Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles During Pregnancy

...in the amount of a white, thin and odd-smelling discharge. Fortunately, yeast infections in pregnancy do not really have any major negative effect on the unborn child. However, they are more difficult to control in pregnant women and can intensify the discomfort that they normally feel.

Symptoms of yeast infections

If you notice one or more of the following signs, you may need to check with your doctor, if you have a yeast infection or not:

• A thick white discharge that resembles cottage cheese or yogurt. This discharge usually smells like yeast or bread. (At times the discharge may even be yellow or greenish)
• Itchiness, redness or irritation in the vaginal area.
• Experiencing a burning sensation during urination or while having intercourse.

Cures of yeast infections

Treatment of yeast infections in pregnancy normally includes the use of topical vaginal creams and suppositories only. Though there are oral medications that can cure yeast infections, they may not be safe to use during pregnancy or even if you are nursing your baby. This condition in pregnant women should not be left untreated, as it could pass on from the mother to the child’s mouth during delivery. Curing this problem could take anywhere between 10 to 15 days and once the infection has cleared and the sores have healed, it is advisable to apply a starch-free powder, so that it does not recur.

You could prevent the occurrence of a yeast infection, using the following measures:

• Wear loose cotton clothing that allows you to move about comfortably and your skin to breathe. Wear cotton underwear as far as possible.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry at all times
• After urinating use a piece of tissue paper to wipe from the front to the back and not the other way around.
• Never douche and in fact avoid using colored or perfumed toilet paper, scented tampons or sanitary pads and bubble baths.

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