Tips to Cure Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Are you a pregnant woman suffering from what you believe is a yeast infection?  Yeast infections, which are very common during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, can cause a lot of discomfort and worry, and while these infections are usually not dangerous, they can cause a number of complications if not properly treated.  Here we will take a closer look at yeast infections, including their cause and symptoms, along with some safe tips to cure yeast infection during pregnancy.

What Exactly Is a Yeast Infection and What Causes the Condition?

When the customary balance of acid and yeast in the vagina become out of balance, it creates an environment where yeast levels can rise abnormally and flourish.  This overgrowth is called a yeast infection. 

According to doctors, yeast infections can be caused by any number of factors.  These include:

· Hormonal changes and imbalances, especially those changes which occur during pregnancy.
· Vaginal intercourse
· Excessive douching
· Oral or injected antibiotics and steroids
· Abnormally high blood sugar—common in diabetics
· Birth control or hormone pills

In order to effectively cure yeast infections during pregnancy, it is important to understand why yeast infections can be so prevalent in your current condition.  Right now your body is undergoing a number of chemical and hormonal changes; so many, in fact, that it’s very difficult for your body to keep up with them.  These changes have a tendency to produce an excess amount of sugar in your vaginal secretions—sugar which the yeast feeds on and uses to grow.

How Do I Know if I Have a Yeast Infection?

The symptoms of a yeast infection will vary from one individual to another, but these symptoms may include any one of the following:

· A thick, milky-white or greenish-yellow vaginal discharge with a yeast-like odor
· Itching and redness on the vaginal surface area
· Painful burning during both urination and vaginal intercourse

While these symptoms, particularly when pregnant, are usually a reliable indicator of a yeast infection, you should always check with your doctor so he/she can test the vaginal discharge and rule out a more serious condition.

Tips to Cure Yeast Infection during Pregnancy

Coping with a yeast infection during pregnancy can present a challenge, largely due to the safety concerns involving the fetus, but there are some safe treatment strategies which have proven to be very effective.  Below are just a few tips you can follow in order to cure yeast infections during pregnancy:

· Vaginal creams - Vaginal creams will help substantially with the uncomfortable itching and burning you are experiencing.
· Suppositories - Currently, suppositories are the only medically approved method to cure yeast infections during pregnancy.  Oral medications, such as the prescription drug Diflucan, while certainly a popular and effective yeast infection treatment, have not been approved for use in pregnant women.

To completely cure a yeast infection during pregnancy, it may take several days.  During that time, and to prevent future occurrences, there are several things you can do to become more comfortable.  These include:

· Limit your sugar intake
· Wear loose, breathable clothing and undergarments
· Refrain from douching
· Shower frequently, especially following workouts and other strenuous activities
· Get plenty of rest

Finally, and this is very important, before you set out on your own to cure a yeast infection during pregnancy, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and all available treatment options.