Most pregnant women have to endure various typical annoyances throughout forty weeks of gestation. There are many changes that a woman must undergo during this period, both physical and emotional. And it is the first ones that generally make an appearance faster. One of the problems that more pregnant women suffer from is vaginal infections.
Although it is not usually talked about naturally, since it is a very intimate and personal topic, the truth is that affects a large number of pregnant women. These types of conditions usually appear around the second trimester of pregnancy, which is when the amount of vaginal discharge usually increases. One of the most common vaginal infections is vaginal yeast infection.
What is vaginal yeast infection?
Vaginal yeast infection is an infection that is caused by the fungus Candida Albicans. This fungus is commonly found in the body, in areas such as the intestine, skin, or vagina. The disease called candidiasis occurs when, for various reasons, the Candida Albicans fungus develops excessively.
This type of infection can be caused by various reasons, although in the case of pregnancy the main cause is usually increased estrogen hormones. Estrogens help vaginal substances to increase the amount of sugar. This, in turn, favors the candida fungi existing in the vagina to reproduce at excessive levels.
Symptoms of vaginal candidiasis
Vaginal yeast infection has very annoying symptoms, as well as obvious ones, the main one is the change in vaginal discharge, which is more abundant, thicker and with a strange smell.
Other symptoms of vaginal yeast infection include:
- Whitish discharge and with a thick consistency, almost lumpy
- Another type of flow may also appear, with a yellowish or greenish color and a consistency similar to cottage cheese
- Redness in the area, a lot of itching and itching, in addition to quite annoying and painful discomfort in the vaginal area
- Inflammation on the vaginal lips
- Discomfort when urinating and when having sex
Preventive measures in pregnancy
Vaginal yeast infection can be caused by many reasons besides pregnancy, women who have a weak immune system they are more prone to these types of infections. It can also be caused by the consumption of antibiotics, among other reasons.
In addition to those mentioned, there are risk factors associated with the use of certain types of soap or the way you dress. So that, it is possible to avoid vaginal yeast infection following some preventive tips:
- Avoid wearing very tight clothing and synthetic fabrics. The most advisable thing is the use of light garments and breathable fabrics, such as cotton.
- Use a specific mild soap for the intimate area. These types of products are designed to respect vaginal pH, so they are more respectful of bacterial flora.
- Control your sugar intake and products with a high sugar content. The Candida albicans fungus reproduces more easily thanks to sugar.
- Have low-fat, sugar-free yogurt. Yogurt helps regulate bacterial flora, in addition, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding this food is very beneficial.
- Try to clean yourself very well after going to the bathroom. Hygiene is essential to avoid any type of vaginal infection, including vaginal yeast infection. Remember to clean yourself from front to back and whenever you have the possibility, wash the area with warm water after each bowel movement.
Although vaginal yeast infection is not dangerous for your baby in principle, it is important that you go to your doctor if you think you may have an infection. It is essential that the doctor gives you adequate treatment as soon as possible, so you can avoid complications in addition to the notable discomfort. The gynecologist will be able to assess the situation and thus choose the treatment for your circumstances.