subject: How To Prevent Yeast Infection During Pregnancy [print this page] If you happen to suffer from vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy, don't worry, because you are not alone. Statistics say that three quarters of women will have this in their lifetime - which means that it does not matter if you are pregnant because you will get it.
But why do yeasts grow rapidly during pregnancy? It's because of exposure to tremendous stress and hormonal changes. A pregnant woman produces more estrogen, causing the vagina to have more glycogen, which makes it conducive to fungal growth.
You know you have this condition if you suffer from a painful feeling when you pee, if you keep itching down there, if there is vaginal discharge which ranges from clear white to yellow, and when there is pain during sexual intercourse. These signs are the symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. Detecting these signs early on is important in order to further prevent any complciations.
Treatment to vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy
When you already have it, it is best to see your doctor to ensure it is not any other condition. He will likely recommend some anti-fungal medicine to stop fungus from growing. Of course, make sure that every medicine you take is not harmful to the fetus, and that includes that vaginal yeast infection cream.
You can also apply an icepack on the infected part to alleviate the discomfort. You can try to soak in a cool baking soda bath.
How to prevent yeast infection during pregnancy
You have a high chance to experience rapid yeast growth, so it is better to prevent it firsthand. Here are some tips:
1. After urinating, wipe from front to back to keep the genital and anu dry, and use toilet papers with no printed patterns.
2. Don't wear anything tight, because it makes you sweat. Wear comfortable, loose clothes.
3. Underwear made of lycra and spandex are not good for you - wear comfortable, dry, clean and unperfumed underwear made of white cotton to protect your genital from sweating.
4. Don't use lubricants made of petroleum jelly.
5. Don't stay in the shower in a long time.
6. Don't swim in the pool for long, and get changed quickly after taking a shower.
7. Use water-based lubricants if you ever need them.
8. It will be helpful if you don't wear any underwear when sleeping, to keep the genital dry. Or wear cotton-made underwear.
9. Don't take bubble baths, because they take away the protective mucus from the vagina, making it vulnerable to yeast infection.
9. Yogurt with lactobacillus acidophilus can help your vagina strong against yeasts, so eat one everyday.
All in all, observe healthy practices and keep your genital clean and dry often.
There is little chance that the baby will get yeast infection, however, if you still have it when giving birth, he might have an oral yeast infection if he passes through the birth canal. He can be cured, however, with proper treatment.
Vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy is something to be acted on immediately because, while it is not fatal or something serious, it can lead to more serious problems if left as is for a long time. Get diagnosed to detect any disease you have and to get the right treatment.
