Boston: How Do Yeast Infections Affect Pregnancy?

Boston,

During pregnancy, any type of sickness in a pregnant woman can become a worry to her and the people who love here. Although a pregnant woman is able to fight a cold, flu or infection just like the next person, it makes sense that people are more concerned about someone who is with child. The case is no different when it comes to a yeast infection during pregnancy. A pregnant woman often becomes very worried about how an existing yeast infection can affect her baby, but there are certain things one can do to fight a yeast infection while continuing to protect the mother and unborn baby.

It is, in fact, somewhat common for women to experience yeast infections during pregnancy-particularly in the second trimester. During this trimester excessive hormonal fluctuations mean the woman’s body pH will change and may become a breeding ground for candida yeast-a bacteria that serves a purpose in the intestinal flora but can overgrow and cause yeast problems if it isn’t stopped.

When the candida grows out of control it can develop into a fungal infection, or yeast infection, in moist areas, including the vagina. While the hormonal changes in pregnant women play a significant role in candida overgrowth, other factors include weakened immune systems, high sugar diets, and antibiotic usage.

Some people are surprised to learn antibiotics can cause a health problem such as a candida yeast infection. After all, aren’t antibiotics supposed to cure illnesses, not cause them? The truth is that antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bad bacteria. It is when the good, protective bacteria is destroyed that candida yeast can overgrow and wreak havoc on the body.

To counteract the negative affects of antibiotics if needed, the pregnant woman’s doctor or specialist may recommend taking a probiotic, which builds back up the healthy bacteria that can be destroyed by antibiotics.

There are actually other ways for a pregnant woman to take control of her health care at home, giving herself the best chances of kicking a yeast infection to the curb. While the yeast infection is unlikely to cause problems for the unborn baby, it is in the best interests of mother and baby to clear it up in a safe and comfortable way.

Below are a few home remedy treatments to try when you are facing a yeast infection during pregnancy:

Good Nutrition

It may seem obvious, but the best thing a pregnant woman can do in her own home to protect and nourish her body is making sure she has good nutrition. The best anti-yeast infection diet is low sugar, low processed, whole foods, vegetables, sugar-free dairy and lots of protein. Just saying no to sugary food and drink may be the key to tackling candida overgrowth-and keeping it away.

Plain Sugar-Free Yogurt

This stuff is like magic when it comes to getting rid of a candida yeast infection. Whether you are consuming it, applying it to the vagina or both, make sure it is plain and sugar-free, and you will likely notice an improvement and eventual elimination of the infection as the yogurt adds healthy bacteria to your body and fights the bad bacteria.

Garlic-the Natural Anti-Bacterial Agent

It may seem strange, but research and many successful testimonials have shown that inserting a peeled garlic clove into the vagina can fight the bad bacteria. The trick is to tie a long piece of thread to the garlic clove, insert it into the vagina, leave overnight, and pull the string in the morning to remove the clove. The garlic will go to work killing bad bacteria and eliminating the infection.

So while a yeast infection during pregnancy may not be a serious condition for the mother or child, the discomfort alone makes for an unhappy momma, and that doesn’t benefit anyone! By trying some of these simple anti-candida strategies, you will likely be on your way back to the comfortable and blissful pregnancy every pregnant woman deserves.

Source by Matthew Bredel

How Do Yeast Infections Affect Pregnancy?