Are you dealing with a yeast infection during your pregnancy? You'll be surprised to know that these infections are pretty common in pregnant women. If you're looking to have a comprehensive understanding of yeast infection pregnancy, continue reading the blog.
The increase of estrogen in our body throws off the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. Thus resulting in an overgrowth of yeast in pregnancy and causing an infection in pregnant women. Though yeast infections during pregnancy can feel unpleasant, they aren't harmful to you or your baby.
You might notice a white odd, smelling discharge and discomfort in your vagina too. If you feel like you're showing symptoms of a yeast infection, then you must get it confirmed by your doctor. Let's get further into the blog and learn more about yeast infection pregnancy.
In this blog, we aim to cover the following for you:
- Causes of yeast infection pregnancy
- Symptoms of yeast infection pregnancy
- Best natural remedies to cure yeast infections during pregnancy
- Avoiding yeast infections in pregnancy
- Conclusion
What Causes a Yeast Infection Pregnancy?
When your normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina go out of balance, there is an overgrowth of yeast resulting in discomfort and causing a yeast infection. You can always check with a physician to get an accurate diagnosis of your yeast infection during pregnancy. Here are some causes that could lead to yeast infections during pregnancy:
- High blood sugar level
- Hormonal or birth control pills
- Taking antibiotics or steroids
- Having vaginal intercourse
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
What are the Yeast Infection While Pregnant Symptoms?
Yeast infection during pregnancy second trimester is the most common, and you can easily identify having a yeast infection if you know the symptoms. So, let's have a look at what these yeast infection symptoms are:
- One of the most common yeast infection while pregnant symptoms which people experience is intense itching in the vaginal area. The itching can become bothersome and affect your ability to concentrate on your everyday tasks.
- Your vulvar and vaginal tissues might become red and experience swelling because of the inflammation due to the yeast infection. This further adds up to the person's discomfort.
- You may experience pain while urinating because the infections irritate your vaginal tissues, just like when you have a urinary tract infection.
- Sometimes, pregnant women with yeast infections might also experience discomfort in their lower abdomen.
- You could also feel a burning sensation while having sexual intercourse due to having a yeast infection.
- When the infection spreads beyond your vagina, you could also get a red itchy rash around your buttocks and thighs.
- Yeast infections can make your vagina dry and cracked, which could cause you additional discomfort.
- One of the most important yeast infection while pregnant symptoms are experiencing an abnormal amount of vaginal discharge. The discharge usually looks like cottage cheese and is odorless.
Best Natural Remedies to Cure Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
If you don't want to go for medicines, then you can try effective home remedies to help you treat yeast infections. Some yeast infection while pregnant natural remedies include:
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is why you can use it to treat yeast infection pregnancy. You can add tea tree oil to your bath or use tea tree pessaries, too. There are also various gels and creams with tea tree oil which you could consider for treating yeast infections.
2. Coriander Seeds
Coriander seeds are the best treatment for yeast infection while pregnant. You can simply use it by soaking a few coriander seeds in water overnight, then straining their water and drinking it on an empty stomach.
3. Probiotics
Certain good bacteria found in probiotics can help fight yeast infection pregnancy in the vagina. Your doctor may recommend you eat yogurt or take probiotic capsules. You can also use probiotic creams to treat your yeast infection.
4. Cranberry Juice
You can also drink cranberry juice to treat your yeast infection pregnancy. This is the best yeast infection treatment during pregnancy, which you can opt for. You should opt for cranberry juice, which is free from sugars, especially if you happen to have diabetes.
5. Garlic
Garlic can also help you fight yeast infection pregnancy because it has an active compound, Allicin, which can reduce your fungal growth. You should, however, consult a doctor because garlic can cause chemical burns and reactions in some people.
6. Vulva Care
You should avoid washing your vulva excessively or use irritants like soaps, vaginal sprays, or bubble baths. Caring for your vulva and using hygienic practices can further help prevent yeast infection pregnancy.
Though home remedies are cost-effective, and we might stumble upon the best treatment for yeast infection while pregnant, you must consult with a doctor before trying anything. During pregnancy, our bodies may not react well to certain things, so to be on the safer side, we should always seek medical support.
How to Avoid Yeast Infections in Pregnancy?
Since yeast infection can result in discomfort, you should take the necessary steps to avoid such infections in the future. Here are some of the best treatment for yeast infection while pregnant:
- You should always wear breathable underwear. You can go for cotton underwear or any texture that doesn't hold onto moisture or heat and keeps your vagina dry.
- The best way to avoid a yeast infection is that you don't douche. Female hygiene products can destroy the balance of bacteria in our vagina and also remove some of the good bacteria from there too.
- Always keep things loose and avoid wearing tight jeans, skirts, underwear, and so on because they can increase the moisture around your private parts and raise the chances of you developing a yeast infection.
- You should skip scented feminine products like soaps, sprays, bubble baths, and more. Also, avoid hot baths because dampness invites infections.
- Don't sit in wet clothes for too long and change into dry clothes as soon as you can.
- Sometimes, high blood sugar levels can result in yeast infections, so you should manage your diabetes if you suffer from the same.
- You should eat probiotics like yogurt so that you have enough good bacteria in your body to fight off yeast infections.
Conclusion
Reading this blog must have given you a comprehensive understanding of yeast infection pregnancy. Though potentially harmless, such infections can become a source of discomfort for pregnant women. Thus, we must ensure that we identify yeast infections and get the best treatment possible.
If you're further interested in reading about women's health, women's care, female empowerment, and more, then head to The Voice of Woman blogs today.
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