Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Yeast infections are quite common in women, especially during pregnancy. This is because the changes in the levels of hormones in the body during this time lead to the delicate balance of the natural flora being disrupted. The natural flora of the body is the term used to describe the bacteria and other microorganisms that live either in the body or on the skin. The Candida fungus, which is normally responsible for any yeast infections, is one of these microorganisms that occurs naturally. However, the infection develops when the growth of Candida is able to occur in an uncontrolled manner, which may occur during pregnancy.rnPregnancy causes the levels of hormones in the body to be altered, which can affect the pH of the vagina. Usually, this region of the body is slightly acidic, which helps to inhibit the growth of the yeast. However, higher levels of estrogen during pregnancy can change this, allowing Candida to flourish. Many women who have never experienced a yeast infection before will develop one for the first time during pregnancy.rnIf you are pregnant and have developed a yeast infection, then you should speak to your doctor before starting any treatment, even if you normally self-treat for this condition. This is because the recommended treatment may be different during pregnancy. For example, only topical treatments such as anti-fungal creams should be used, as oral medications are not recommended. Some medications cannot be used at all during your pregnancy. You should also be aware that it can take longer than usual for your symptoms to resolve, so you may need to take the treatment for a week, or perhaps even longer.rnIt is not dangerous to either you or the child to experience a yeast infection during a pregnancy, but the symptoms can cause considerable discomfort, so you should see a doctor if you do start to experience the itching and burning sensations that usually develop first. Ideally, you should have had the condition treated long before you are due to give birth, as it can be transferred to the mouth of your baby during the delivery. This would result in a case of oral thrush, which is extremely common in babies and although unpleasant, is not dangerous.rnYeast infections during pregnancy are extremely common, and are certainly not worth worrying about, but you should be aware of the symptoms and see your doctor if any occur. Itching and burning sensations are the most common, and there will normally also be a thick, white discharge, which does not have any noticeable smell, but closely resembles cottage cheese in appearance. The affected area may also be red and swollen.rnBeing aware of these symptoms will mean that you are able to receive treatment much sooner, reducing the pain and discomfort you will experience by a considerable amount. It also reduces the chances of your baby acquiring the infection. Following some simple preventative measures would also be a good idea, especially after an infection has been treated.