During pregnancy, you may be worried about thrush. There are many treatment options available, but you can also treat it naturally if you prefer.
Symptoms of thrush during pregnancy
Symptoms of thrush during pregnancy are similar to those of thrush in non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, women have a weakened immune system, which makes them vulnerable to infection. During this time, they can develop a fungal infection called thrush. In some cases, thrush can be transferred from a woman to a man.
Infections with Candida fungi are the main causes of thrush. The fungi multiply on the mucous membrane of the vagina and can spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, thrush can lead to the development of a disease called vaginal candidiasis.
The infection may be transmitted to the child during childbirth. This means that the mother can carry the infection to the baby in her mouth, nose, eyes, or ears. It can also be transmitted to other members of the family. If the disease is not treated correctly, it can be dangerous for the baby. It can even lead to the death of the child.
If you’re pregnant, you should see your doctor for treatment. Antifungal therapy can help you manage the symptoms of thrush during pregnancy. The best way to treat thrush is through topical creams, which are safe during pregnancy. The most effective medication for treating thrush is ketoconazole. However, it should not be used by breastfeeding women.
Women with thrush should not wear wet underwear or use soaps in the vagina. This will help prevent the formation of candidiasis in the vagina. You should also avoid douching and urinating on the vulva.
You should also avoid taking oral medications for thrush during pregnancy. These medicines can disrupt the hormonal background of a woman, which may increase the risk of candidiasis. You should also be aware of the dangers of fluconazole. The drug may cause severe complications in some women.
You should also consult a doctor if the symptoms of thrush do not clear up within 7-14 days. This will allow you to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can determine the cause of thrush and prescribe the right treatment.
You should also seek medical advice if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms: burning, itching, a white or ivory discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, or a stinging sensation when passing urine. You should also avoid taking prescription drugs or consuming large amounts of sugar. These factors reduce the immune cells that protect the vagina.
Treatment options
During pregnancy, there are a number of treatment options available to help relieve the symptoms of thrush. However, before using any of these treatments, pregnant women should consult their physician or midwife. They may also need to choose a treatment plan that is safe for both mother and baby.
If the problem is severe, the doctor may recommend an antifungal medication. The medication is intended to control the growth of Candida albicans, a fungus that lives in the vagina. If this medication is effective, the condition will clear up. However, in some cases, it may take several days before the infection has completely cleared up.
Another option is to use creams, which are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. These creams can be applied to both the inside and outside of the vagina. They can be helpful in treating the symptoms of thrush, which include itching and burning.
Some women may develop thrush during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. These changes throw the vagina’s pH out of whack and make it an ideal environment for yeast to grow. The good news is that the condition will not harm the baby, although it may affect the mother’s eating habits.
Some medications for thrush can be dangerous to the unborn baby. For example, fluconazole is a prescription pill, but it is not recommended during pregnancy. It can cause a number of side effects, including rash, stomach upset, headache, and more. It is not safe to use while breastfeeding, and it may also lead to birth defects.
Other treatment options for thrush in pregnancy include pessaries, which are often prescribed for three to seven days. They come with an applicator and are inserted by hand. It is important to insert them carefully so as not to damage the cervix.
The first line agent for treating thrush in pregnancy is topical azoles. They are easy to find and effective. Those who have thrush-like symptoms should try one of these agents before attempting other therapies.
If the condition does not clear up within a few days, the doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal. These drugs are usually taken once a day. Those who have complicated infections may need to take a second dose 72 hours after the first dose.
Treating thrush naturally
During pregnancy, women are at higher risk of developing thrush. Candida is a fungus that can thrive in warm, moist conditions. When these conditions are combined with hormonal changes, a perfect environment is created for the Candida to grow.
Pregnant women are also at high risk for vaginal infections. These infections can put women at risk for preterm delivery. It is important to treat thrush during pregnancy.
While there is no cure for severe cases, there are natural treatments that may be effective. One of these is to use a saltwater rinse. This is recommended by the Mayo Clinic. The saltwater should not be swallowed.
Another remedy for oral thrush is to consume live natural yogurt. The probiotic cultures in yogurt may help prevent candida overgrowth. It is important to note that you should not eat sugary, flavored yogurt while treating thrush.
Antifungal pessaries are sometimes prescribed by your GP. These pessaries contain clotrimazole, a medication that inhibits the growth of fungus cells. However, these medications are not always appropriate for pregnant women. They can cause side effects, such as liver damage.
You should never take an antifungal medication while breastfeeding. Some drugs can interfere with the levels of estrogen in the body, which could affect the health of your baby. Your healthcare professional should advise you on which antifungal medication is safe to take while you are pregnant.
There are many natural thrush remedies that you can use at home. For example, you can soak tampons in coconut oil infused with oil oregano. This oil will kill the infection quickly. You can also apply a dab of this oil to the affected area. Keeping the area cool will reduce swelling. You can also use an ice pack on the infected area.
Garlic is another fungus-killing compound. Studies have shown that it can reduce the number of Candida yeasts in the vagina. It is also thought to be an anti-inflammatory. It can also help stabilize human cell membranes.
Taking a daily dose of 900mg of standardized garlic powder has been found to be effective. In addition, garlic extracts have been found to be effective in treating vaginal infections.
Treating thrush while breastfeeding
During pregnancy, women can experience thrush, a fungus that occurs naturally in small amounts in the body. In some cases, thrush can be severe and painful, causing a woman to have difficulty breastfeeding. Fortunately, thrush in pregnancy while breastfeeding is usually not dangerous to the mother.
Thrush is caused by an infection by a yeast-like fungus called Candida albicans. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It can also occur on the skin of the breasts, but it can also be found on the baby’s nipples. In some cases, a mom may notice that her nipples are becoming red or swollen.
If you think your baby has thrush, it is important to get the diagnosis confirmed as soon as possible. You can do this by swabbing your baby’s mouth. Although swabbing is not a sure way to diagnose a bacterial infection, it can help you decide whether you need to talk to a pediatrician.
Antibiotics are often used to treat a bacterial infection, but they can transfer to your breast milk. It is best to consult a pediatrician before using these medications.
If you suspect thrush, you may want to take a few days off from breastfeeding. However, if you are still experiencing symptoms, you can continue to feed your baby. If you do not see improvement in a couple of days, call your doctor to schedule an appointment.
After your diagnosis, your physician may prescribe you an antifungal medicine. These medicines are available in pill form or in liquid. They should be taken in conjunction with a balanced diet and reduced sugar intake. These medications can take a few weeks to begin working.
Before you start treatment, it is important to ensure that your baby is not receiving any other nutritional supplements. You should also replace pacifiers and other items that enter your baby’s mouth regularly. In addition, you should clean toys and change diapers frequently.
You should also avoid using plastic liners or rubberized fabric as these can trap heat and moisture, irritate your skin, and encourage the growth of yeast. You should also wash your hands and your breasts after every feeding.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/