Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
A women who is plagued with recurring vaginal yeast infections might not give them a second thought when they happen. However if that same woman gets a vaginal yeast infection when she is pregnant she'll probably react differently. And who can blame her, a vaginal infection is dangerously close to her uterus.
For some reason yeast infections occur with greater frequency when a woman is pregnant then when she isn't carrying a child. The increased frequency of yeast infections during pregnancy could be due to additional stress, but it is more then likely due to the bodies hormonal changes. When a woman is pregnant the amount of estrogen in her body. The increase in estrogen increases the amount of glycogen that the vagina produces. The extra glycogen creates an environment that encourages the growth of yeast.
Even though you might be an old hand at using over-the-counter treatments to cure your yeast infections if you are pregnant visit your doctor to make sure that the yeast infection isn't a sign of a complication. You'll also want to check and make sure that the over-the-counter treatment you use will not harm your child. Don't expect your doctor to give you a prescription for your yeast infection, they will most likely recommend an anti-fungal cream that can be purchased to over-the-counter. If the cream doesn't seem to work or if it is causing additional discomfort, talk to your physician. Pregnancy can cause your body to react differently to creams that you frequently use.
The good news is that yeast infections seldom affect the unborn child. If you have a yeast infection when you go into labor there is a chance that the child will contract an oral yeast infection when it passes through the birth canal but this is easily treated.
When you're pregnant there are several things that you can do to help prevent a yeast infection. Purchase toilet paper that doesn't have any patterns printed on it. Wear long skirts, loose jeans, and comfortable sweatpants. Turn away from Lycra and spandex panties in favor of plain white cotton underwear. Don't wear pantyhose. Avoiding perfumed powders and lubricants will lower your chances of a vaginal yeast infection. Resist taking long bubble baths. If you go swimming take a shower, dry off, and change out of your wet bathing suit. Use water based lubricants instead of lubricants that are made out of petroleum jelly. Try to sleep sans underwear. Some women feel that eating one cup of yogurt that contains lactobacillus acidophilus lowers the chances of developing a yeast infection, even if the yogurt doesn't improve your vaginal health it is an excellent source of the calcium and protein your body craves.
If you already have a vaginal yeast infection applying an icepack to the infected area will help alleviate some of the discomfort. Another way to increase comfort is soaking in a cool baking soda bath.
