OverviewIf you are pregnant and have vaginal infection symptoms, see your doctor. Do not use nonprescription yeast infection medicine unless you discuss it with your doctor first. Experts recommend that during pregnancy: footnote 1 Show
Don't assume that your symptoms are caused by a harmless yeast infection. If you have bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, you will need treatment to prevent problems during pregnancy. Vaginal yeast infections are a common problem during pregnancy. They may be caused by high estrogen levels. These infections aren't a risk to the pregnancy. But they can cause uncomfortable symptoms. References
CreditsCurrent as of: August 2, 2022 Author: Healthwise Staff Causes, Symptoms, and TreatmentYeast infections during pregnancy are more common than any other time in a woman’s life, especially during the second trimester of pregnancy. You may be noticing an increase in the amount of
thin, white, odd smelling discharge. This is common and a normal symptom in the second trimester. What is a yeast infection?Yeast infection occurs when the normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina are out of balance, which allows the yeast to overgrow causing an uncomfortable, but not serious, a condition called a yeast infection. What causes yeast infections during pregnancy?A yeast infection can be caused by one or more of the following:
Why are yeast infections more common during pregnancy?Your body is going through so many changes right now, and it is difficult for your body to keep up with the chemical changes in the vagina. There is more sugar in vaginal secretions on which the yeast can feed, causing an imbalance which results in too much yeast. What are the symptoms of yeast infections?The symptoms of a yeast infection may include one or more of the following:
What else could I be experiencing?If you are experiencing symptoms similar to a yeast infection, but a physician has ruled this diagnosis out, you may have one of the following:
How do I know for sure if I have a yeast infection?At your doctor’s office or medical clinic, a clinician will use a simple, painless swab to remove the discharge or vaginal secretions and examine it through a microscope. Usually, upon a simple examination of the vagina, a physician can diagnose a yeast infection. In rare cases, the culture may be sent to a lab. How are yeast infections treated during pregnancy?During pregnancy, physicians recommend vaginal creams and suppositories only. The oral medication,
Diflucan (a single-dose medication), has not been proven safe during pregnancy and lactation. Not all vaginal creams and suppositories are okay to use during pregnancy, so it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist to get the right one. If left untreated, yeast infections can pass to your baby’s mouth during delivery. This is called “thrush” and is effectively treated with Nystatin. How can I prevent a yeast infection or recurring yeast infections?Most yeast infections can usually be avoided by doing the following:
When should I contact my doctor?If you are experiencing the symptoms described in this article, call your doctor now. Yeast infections have similar symptoms of other infections,
such as STDs. Proper diagnosis every time you experience these symptoms is vital for the most effective, immediate treatment, or your condition may worsen/not go away. Want to Know More?
Compiled using information from the following sources: 1. American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org 1. Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Babys First Year. Johnson, Robert V., M.D., et al, Ch. 11. What yeast infection medication is safe during pregnancy?A: Topical creams or vaginal suppositories are the recommended yeast infection treatment options during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Over-the-counter medications such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole, and Terconazole have been shown to eliminate a yeast infection safely and effectively.
What happens if you don't treat a yeast infection while pregnant?If left untreated, yeast infections can pass to your baby's mouth during delivery. This is called “thrush” and is effectively treated with Nystatin. It may take 10-14 days to find relief or completely clear up the infection while you are pregnant.
Can yeast infection hurt baby?No, a yeast infection won't hurt or affect your developing baby. But it's important to rule out other causes for your symptoms, because other kinds of infections can affect your pregnancy and your baby.
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