Yeast infections during pregnancy

What is a yeast infection?

Yeast infections are a common type of vaginal infection, and they're especially common in pregnant women. These infections – also called monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis – are caused by microscopic fungi in the Candida family, most often Candida albicans. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments.

It's not unusual to have some yeast in your vagina as well as in your intestinal tract. Yeast only becomes a problem when it grows so fast that it overwhelms other microorganisms. Three out of four women will have a yeast infection at some time.

What causes a yeast infection during pregnancy?

Higher estrogen levels during pregnancy make your vagina produce more glycogen, which then makes it even easier for yeast to grow there. Some researchers think estrogen may also have a direct effect on yeast, causing it to grow faster and stick more easily to the walls of the vagina.

You're also more likely to get a yeast infection during pregnancy if you:

• Recently took antibiotics or steroid medicines
• Have diabetes and your blood sugar is not under control
• Douche or use vaginal sprays
• Have a weakened immune system
• Use birth control containing estrogen
• Are sexually active

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

If you develop symptoms from a yeast infection, they're likely to be bothersome (and may get worse) until you treat the infection, though sometimes they do come and go on their own. Symptoms may include:

• Itchiness, irritation, soreness, burning, and redness (and sometimes swelling) in your vagina and labia (these symptoms often become worse by the end of the day)
• Odorless vaginal discharge that's often white, creamy, or cottage cheesy
• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Burning when you urinate (when the urine hits your already irritated vulva)

If you find yourself wiping vigorously after urinating (scratching rather than wiping), that's a clue, too.

What should I do if I think I have a yeast infection during pregnancy?

If you think you have a yeast infection, see your healthcare provider. They'll take a sample of your vaginal discharge to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other things that may be causing your symptoms.

If you do have a yeast infection, your provider will give you a topical prescription or recommend a specific over-the-counter antifungal vaginal cream or suppository that's safe to use during pregnancy.

Note: Do not take an oral over-the-counter medication to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy. The drug is unsafe for your baby.

You'll need to insert the cream or suppository into your vagina for seven days in a row, preferably at bedtime so it won't leak out. (The shorter-course regimens that you might have used before aren't as effective when you're pregnant.) It's also a good idea to apply some of the antifungal cream to the area around your vagina.

It may take a few days of treatment before you begin to feel some relief. In the meantime, you can soothe the itching with an ice pack or by soaking for 10 minutes in a cool bath.

Let your provider know if the medication causes irritation or doesn't seem to be working. You may have to switch to another medication. Be sure to complete the full course of treatment to make sure the infection is gone.

Why do I need to see my provider to treat a yeast infection?

It may seem like overkill to see your provider because antifungal medication is available over the counter, but it's not a good idea to try to diagnose and treat yourself. Studies show that most women who treat themselves for a presumed yeast infection miss the real cause. As a result, they often delay getting proper treatment.

Your symptoms may be caused by something else, such as a sexually transmitted infection, instead of or along with yeast.

Will a yeast infection during pregnancy affect my baby?

No, a yeast infection won't hurt or affect your developing baby. But it's important to rule out other causes for your symptoms, because other kinds of infections can affect your pregnancy and your baby.

Can my partner get a yeast infection from me through sex?

If your partner is a man, there's about a 15 percent chance of his getting an itchy rash on his penis if he has unprotected sex with you while you have a yeast infection. If this happens, he should see his doctor.

If your partner is a woman, she is at risk of getting the yeast infection from you. She should see her doctor for testing and treatment.

How can I reduce my chances of getting a yeast infection while pregnant?

It's less likely you'll get a yeast infection if you keep your genital area dry (because yeast thrives in a warm, humid environment) and your vaginal flora in balance. Not all of the following suggestions are supported by hard evidence, but they're easy enough to do and worth a try:

• Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid pantyhose and tight pants, especially synthetic ones.
• Try sleeping without underwear at night to allow air to get to your genital area. If you prefer to wear something to bed, a nightgown without underwear allows more air circulation than pajama bottoms.
• Don't use bubble baths, perfumed soaps, scented laundry detergent, or feminine hygiene sprays. It's not clear whether these products contribute to yeast infections, but it's best to avoid them because they can cause genital irritation.
• Clean your genital area gently with warm water every day. (Don't douche - during pregnancy or any other time.)
• Get out of your wet bathing suit promptly after swimming.
• Change your workout clothes (especially your underwear) after any workout that makes you sweat.
• Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
• Eat yogurt that contains a live culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help maintain the proper bacterial balance in your gut and vagina. There's conflicting evidence about whether yogurt helps prevent yeast infections, but many women swear by it. And in any case, it's a good source of protein and calcium!
• Change sanitary pads, tampons, and panty liners often.
• Choose underwear with a cotton crotch. Cotton doesn't hold in warmth and moisture, so it helps keep you dry.
• Avoid hot tubs and very hot baths.
• Make sure your blood sugar is under control if you have diabetes.

A yeast infection is no fun, but it's nice to know that it's not a danger to you or your baby. It's a good idea to keep in mind that some infections can be more than bothersome when you're pregnant, though. Here are some of the infections that can affect a pregnancy.

Learn more:

• Urinary tract infections during pregnancy
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted infections during pregnancy
• Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore