Facts about thrush during pregnancy
Common among women, vaginal yeast infection – known as thrush – is mainly caused by the Candida fungus and affects 3 out of 4 women at least once during their lifetime. Often triggered due to consumption of antibiotics or wearing tight clothing and underwear, pregnant women can get thrush because of the rapid changes affecting their bodies. Hormonal imbalances, and especially the high level of oestrogen, increases the likelihood of developing vaginal thrush.
If you develop thrush during pregnancy or whilst trying for a baby, you should not worry. Here are some facts about thrush in pregnancy that every soon-to-be mother should know:
-
Thrush will not prevent you from getting pregnant
-
Thrush is not known to harm your unborn baby
-
In only around 2% of cases is thrush passed on to a baby during delivery
How to avoid and treat thrush during pregnancy
There are a number of precautionary steps every pregnant woman can take to lower the risk of developing thrush while pregnant. They are easy, practical and effective in preventing a vaginal yeast infection. Proper hygiene, breathable cotton underwear, and regular check-ups with your GP are some of the things that help lower the risk of thrush.
However, if you still develop a yeast infection, first see your GP before undertaking any yeast infection treatments. Thrush treatments often include recommending an anti-fungal vaginal pessary or cream. Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy. It is important to know that oral capsule containing fluconazole should not be taken during pregnancy for treating thrush.
Here are some tips to help you avoid thrush:
-
Wear breathable cotton underwear that is not too tight
-
Ensure proper hygiene but avoid bubble baths, using soaps or any personal care products made with harsh chemicals around your vagina
-
Do not douche as it might increase the risk of vaginal irritation and disrupt the vaginal pH balance
-
Change underwear daily and wash it in hot water
-
Wipe from the front to the back to stop the bacteria from being transported to your vagina
Related Articles
What is thrush?
Learn what thrush is and the yeast infection symptoms to help identify it. Discover what thrush treatments there are, and how to prevent recurring thrush.
What is bacterial vaginosis (BV)?
Learn what bacterial vaginosis (BV) is from BV symptoms to how to prevent BV, and how to treat it. Find out what the differences between thrush and BV are today. In this article, you can also find advice on how to treat BV and how to stop BV from recurring.
What is cystitis?
Learn what cystitis is such as what the symptoms and causes of this urinary tract infection (UTI) are. You can also find out about how to treat and prevent cystitis here. The article also has a quick look at interstitial cystitis.
Vaginal infections: what you need to know
Learn how to identify the symptoms and causes of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV). Discover our tips on how to improve your vaginal health here.
Male thrush: causes and symptoms
Learn more about male thrush symptoms. Including how to reduce the risk of developing a yeast infection, prevention, and yeast infection treatments.
Thrush Trivia Quiz
Thrush is quite common, but how much do you know about it? Take our Thrush Trivia Quiz to test your knowledge on the causes of thrush and other candida symptoms. Share your results if you wish!