Treating a yeast infection in Pregnancy

« « A New Treat For Separation Anxiety | Discounted Sunglasses » »

Treating a yeast infection in Pregnancy

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed

If you believe you have a yeast infection, the below written article will get you ready to have a talk with your health provider or doctor. Natural treatment is also available and it requires no prescription. This article discusses about ways to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy.

Women are most vulnerable to catching a yeast infection during pregnancy than any other time during their life. You should be ready to face this common incidence when your pregnancy is in the second trimester.

Definition of a yeast Infection

Yeast is a regular organism or fungus in the body. In women, vagina always has a certain amount of yeast that keeps the environment in your body in balance.A yeast infection occurs when the regular yeast organisms in your body begins to multiple and attain high levels of overgrowth. Their number will not fall on their own and therefore waiting for the body to take action can be risky.

Link between yeast infections and pregnancy:

In the 2nd trimester, the chemical and hormonal changes that happen cause the vagina to secrete more glucose than in the regular discharge. The yeast requires sugar to live on, so these secretions having high level of sugar build a suitable environment where the yeast thrives and get unmanageable.The yeast eats sugars in the body and multiplies fungi that upset the normal Ph levels in the vagina.

Yeast infection: How is it caused?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the most common causes of a yeast infection. As the body is going through a lot of changes, it has an impact on the normal ph levels.

-Hormonal chemical changes that occur before your period or during pregnancy

-Consumption of birth control pills, taking hormones or implants

-In diabetics with increased blood sugar levels

-Consuming too much sugar

-Eating antibiotics and steroids

-Having sex and douching

Warning signs of a yeast infection:

Common symptoms of a yeast infection are thicker, lumpier whitish discharge with a lumpy consistency resembling that of cottage cheese. There is a strong odor of bread or yeast that accompanies the discharge.The vaginal discharge has a distinct odor of bread or yeast and it can be yellow or green. Inflammation when urinating and itchiness around the vagina and labia also occurs. Pain, while urinating and having sexual intercourse, ranges from a feeling of discomfort to extreme pain.

Other indications are:

-Itchiness

-Flaking, peeling skin

-Fatigue

-Cravings for sweets and starches

A yeast infection resembles the vaginal discharge of some STDs.

To test for any STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Tricomoniasis, visit your doctor.A usual vaginal infection called Bacterial Vaginosis requires different treatment than yeast infections.

How to avoid yeast infections or recurring yeast infections:

Most yeast infections can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes. By sticking to these, you can restrict the repeated occurrence of a yeast infection during your pregnancy.

-Avoid sweets and starchy foods

-Get proper sleep and donít get exhausted

-Clothing and underwear should be loose fit

-Swim clothes and workout dress should be changed as quickly as possible

-Wipe front to back with a tissue after using bathroom

-Try shunning deodorant and douching

-Avoid using fragranced panty liners, tampons, toilet paper or feminine sprays

Treatment for pregnant women for yeast infection:

You can discuss with your doctor the best form of treatment for you. While pregnant, avoid using Diflucan (an oral, single dose medication for yeast infections) as it is proven not safe for use during pregnancy and lactation.

A frequently prescribed medicine for use during pregnancy is Miconazole cream, an anti-fungus drug. It is applied on the labia and around the vaginal opening and can also be used as a suppository overnight. The cream reduces the effect of yeast and anti fungus drugs can have some side effects, however, like:

-feeling dizzy

-headaches, vomiting

-seizures, depression and diarrhea

Many women find that Miconazole cream does not kill the symptoms at all, and the yeast infections only gets worsened to extremely painful levels.

Opting out of drugs during pregnancy and choosing a natural cure to protect the baby and to treat recurring infections is a very common practice by most of the people.

Medical blogs and online groups suggest women to go for a natural cure if the doctors prescription doesnít work for them. One such natural method is to apply a starch-free (sugar-free) powder on the labia and vaginal area to keep it dry. Yeast canít thrive if there is no moisture and warm environment and this will help your rash heal faster.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.