Can Yeast Infections and Discharge Be Normal During Pregnancy?
Let’s be real: The miracle of life and the joys of pregnancy are not always pretty and pristine. From pain to noises to bodily happenings that are just plain unfamiliar to you, it is quite a ride and the more you know of what is normal and not, the more prepared you can and will feel. For example, Yeast infections and discharge – is that normal or a cause for alarm?
If you guessed “yep, pretty common” then congrats! You are correct. While you will still want to treat them, these occurrences are nothing to fully fret over. Let’s take a deeper look at just what goes on and why you should expect them.
Why So Common?
Knowing yeast infections are a pretty expected occurrence is one thing, but just why is it so common? Basically, the pregnant body experience a bunch of hormone changes and those changes, in turn, affect the vagina’s natural pH balance. Once that pH is disrupted, it is fairly easy for a yeast infection to arise. This is almost an expected occurrence in the second trimester, though throughout your entire pregnancy you will be more prone to yeast infections than any other time in your life.
What About That Discharge?
Also expected! The discharge is actually a byproduct of and a symptom of your yeast infection. It will most likely be a thick, white discharge – something akin to a slightly waterier cottage cheese – or thinner still, but still rather opaque in nature. It may look alarming but know that it is pretty par for the course with a pregnancy yeast infection.
Also important to note: If your discharge is just happening more frequently but is still relatively clear and odor-free, that is just normal pregnant body stuff and not necessarily linked to a yeast infection. In fact, it is a sign the vagina is healthy and functioning properly!
If you’re feeling a little insecure about the potential for discharge overflow, leak-proof panties are designed to keep you feeling confident and dry during this time.
Are There Other Symptoms?
Along with that aforementioned discharge, you may experience some uncomfortable vaginal itching.
What Should I Do?
As with any other symptom, you will want to consult your doctor. Again, don’t freak out as yeast infections should not have a major negative effect on your pregnancy, but you will want to consult a physician regardless to clear it up, especially as they are a bit more difficult to control during this time.
Home remedies are generally not recommended to treat this infection and some of the more commonly prescribed antifungals should be avoided, particularly while in your first trimester.
Typically, your doctor will prescribe Miconazole (Monistat) or Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin) or something similar to treat the yeast infection as they pose zero risks of birth defects or other complications during pregnancy. The treatment period will usually be a seven-day plan.
So, set your mind at ease – that discharge is normal and that pesky (yes, surely unwanted) yeast infection may be a pain, but it’s all part of the pregnancy cycle.
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