A woman who has chronic vaginal Candida infections might get use to the reoccurring infection, no longer give it much thought, and may no longer be bothered by it.  However, this changes when she has vaginal Candida infection during her pregnancy. The cause of alarm is understandable. The infection is close to the uterus.

The frequency of vaginal Candida infection significantly increases during pregnancy, compared to normal days without child. Added stress and changing hormones are responsible for this increase in frequency of vaginal Candida infection. During pregnancy, the quantity of estrogen produced is increased dramatically. Due to this increase in estrogen, the vagina produces a larger quantity of glycogen as well. The added amount of glycogen is the ideal environment and breeding ground for Candida.

Normally, it may be habitual for women to use over-the-counter medication for the treatment of their vaginal Candida infection. This story changes once they get pregnant. A trip to the doctor is required to find out if there are no complications, due to the pregnancy. It is also important to know whether these over-the-counter medications can harm the child or not. Doctors usually do not give prescription drugs, to pregnant women, for treating Candida infection. They usually recommend the use of anti-fungal cream purchased over-the-counter. In some cases, the anti-fungal cream fails to work, another trip to the doctor will be needed. Due to the pregnancy, the body can react another way to the cream, which is frequently used.

Contrary to popular belief, Candida infection will seldom have effect on the child inside. If you have Candida infection once you give birth, there will be a chance the child will develop oral Candida infection, while it goes through the mother’s birth canal. There is no need to worry though. This can easily be treated.

Precaution Measures

There are several precautions a mother must follow, during her pregnancy, to prevent Candida infection.

Use plain white toilet paper, and avoid using toilet paper with printed patterns. Wear loose and comfortable clothing; clothing that is well ventilated. Avoid wearing spandex underwear, and use plain white underwear made from cotton instead. Wearing pantyhose is out of the question. Not using scented powder and lubricants will decrease the chances of vaginal Candida infection. Avoid taking prolonged bubble baths. After taking a swim, immediately hit the showers, dry off, get out of the wet swimsuit, and change into dry clothes. Using water-based lubricants, in place of petroleum-based lubricants, is recommended. Try sleeping without underwear. Having a diet with anti-Candida agents will help counter Candida infections as well. An example of which is yogurt, which contains live culture. It may not directly improve the health of the vagina, but having a healthy diet will pay in dividends, when it comes to overall health.

It is advisable for pregnant women to apply an icepack on the infected area, to help relieve the discomfort. In addition, pregnant women should soak themselves in a tub of cold water mixed with baking soda. Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is has been to have anti-fungal properties.

Filed under: Yeast Infection Topics

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