Yeast Infections And Pregnancy | yeast infection

In pregnancy yeast infections happen a lot.  A yeast infection can be called:  monilial vaginitis, thrush, vaginal candidasis, or vaginal yeast infection.

So why so many yeast infections during pregnancy?  Hormone levels and normal body yeast.

A tiny fungus usually Candida Albicans causes these infections. Many women have this fungus on and in their body naturally. The problem happens when the yeast grows so fast it overtakes the body's defense system. During pregnancy your body's level of estrogen rises. This higher level encourages the yeast fungus to grow even faster. Some researchers have said they think estrogen makes the Candida albicans stickier. When the tiny fungus is stickier it grows faster as it can hold onto the vaginal walls easier.

How Do I Know I Have A Yeast Infection?

Signs and symptoms of a yeast infection are:

• Redness and itchiness are two of the primary symptoms of thrush. Urination can also cause burning. As urine goes over the irritated skin, it hurts.
• A creamy white discharge without odor.
• Discomfort with sexual intercourse

How Pregnancy Affects Treatment

It's often difficult to self diagnose a yeast infection.  Studies have shown the majority of women misdiagnose a yeast infection.

Accuracy of self-diagnosis of yeast infections can be increased with the use of testing strips for yeast infection. One study showed the accuracy to be 96% when the test strips were used. Kit with a test strip for yeast infection can be purchased at a local drugstore or online.

With prescriptions from your healthcare provider you can start to feel better and get rid your yeast infection.

Your healthcare provider knows which medications are safe to use during pregnancy. Many medications interfere with your developing baby.

During pregnancy you are limited in the medications you can safely use. The pill form of yeast infection medication should not be taken during pregnancy. The medication can interfere with the healthy development of your baby.

Yeast infections can be difficult to control during pregnancy. Together with your healthcare provider you can have a healthy baby and get rid of the yeast infection.