As summer rolls in, many of us pregnant women, especially those in the later stages like me, find the combination of heat and humidity quite unbearable. Unfortunately, the warm weather also creates an ideal environment for yeast to thrive, making vaginal yeast infections more likely during this time.
What Is a Vaginal Yeast Infection?
A vaginal yeast infection occurs due to an overgrowth of a fungus known as Candida. Women naturally maintain a balance of yeast and bacteria in their vaginal area. However, when this balance is disrupted, yeast can multiply excessively, leading to an infection. Other terms for this condition include vaginal candidiasis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Typically, yeast infections can seem random, but there are various factors that can upset this balance. Yeast flourishes in damp environments, so activities like staying in a wet swimsuit or sweaty workout clothes for too long can elevate your risk. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can also contribute to this increased risk.
How Do I Know If I Have a Yeast Infection?
Common symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning sensations around the vaginal opening, discomfort during urination or sex, and a white or yellow discharge resembling cottage cheese. However, these symptoms can resemble those of other vaginal infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms during pregnancy, it’s crucial not to jump to conclusions. Always consult your OB or midwife to confirm whether it is indeed a yeast infection or something else, like bacterial vaginosis.
To diagnose a yeast infection, your healthcare provider may perform a pelvic exam and take a sample of the vaginal discharge for laboratory testing.
Are Yeast Infections Dangerous?
While uncomfortable, yeast infections generally do not pose serious risks during pregnancy. Each pregnancy has a baseline risk of 3-5% for birth defects and a 10-15% chance of miscarriage. However, if left untreated, a yeast infection can potentially transfer to your baby’s mouth during delivery, leading to a condition known as thrush. If your baby breastfeeds, they might pass the infection back to you, potentially causing nipple yeast infections. In rare cases, yeast infections can lead to more severe health issues in pregnant women, especially those with compromised immune systems.
How Can I Treat a Yeast Infection?
The good news is that yeast infections are typically easy to treat, even during pregnancy! Treatments can be either topical (antifungal creams inserted into the vagina) or oral (pills).
Oral Medications: The most common oral antifungal is fluconazole (Diflucan®), usually given as a single 150 mg dose. Low doses of this medication during pregnancy are unlikely to cause significant birth defects. However, high doses taken over extended periods in the first trimester may be associated with increased risks. As such, the CDC recommends topical treatments over oral ones for pregnant women. For more information, check out our Fluconazole Fact Sheet.
Topical Medications: Common topical treatments include antifungals like clotrimazole and miconazole, often used over a week. Some of these medications are available over-the-counter, but consult your doctor before using them, as other infections can mimic yeast infections.
In rare cases, some women may experience recurrent infections that may require a different treatment approach.
Can I Prevent a Yeast Infection?
While you can’t control the hormonal changes that come with pregnancy, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing a yeast infection. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider. Suggestions include:
- Change out of wet clothing promptly.
- Use warm water to clean the outer vaginal area, avoiding scented products.
- Sleep without underwear or in loose-fitting pajamas.
Unfortunately, you can’t completely prevent yeast infections during pregnancy! But prompt treatment can help you get back to managing the typical discomforts of summer pregnancy.
For more insights, don’t miss our post on starting child care and smooth transitions for you and your little one. Additionally, if you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, check out Make A Mom for a trustworthy source. And for a deeper understanding of donor insemination, visit American Pregnancy.
Summary
Summer heat can lead to an increase in vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy due to a combination of hormonal changes and a humid environment. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking proper medical advice is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.