How to Treat Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Yeast infections can be treated safely during pregnancy.

Candida, or yeast infections, are common in women of childbearing age. High estrogen levels can make pregnant women especially susceptible. Fortunately, it is possible to safely and quickly treat yeast infections during pregnancy by following a few quick tips at home.

Things You'll Need

• Obstetrician or midwife
• Garlic
• Yogurt
• Over the counter yeast infection medication

Instructions

1. Call your obstetrician or midwife at the first sign of symptoms. These include vaginal itching or burning, a cottage-cheese-like discharge, redness and in some cases, vaginal bleeding. These symptoms can indicate conditions other than a yeast infection, so make an appointment for an examination to confirm that you actually do have a yeast infection.

2. Try natural remedies such as plain yogurt. The live cultures in yogurt discourage the growth of yeast, and eating plain, unsweetened yogurt can help your body fight off the overgrowth. You can also insert plain, preferably organic, yogurt into your vagina to kill the yeast.

3. Try garlic as another natural remedy for yeast infections during pregnancy. Thread a needle, and push the needle through a peeled clove of garlic. Pull the needle through the garlic and cut it off, leaving several inches of thread attached through the garlic. Insert the garlic into the vagina with the thread hanging down. Leave the garlic in overnight, and then remove it by pulling on the thread. This may need to be repeated for several nights.

4. Use over-the-counter yeast infection medications if you prefer, or if the natural remedies do not work. Ask your doctor or midwife for a recommendation, as certain preparations are not recommended for pregnant women. Insert the medication into the vagina every night for 3 or 7 days, depending on the brand. Always finish the medication, as stopping it too early can cause resistant yeast to return several weeks later.

Tips & Warnings

• Always ask your health care provider for advice in treating ailments during pregnancy. Antibiotics can cause yeast infections, so if you must take one during pregnancy, eat live active culture yogurt daily to help stave off a yeast infection.

• If you do not feel better after 3 days of treating your yeast infection, see your doctor. Oral yeast infection medications are not recommended for pregnant women.

Resources

• Treating Yeast Infections With Garlic
• Natural Yeast Infection Remedies