Yeast infections during pregnancy are a frequent type of vaginal infection, especially among pregnant women. While it is normal to have yeast in your intestinal tract or vagina, when they grow too fast and overcome other microorganisms, then they become a problem. When pregnant, your estrogen levels rise thus making your vagina produce more glycogen. This creates the ideal environment for yeast to develop rapidly, sticking more readily to the walls of your vagina. Furthermore, if you have been on antibiotic medications for a short or long time, the chances of getting yeast infections increase. The reason is that the antibiotic is likely to kill not only the targeted bacteria but also the protective bacteria in your vagina, resulting in an overgrowth of yeast.
Symptoms
You should know that yeast infections during pregnancy do not go away, they will only worsen until you get treatment. However, sometimes the infections come and go. Here are symptoms to look out for.
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Burning sensation during urination
• Vaginal discharge that is odorless and is usually white, or creamy.
• Irritation, soreness, burning, itchiness, and redness and other times you may notice swelling in your labia and vagina.
Your baby
Just as a typical mother would do, you are probably wondering if yeast infections during pregnancy will harm your developing baby. The answer is no. However, if you have an infection at the time when you go into labor, there is a chance that your newborn will catch it. If this happens, your baby may develop a yeast infection in the mouth known as thrush. The good news is that thrush is easily treated.
Your partner
You should know that it is rare for sexual partners to pass a yeast infection to each other. But, if either of you develops symptoms, you should visit our health practitioner. In males, the symptoms include rash, redness, itching or burning.
Prevention
• You have to clean your vagina with warm water daily.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays or scented laundry detergents since they are likely to cause genital irritations.
• Try to sleep without underwear at night so that you can have the circulation of air in your genitals.
• Make sure to wear breathable cotton underwear and try to avoid synthetic ones and tight pants.
• Wipe from front to back.
• Take lots of yogurts that have a live culture; it will aid in balancing good bacteria in your vagina and gut.
If you suspect that you have a vaginal yeast infection, you can visit Southlake OBGYN and Advanced Surgery for OBGYN services in Orlando. You can also call us today for further information or to schedule a consultation.