low, said Bérard, who runs the Medications and Pregnancy unit at CHU Sainte-Justine childrens hospital.

Is it worse to leave a yeast infection untreated? Absolutely. But the patient and doctor should at least have a discussion about the appropriate dose. In principle, less is always safer than more. That should be the norm.

Women can also ask their pharmacists for alternative medications, some available over the counter, to treat their yeast infection, added Bérard, who is now looking at extending the study to patient cohorts across Canada.

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Is Yeast Infection Harmful

It will cause discomfort during pregnancy, itching and burning sensation during urination will affect your quality of life. If you let it untreated, big chance that you will pass the yeast to your newborn during the delivery. Newborns usually have low immunity, the yeast infection will end up causing thrush in babies in the babys mouth or other body parts.

Babies who are infected with yeast will likely have redness, white patches over their tongue and cheek. Babies will be in pain while nursing. Since the treatment is available, safe for pregnant women, and usually it is effective to heal in about a week, it is better to get it treated.

Should Pregnant People Try Alternative Treatments

You may have stumbled upon some home remedies with tips and tricks to naturally treat yeast infections. These involve using household staples such as yogurt, coconut oil or garlic, as well as other oils like tea tree and oregano, either topically or orally to suppress yeast infections.

While some of these recommendations have been studied, it is not recommended that pregnant people attempt to treat themselves. During your pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor for treatment options and just use garlic to spice up your food instead of as an antifungal.

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Q: Do Yeast Infections Appear Throughout Pregnancy

A:Yeast infections can occur any time, but they are most common duringthe second trimester. Talk with your doctor if you notice signs of a yeast infection while pregnant, even if you have had one before. Some more serious infections have similar symptoms, so your doctor will perform a simple fungal culture swap in the office to check for the presence of yeast.

How To Prevent From Getting Infected

• Eating yogurt is not only good for gut health but also vaginal health. Include probiotics or yogurt contain Lactobacillus acidophilus in your diet.
• Limit your sugar intake to control your blood sugar level. As yeast grows better in the environment that is high in sugar content.
• Always wipe from back to front after using the toilet.
• Do not use scented products like feminine wash, toiler paper or pantyliner. Tampons are not recommended.

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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:

• Redness and/or swelling in the vulva
• Pain during intercourse
• Soreness or pain in the vulva
• Thick, white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese in appearance

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.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Yeast Infection

If you develop symptoms from a yeast infection, they’re likely to be bothersome until you treat the infection, though sometimes they do come and go on their own. Symptoms may include:

• Odorless vaginal discharge that’s often white, creamy, or cottage cheesy
• Burning when you urinate

If you find yourself wiping vigorously after urinating , that’s a clue, too.

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Home Remedies For Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Yeast infections are the bane of every woman, and especially those who are pregnant.

Pregnancy increases your risk for a vaginal yeast infection, also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. This type of infection is caused by microscopic fungi in the Candida family, most commonly Candida albicans.

About three out of every four women will have at least one yeast infection in their lifetime and up to 45 percent will get two or more infections, according to an article published in American Family Physician in 2011 .

During pregnancy, infections caused by Candida are even more common. A 2009 study published in Canadian Family Physician found that yeast infections affect three out of four women in their lifetimes, and the infection occurs more frequently in pregnant women. Higher estrogen levels and higher glycogen content in vaginal secretions during pregnancy increase a womans risk of developing a yeast infection .

Similarly, a 2016 study published in Folia Medica reports that yeast is more likely to cause an infection during pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations .

Several studies make it clear that the reasons for this increased risk during pregnancy include a shift in the balance of vaginal microorganisms and a high estrogen level in the body. Other factors that can increase a womans risk of infection include reduced immune system activity, use of antibiotics, diabetes and an unhygienic lifestyle.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for yeast infections during pregnancy.

When Should I Contact My Doctor

If you are experiencing the symptoms described in this article, call your doctor now. Yeast infections have similar symptoms of other infections, such as STDs. Proper diagnosis every time you experience these symptoms is vital for the most effective, immediate treatment, or your condition may worsen/not go away.If you see no improvement within three days, or if symptoms worsen or come back after treatment, you should contact your healthcare provider again.

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Why Get A Flu Shot

• Pregnant women who get the flu are at higher risk of hospitalization, and even death, than non-pregnant women.
• Severe illness in the pregnant mother can also be dangerous to her fetus.
• When you get your flu shot, your body starts to make antibodies that help protect you and your baby against the flu.
• Antibodies can be passed on to your unborn baby, and help protect the baby for up to six months after he or she is born.

Answers To 6 Burning Questions About Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Vaginal candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection, can be a real pain. The itching, burning, and discharge can be especially worrisome during pregnancy.

In most cases, though, vaginal yeast infections and most treatment options pose minimal risk to the patient or pregnancy.

After bacterial vaginal infections, yeast infections are the second most common cause of vaginal inflammation, and 75% of women will have at least one in their lifetime. Common symptoms can include redness, itching, or irritation on the external genital area , an increase in white or tan vaginal discharge, and a burning sensation during urination or intercourse.

There are a range of over-the-counter and prescription treatments, and an Ob/Gyn or gynecologist can help you choose the safest, most effective option during pregnancy.

Ive invited Meredith McClure, M.D., a UT Southwestern gynecologist, to answer the top questions pregnant and breastfeeding patients ask about yeast infection treatment and prevention.

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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Candidiasis

With candidiasis, youll most likely have itching in your and vulva. You may also notice a white vaginal discharge. This discharge may look similar to cottage cheese and shouldnt have an odor.

Other symptoms include:

• a rash on the vulva and the skin around it, which sometimes appears on the groin and thighs as well

These symptoms may last for a few hours, days, or weeks.

In newborn babies and in women who have a weakened immune system, candidiasis may occur in the mouth. This condition is known as thrush.

Other conditions can cause symptoms similar to a yeast infection, including:

• an allergic reaction to a product youve used in the vaginal area, such as soap or a condom
• bacterial vaginosis, a type of infection

How To Treat Vaginitis Naturally During Pregnancy

Yeast Infections are caused by a fungus . It is estimated that 75% of women will experience a yeast infection during their lifetime.

Those who are most susceptible to these infections are pregnant women, women with diabetes, women taking antibiotics, corticosteroid medications, or oral contraceptives , and/or women with iron deficiencies.While some may not experience any symptoms, the most common symptoms of yeast infections include:

• Itchiness of the vaginal area
• Abnormal discharge
• has a foul odor, like bread/yeast
• Burning sensations in the vaginal area during urination and/or sex

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Possible Complications Of A Yeast Infection While Pregnant

If you have a vaginal yeast infection when you give birth, the baby can catch it. When the baby passes through the birth canal, it comes into contact with all the yeast fungi.

You can usually see symptoms of an oral yeast infection in infants by looking in their mouth. White, pillowy sores can be found on the tongue and inside the cheeks of infants infected with yeast fungi, also known as oral thrush.

This can cause issues, especially if the infant is breastfed. Oral thrush can cause your baby to resist feeding due to pain in the mouth. They can also spread it to the mother, causing extreme discomfort and pain in the nipples and breasts.

While uncomplicated oral thrush in infants is relatively common and easy to treat, it can be difficult to totally eliminate the fungus. Thats because the mother and infant can reinfect each other if one still carries the fungus, even after taking medication.

Your Yeast Infection Treatment Options

Expecting moms should make every effort to treat their yeast infection before the arrival of their little one.

This is because the infection can be passed to your baby through their mouth during delivery which will then give your baby a painful infection called thrush.

Over-the-counter yeast infection treatments can come in the form of a cream, ointment or a suppository .

Your doctor may recommend using a treatment like:

These products are safe for both mom and baby at any point during the pregnancy.

Be aware that there are some products which should not be taken while pregnant.

Make sure you advise your doctor that you are pregnant or that you might be pregnant.

A lot of moms who have experienced yeast infections while pregnant have tried natural remedies.

Is yogurt good for yeast infection? One of the most common natural remedies for yeast infections is yogurt and probiotics. They are considered good bacteria. These will restore the vaginas population of nice bacteria, like Lactobacillus.

One of the most popular is plain, unsweetened yogurt.

It can be effective because it contains the bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus which is present in healthy vaginas.

There are a few ways you can apply this treatment, including:

• Squeezing it into the vaginal canal with a de-needled syringe or clean condiment bottle

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Having A Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Yeast infections during pregnancy are common and do not pose any medical risk to the unborn baby. There are safe medications available for use during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant and have an active yeast infection, it is possible to pass the infection on to the baby during labor. Typically, the yeast infection will affect your infants mouth in the form of an oral yeast infection called thrush. Thrush is easily treatable in infants.

What Are The Symptoms Of Yeast Infections

The symptoms of a yeast infection may include one or more of the following:

• Discharge that is usually white/tan in color, similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
• Other discharge may be greenish or yellowish, also similar to cottage cheese and may smell like yeast/bread
• An increase in discharge
• Burning sensation during urination or intercourse

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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:

• Normal changes in hormone levels
• A reaction to your partners natural yeast or bacteria
• Pre-existing conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV
• Taking immunosuppressant medication, like steroids
• Taking antibiotics, which can disrupt the vaginal PH
• Birth Control Pills
• Allergic reaction in the vaginal area
• STDs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
• Another common infection called BV, or bacterial vaginosis

How To Treat Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Rachel Gurevich is a fertility advocate, author, and recipient of The Hope Award for Achievement, from Resolve: The National Infertility Association. She is a professional member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and has been writing about womens health since 2001. Rachel uses her own experiences with infertility to write compassionate, practical, and supportive articles.

If you’re an adult woman, chances are you’ve had a yeast infection at some point in your life and know that it’s anything but fun. But did you know yeast infections occur more frequently in women who are pregnant?

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a normal fungus. About one-third of all women normally carry this fungus in their vaginas, and both men and women carry it in their digestive tracts.

During pregnancyparticularly in the second trimesterwomen become more susceptible to yeast problems. The increased risk during pregnancy is at least partially due to the increased estrogen circulating in a pregnant womans body.

While they’re annoying and uncomfortable, yeast infections are not harmful to your health. Unlike with other types of infections, you generally wouldn’t be prescribed antibiotics for a yeast infection .

A yeast infection will also not harm your baby, although they may still get yeast infections, no matter how or when they are born.

Recommended Reading: American Journal Of Infection Control

How Can I Reduce My Chances Of Getting A Yeast Infection While Pregnant

It’s less likely you’ll get a yeast infection if you keep your genital area dry and your vaginal flora in balance. Not all of the following suggestions are supported by hard evidence, but they’re easy enough to do and worth a try:

A yeast infection is no fun, but it’s nice to know that it’s not a danger to you or your baby. It’s a good idea to keep in mind that some infections can be more than bothersome when you’re pregnant, though. Here’s an article outlining some of the infections that can affect a pregnancy.

Learn more:

• Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore

BabyCenter’s editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you’re seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

ACOG. 2020. Vaginitis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

CDC. 2020. Vulvovaginal candidiasis. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

OWH. 2019. Vaginal yeast infection. Office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

How Can I Prevent A Yeast Infection Or Recurring Yeast Infections

Most yeast infections can usually be avoided by doing the following:

• Wear loose, breathable cotton clothing and cotton underwear.
• After regular, thorough washing , use your blow dryer on a low, cool setting to help dry the outside of your genital area.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the restroom.
• Shower immediately after you swim. Change out of your swimsuit, workout clothes, or other damp clothes as soon as possible.
• use sanitary pads and tampons that contain deodorant
• take a bubble bath/use scented soaps
• use colored or perfumed toilet paper

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Complications For The Baby

When someone with a yeast infection gives birth, it is possible for them to pass the Candida fungus along to their baby during delivery. This typically happens in the form of oral thrush, consisting of thick, white patches in their mouth. Fortunately, oral thrush can be easily treated with antifungal medication and doesn’t cause any permanent harm to the baby.

At this point, there is preliminary data that suggests a yeast infection during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of complications, like:

• Premature rupture of membranes
• Congenital cutaneous candidiasis

Supplement Use During Pregnancy

Discuss any supplements you take or plan to take during your pregnancy with your doctor.

While prenatal vitamins are recommended to support levels of essential vitamins and minerals, like folate, other supplements may pose risks to your baby. They may also interact with medications youre already taking.

Note that just because something is labeled all-natural doesnt always mean its safe. Supplements are by the FDA in the same way as prescription drugs. Approach them with caution and discuss using with your doctor before starting any.

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