Yeast infections (also known as candidiasis) are common in women, especially when you're pregnant. Increased
estrogen in your pregnant body can throw off the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in your vagina. This may let the yeast overgrow. Most yeast infections during pregnancy result from the fungus candida albicans. Two other kinds of yeast that can also cause them are
candida glabrata and candida tropicalis. Yeast infections aren't pleasant, but they won't hurt you or your baby. And they can be safely treated, usually with a topical cream. You might notice: It's safe to treat a yeast infection with over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal creams or suppositories that contain miconazole or clotrimazole. Don’t take an oral fluconazole tablet to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy. It may cause birth defects. If you think you have a yeast infection, call your doctor before using over-the-counter medications to treat it. Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
What is a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy?
Symptoms of a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Causes of a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Treating a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
Preventing a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy:
What's the best way to treat a yeast infection during pregnancy?
Answer From Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.
You can safely treat a yeast infection during pregnancy with various over-the-counter antifungal vaginal creams or suppositories. However, it's best to confirm with your health care provider that your symptoms are actually due to a yeast infection before starting treatment.
Yeast infections are especially common during pregnancy because hormone changes can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina. Common yeast infection symptoms include vaginal itching and a white, thick discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
Over-the-counter medications for treating yeast infections — available as creams, ointments or suppositories — include:
- Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF)
- Miconazole (Monistat 3)
- Terconazole
These products can be used at any point during pregnancy and don't pose a risk of birth defects or other pregnancy complications. For best results, choose a seven-day formula. Oral medication isn't recommended if you're pregnant.
Some commonly prescribed antifungals — such as fluconazole (Diflucan) — should be avoided, especially during the first trimester. If you see a doctor about your yeast infection and are very early in your pregnancy, make sure to tell the doctor that you think you're pregnant.
With
Yvonne Butler Tobah, M.D.
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Jan. 06, 2021
- Walls RM, et al., eds. Acute complications of pregnancy. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2018. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 30, 2018.
- Ferri FF. Vaginitis, fungal. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2019. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2019. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2018.
- Lobo RA, et al. Genital tract infections: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2018.
- Cohen J, et al. Vaginitis, vulvitis, cervicitis, and cutaneous vulval lesions. In: Infectious Diseases. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017.
- Bope ET, et al. Vulvovaginitis. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2018. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2018. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 26, 2018.
- Walls RM, et al., eds. Drug therapy in pregnancy. In: Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2018. //www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Aug. 30, 2018.
- Butler Tobah YS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 5, 2018.
See more Expert Answers
See also
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Pelvic exam
- Sex during vaginal infection: Is it harmful?
- Symptom Checker
- Vagina
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal odor
- Vaginitis
.