Safe Natural Remedy For a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
When pregnant, everything you do should be with safety in mind. And that includes any remedies you take for a yeast infection during your pregnancy. Discover why many pregnant women suffer yeast infections and what treatment options there are available.
Yeast infections during pregnancy are fairly common simply because of the changes that your body goes through. To understand more fully, let's summarise what actually causes a yeast infection, then work backwards from there, shall we?
O.K. A yeast infection is caused by a microscopic, yeast-like fungus, known as 'candida albicans.' This flora lives in our bodies, in our gut, mouth, sexual organs, even on our skin, etc. Usually, though, we don't even notice it because our friendly bacteria do a great job of keeping the candida in check, so that it doesn't get the opportunity to grow out of control.
But, for various reasons, the flora can actually win that battle and 'overgrow' to such an extent that it causes a yeast infection. Typical vaginal symptoms of which are; redness, inflammation, horrible itching, burning, thick discharge rather like cottage cheese, painful urination, painful sex, and so on.
So how can the candida manage to win the battle against your good bacteria? There are two main reasons: Either your good bacteria numbers become depleted, or, the candida is aided in some way that allows it to overcome your good bacteria.
Typical of these underlying 'triggers' are; antibiotics, body pH changes, hormonal imbalances, sexual transference, too much sugar, warmth and moisture, etc. So, for example, someone on antibiotics can get an infection because the antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. And, someone who consumes a lot of sugar (e.g. in processed foods, drinks, fresh / dried fruit, juices, etc.) ends up by 'feeding' the candida albicans fungus.
But why should yeast infections be very common during pregnancy? The main reason is, of course, that your body undergoes severe hormonal changes, that can lead to imbalances in your system, that can help favor the candida albicans fungus over your good bacteria.
What about treatment? The first thing to say is that, as you are pregnant, you must always consult you doctor about any symptoms, concerns or treatment options or remedies. You must protect yourself and your baby always!
Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication based on the type and severity of your infection and your condition. But many pregnant women are very wary of drugs during pregnancy, and prefer to use totally natural, safe remedies where available and effective.
Typical home remedies and tips for yeast infection are; topically applied yogurt or honey etc., the wearing of 100% loose cotton underwear, avoiding the use of scented douches, sprays, toilet paper etc., scrupulous hygiene using plain soap, and no intercourse during infection. There are many more, but too many to go into here.
Yeast infections during pregnancy are fairly common simply because of the changes that your body goes through. To understand more fully, let's summarise what actually causes a yeast infection, then work backwards from there, shall we?
O.K. A yeast infection is caused by a microscopic, yeast-like fungus, known as 'candida albicans.' This flora lives in our bodies, in our gut, mouth, sexual organs, even on our skin, etc. Usually, though, we don't even notice it because our friendly bacteria do a great job of keeping the candida in check, so that it doesn't get the opportunity to grow out of control.
But, for various reasons, the flora can actually win that battle and 'overgrow' to such an extent that it causes a yeast infection. Typical vaginal symptoms of which are; redness, inflammation, horrible itching, burning, thick discharge rather like cottage cheese, painful urination, painful sex, and so on.
So how can the candida manage to win the battle against your good bacteria? There are two main reasons: Either your good bacteria numbers become depleted, or, the candida is aided in some way that allows it to overcome your good bacteria.
Typical of these underlying 'triggers' are; antibiotics, body pH changes, hormonal imbalances, sexual transference, too much sugar, warmth and moisture, etc. So, for example, someone on antibiotics can get an infection because the antibiotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. And, someone who consumes a lot of sugar (e.g. in processed foods, drinks, fresh / dried fruit, juices, etc.) ends up by 'feeding' the candida albicans fungus.
But why should yeast infections be very common during pregnancy? The main reason is, of course, that your body undergoes severe hormonal changes, that can lead to imbalances in your system, that can help favor the candida albicans fungus over your good bacteria.
What about treatment? The first thing to say is that, as you are pregnant, you must always consult you doctor about any symptoms, concerns or treatment options or remedies. You must protect yourself and your baby always!
Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate medication based on the type and severity of your infection and your condition. But many pregnant women are very wary of drugs during pregnancy, and prefer to use totally natural, safe remedies where available and effective.
Typical home remedies and tips for yeast infection are; topically applied yogurt or honey etc., the wearing of 100% loose cotton underwear, avoiding the use of scented douches, sprays, toilet paper etc., scrupulous hygiene using plain soap, and no intercourse during infection. There are many more, but too many to go into here.