It isn't uncommon for a woman to go her entire life and never have a yeast infection. That is, until she gets pregnant. While being pregnant doesn't guarantee that you will get a yeast infection, it definitely increases your risk of developing one. Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy than any other time in a woman's life. This is especially true during the second trimester of pregnancy. So why does this happen?
A yeast infection, or candidasis, is a type of fungal infection. It is caused by the species in the family Candida, most commonly the species Candida albicans. It is common to have a "healthy" amount of yeast in the vagina. Approximately one-third of women have yeast present in their vagina yet do not have a yeast infection. It is also common for both men and women to have fungus present in the intestines. Yeast in the vagina only becomes a problem when it grows so rapidly that it begins to overwhelm other microorganisms, thus creating an imbalance. This is what is known as a yeast infection.
A yeast infection can be caused by many things. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur around your period or during pregnancy, can make you more susceptible to a yeast infection. This is also true for any type of hormone replacement or birth control. Certain medicines such as steroids and antibiotics can cause a yeast infection. Other causes include high blood sugar, vaginal intercourse, and douching.
There are many reasons that a woman is more susceptible to a yeast infection during pregnancy. The higher level of estrogen during pregnancy causes the vagina to produce more glycogen, a type of sugar. Yeast feed on glycogen making it easier for them to grow. Estrogen is also believed to have a direct effect on yeast, causing it to grow faster and stick more easily to the walls of the vagina. Since the body is going through so many changes during pregnancy, it makes it even harder for the body to fight off the invading yeast. Anything that would normally contribute to a yeast infection will also contribute to a yeast infection during pregnancy. For example, taking an antibiotic for a sore throat during pregnancy would make you even more likely to get a yeast infection.
If you are pregnant, make sure to look out for symptoms of a yeast infection. These include: itchiness, irritation, soreness, burning, and redness in or around the vagina; discharge that is often white or yellowish, has a thick consistency, and is odorless or has a faint odor; as well as pain, burning, or discomfort during urination and/or sex. If you think you have a yeast infection, speak to your doctor. He/she may want to do some tests to rule out other possible causes, such as a STD or a bacterial infection. If you are found to have a yeast infection, your doctor will prescribe something for you or tell you a specific over-the-counter drug to use. Yeast infections during pregnancy are usually harmless. They do not affect the baby and they generally clear up with treatment.
If you are pregnant and concerned about getting a yeast infection, there are a few things you can do to help lessen your chances of developing one. Wear cotton underwear that are not too tight. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and pantyhose, especially those made of synthetic material. If you go swimming, change your clothes as soon as you are done. The same applies if you exercise or do something that causes you to break a sweat. Shower often making sure to gently clean your genital area with warm water. Avoid taking a bath and douching. Make sure when you use the restroom that you always wipe from front to back. Try and get as much rest as possible as that will help your immune system. Finally, try and include yogurt that contains the live culture Lactobacillus acidophilus in your diet, especially if you are on an antibiotic.
While yeast infections are not fun, especially during pregnancy, they are generally harmless and are fairly easily treated.
A yeast infection, or candidasis, is a type of fungal infection. It is caused by the species in the family Candida, most commonly the species Candida albicans. It is common to have a "healthy" amount of yeast in the vagina. Approximately one-third of women have yeast present in their vagina yet do not have a yeast infection. It is also common for both men and women to have fungus present in the intestines. Yeast in the vagina only becomes a problem when it grows so rapidly that it begins to overwhelm other microorganisms, thus creating an imbalance. This is what is known as a yeast infection.
A yeast infection can be caused by many things. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur around your period or during pregnancy, can make you more susceptible to a yeast infection. This is also true for any type of hormone replacement or birth control. Certain medicines such as steroids and antibiotics can cause a yeast infection. Other causes include high blood sugar, vaginal intercourse, and douching.
There are many reasons that a woman is more susceptible to a yeast infection during pregnancy. The higher level of estrogen during pregnancy causes the vagina to produce more glycogen, a type of sugar. Yeast feed on glycogen making it easier for them to grow. Estrogen is also believed to have a direct effect on yeast, causing it to grow faster and stick more easily to the walls of the vagina. Since the body is going through so many changes during pregnancy, it makes it even harder for the body to fight off the invading yeast. Anything that would normally contribute to a yeast infection will also contribute to a yeast infection during pregnancy. For example, taking an antibiotic for a sore throat during pregnancy would make you even more likely to get a yeast infection.
If you are pregnant, make sure to look out for symptoms of a yeast infection. These include: itchiness, irritation, soreness, burning, and redness in or around the vagina; discharge that is often white or yellowish, has a thick consistency, and is odorless or has a faint odor; as well as pain, burning, or discomfort during urination and/or sex. If you think you have a yeast infection, speak to your doctor. He/she may want to do some tests to rule out other possible causes, such as a STD or a bacterial infection. If you are found to have a yeast infection, your doctor will prescribe something for you or tell you a specific over-the-counter drug to use. Yeast infections during pregnancy are usually harmless. They do not affect the baby and they generally clear up with treatment.
If you are pregnant and concerned about getting a yeast infection, there are a few things you can do to help lessen your chances of developing one. Wear cotton underwear that are not too tight. Avoid wearing tight-fitting pants and pantyhose, especially those made of synthetic material. If you go swimming, change your clothes as soon as you are done. The same applies if you exercise or do something that causes you to break a sweat. Shower often making sure to gently clean your genital area with warm water. Avoid taking a bath and douching. Make sure when you use the restroom that you always wipe from front to back. Try and get as much rest as possible as that will help your immune system. Finally, try and include yogurt that contains the live culture Lactobacillus acidophilus in your diet, especially if you are on an antibiotic.
While yeast infections are not fun, especially during pregnancy, they are generally harmless and are fairly easily treated.
