One of the most common experiences that a pregnant woman may have is a yeast infection. Obviously, many women experience yeast infections without being pregnant, but there are some women who will experience yeast infections more often during pregnancy. In fact, some who have never had one previously will have a yeast infection for the first time while they are pregnant.
Yeast infections are especially common during the second trimester, although you can get one at any time. The way that your body’s hormones change while you are pregnant can change the chemistry of your vaginal secretions, which throws off the balance of that environment. This, then, can lead to getting a yeast infection.
In some cases, a woman who is experiencing gestational diabetes may experience a yeast infections. Your fluctuating blood sugar levels also throw off that delicate balance, and can cause problems.
On top of all of that, there are the common causes of yeast infections that can affect you whether or not you’re pregnant. These causes can include taking oral antibiotics, having vaginal intercourse and douching.
Treating a yeast infection during pregnancy is very similar to treating one when you’re not pregnant. (Of course, you should always check with your doctor before beginning any medication, even an over-the-counter medication, while you’re pregnant.) Vaginal creams and suppositories are usually all right to use, and should be able to clear up that yeast infection within 10 days.
The medication Diflucan hasn’t been sufficiently tested for use during pregnancy, so it’s not recommended that you take Diflucan for your yeast infections while you’re pregnant. it hasn’t been tested for breastfeeding mom’s either, so we don’t know if it is secreted in breast milk.
If you’re having recurring yeast infections during your pregnancy, talk to your doctor. In some cases, it can be possible to misdiagnose a yeast infection on your own. Your doctor can check to see if there are other possible causes for your discomfort, or to see if there is some overall problem that’s causing you to have yeast infections on a regular basis.
