If you believe you have a yeast infection, the below written article will get you ready to have a talk with your health provider or doctor. Natural treatment is also available and it requires no prescription. This is a discussion about how to alleviate a yeast infection during pregnancy.

Chances of getting a yeast infection in women are highest during pregnancy than at any other time in their life. You should be ready to face this common incidence when your pregnancy is in the second trimester.

Yeast infection: Definition

Yeast is a regular organism or fungus in the body. In women, vagina always has a certain amount of yeast that keeps the environment in your body in balance.When the normal yeast organisms in your body multiply and reach undue levels of overgrowth, a yeast infection occurs. As their number does not decline on their own, it may be dangerous to wait for your body to take action.

Link between yeast infections and pregnancy:

In the 2nd trimester, the chemical and hormonal changes that happen cause the vagina to secrete more glucose than in the regular discharge. To survive, yeast needs sugar and therefore these secretions with high levels of sugar create an environment where they multiply and grow out of control.The yeast gets nourishment from sugars in the body and reproduces fungi, which disturb the normal Ph levels in the vagina.

Causes of a yeast infection:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy are the most common causes of a yeast infection. As the body is going through a lot of changes, it has an impact on the normal ph levels.

-During the pregnancy or before your period, the hormonal chemical changes that occur

-Consumption of birth control pills, taking hormones or implants

-Raised blood sugar levels in diabetics

-Consuming too much sugar

-Eating antibiotics and steroids

-Sexual intercourse and showering of vaginal area

What are the indications of a yeast infection?

Common warning signs of yeast infection include a thicker, lumpier whitish discharge with consistency of cottage cheese. There is a strong odor of bread or yeast that accompanies the discharge.The vaginal discharge has a distinct odor of bread or yeast and it can be yellow or green. Inflammation when urinating and itchiness around the vagina and labia also occurs. Pain, while urinating and having sexual intercourse, ranges from a feeling of discomfort to extreme pain.

There are further symptoms like:

-Itchiness

-Irritable skin with flaking

-Tiredness

-Desires for sweet food

A yeast infection resembles the vaginal discharge of some STDs.

To test for any STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Tricomoniasis, visit your doctor.A widespread vaginal infection called Bacterial Vaginosis wants different treatment than yeast infections.

How to stop yeast infections or persistent yeast infections:

Simple lifestyle changes can prevent most yeast infections. By obeying these you can control the frequency of a yeast infection during your pregnancy.

-Consume less sweets and starchy foods

-Get proper sleep and donít get exhausted

-Clothing and underwear should be loose fit

-Workout and swimwear should be changed immediately

-Wipe front to back with a tissue after using bathroom

-Try shunning deodorant and douching

-Fragrant sprays, toilet paper and panty liners should not be used.

Treatment for pregnant women for yeast infection:

The best form of treatment for you should be discussed with the doctor. Avoid using Diflucan (an oral, single dose medication for yeast infections) when you are pregnant because it is proven unsafe for consumption during pregnancy and lactation.

A frequently prescribed medicine for use during pregnancy is Miconazole cream, an anti-fungus drug. It is applied on the labia and around the vaginal opening and can also be used as a suppository overnight. The cream deactivates the yeast, however the anti-fungus drugs can have certain side effects, including:

-dizziness

-headaches, vomiting

-depression, diarrhea and seizures.

Often it is observed that women feel Miconazole cream does not clear up the symptoms at all, rather it worsens the yeast infection to painful levels.

Opting out of drugs during pregnancy and choosing a natural cure to protect the baby and to treat recurring infections is a very common practice by most of the people.

Medical blogs and online groups suggest women to go for a natural cure if the doctors prescription doesnít work for them. One such natural method is to apply a starch-free (sugar-free) powder on the labia and vaginal area to keep it dry. By preventing moisture and warm environment, growth of the yeast can be restricted and the rash will heal rapidly.

Basics and treatment of Yeast Infection symptoms