Unfortunately yeast infections occur commonly in women and according to research they occur more often in pregnant women. Before treating a yeast infection during pregnancy it is important to know what caused it. This will make it possible to prevent an infection from reoccurring.
What Causes Yeast Infection during Pregnancy
Yeast infections are caused by a fungi or yeast called Candida albicans. Candida is a commonly occurring fungus and is normally found in and on the body, However, it exists as a controlled population with its colony growth suppressed by either the immune system or by the body’s normal pH. Yeast infections result from certain changes in the body. The changes trigger the normally controlled population of Candida to grow to infectious levels. These changes in the body may be caused by hormonal changes as in the case of a yeast infection during pregnancy. The change in hormones cause a change in the vaginal floras which results in an increase in the population of the yeast. A growing yeast population produces the toxic chemicals that cause the symptoms associated with the yeast infection.
Yeast Infection Symptoms
The first noticeable symptoms of a yeast infection may be the change that occurs in the vaginal discharge. The discharge takes on a chunky white cottage cheese like consistency and may or may not have an odor. This change in discharge is normally accompanied by itching and irritation to the vaginal area. The irritation may also cause the vulva to become red and swollen. It may also become painful to pass urine and sexual intercourse will also become painful.
Diagnosing a Yeast Infection
A yeast infection during pregnancy is diagnosed by a medical professional taking a swab of the discharge or liquid from the vaginal area. The swab is put on a culture medium and incubated. The Candida is then identified under a microscope by its growth pattern and morphology. It is important to have the condition diagnosed by a medical professional to ensure that the condition is in fact a yeast infection. Many other vaginal disorders have symptoms similar to yeast infections but have more serious outcomes. Some of these conditions if mistaken for a yeast infection during pregnancy may seriously affect the health of the unborn baby.
Treating a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
There are many over-the-counter medications available to treat yeast infections. Some require only one day to be effective while others require up to seven days of treatment. Doctors recommend the medications that take the full seven days for treating a yeast infection during pregnancy. This is because these longer treatment medications are available at lower concentrations. The lower concentrations are needed to protect the growing baby’s health. Natural and homeopathic cures should be “Okayed” by the patient’s attending doctor to ensure their safety.
Avoiding Yeast Infections
It is best for the mother and her baby’s health to avoid developing a yeast infection during pregnancy. A healthy lifestyle coupled with good hygiene may give the mother the extra boost she needs to her immune system to protect against an infection. Taking recommended prenatal tablets and eating a balanced diet can also help keep the infection at bay.
Yeast infections during pregnancy can be avoided but when faced with one, it is important to have it treated. A pregnant woman does not need the added uncomfortableness associated with a yeast infection.
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