Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Most all women will have to deal with some form of yeast infection during their lives. Getting a vaginal infection is not an uncommon problem that women have to deal with especially yeast infections. Yeast infection and pregnancy seems to go hand and hand for many woman. About fifteen percent of all women that are pregnant will get a yeast infection due to a number of reasons, some of the causes they will have no control over.
Yeast infection are referred to by many different names you may hear it called monilial vaginitis or posable vaginal candidiasis. The fungi Candida appears to be one of the main problems that help in spreading the infection. The fungus Candida albicans is the main cause for most of the infections a female will experience in her vagina area, but also keep in mind that Candida is present in every females body, it is a natural occurring fungus and is not a reason for concern.
Some factors that play a roll in the growth of fungus in the female vagina area are the foods you consume, personal hygiene and believe it or not even your lifestyle. Consuming too much sugar or carbohydrates, gives the fungus a much better chance of surviving and growing which will eventually allow the full growth of a yeast infection. The high levels of sugar in your blood and body will help feed the Candida fungus.
In pregnant women, the main culprit for the yeast infection is the changing estrogen levels that are taking place during your pregnancy. As your estrogen level begins to increase during the months of your pregnancy, your body also starts producing a much high level of glycogen. The higher levels of glycogen will increase your susceptible to yeast growth. This information is based on a few studies done by a number of experts in this field. According to the studies, the glycogen seems to cause the yeast to grow at a much faster rate and can even help the fungus stick to the walls of the vagina.
If your taking any kind of antibiotics this could also aid in the growth of the fungus. When your on antibiotic for an extend period of time, the antibiotic will kill the harmful bacteria but it can also have an adverse affect on the beneficial bacteria that you have growing in your vagina area which can aid the fungus in overpowering the good microorganisms. Once the fungus has a foot hold in your vagina area, the rest of your body will start to react too it and the end result is an infection.
Some of the early signs of the infection are as follows:
- burning sensation
- itchiness
- irritations
- soreness and redness of the vagina and surrounding area.
As the infection progresses, you might also observe a discharge of an odorless, white, creamy chess-like liquid, you may also experience some discomfort while engaging in intercourse.
The upside for all you expectant mothers is yeast infections have no know adverse effects on your baby while inside your womb, or affect your baby’s development in anyway.
The treatment used for yeast infection in pregnant women is no different then what would normally be used for treating yeast infections, you should always check with your doctor before beginning any treatment or medication for posable side effects.
