Thrush during pregnancy is not uncommon. According to statistics, every third woman is diagnosed with candidiasis during this period. This is due to a decrease in the body’s protective functions and hormonal disorders.

Candidiasis is a consequence of malfunctions in a woman’s body. Most often it occurs due to decreased immunity, which is common to all pregnant women.

The fetus is perceived by the body as a foreign body, and the immune system is designed to prevent exposure to foreign genetic material. To avoid fetal rejection, protective functions are temporarily reduced, and for this reason thrush appears in the first weeks of pregnancy.

The body is unable to resist Candida albicans fungi.

• Concomitant causes of candidiasis in any trimester may be:
• pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract system; illnesses internal organs
• and reproductive system;
• malignant formations;
• lack of vitamins and minerals in the body;
• infectious diseases;

long-term use of hormonal or antibiotic drugs.

Vaginal candidiasis in pregnant women develops in the presence of microtraumas of the vagina. Their occurrence may be caused by wearing tight underwear or intimate intimacy.

Thrush appears due to hormonal changes characteristic of women carrying a child. When the balance is not disturbed, the body actively resists candida fungi. At the slightest failure, the active development of infection occurs, and as a result, candidiasis during pregnancy.

An excellent natural antioxidant that eliminates the inflammatory process is chamomile. A decoction of these flowers is used for washing. As a result of such procedures, it is possible to eliminate the clinical manifestations of the disease. However, treatment of candidiasis during pregnancy will be ineffective if antifungal drugs are not used during therapy. By using folk remedies

It will not be possible to eliminate the fungal infection.

Treatment while breastfeeding

Therapy should be carried out under the close supervision of a specialist. It is strictly forbidden to resort to self-medication.

What to wash yourself with

Hygiene during thrush is of no small importance. To cure candidal colpitis during pregnancy, you need not only to use antifungal drugs, but also to wash yourself twice a day.

It is not recommended to use soap that negatively affects the condition of the vaginal microflora. To perform hygiene procedures on the external genitalia, you need to purchase special means intimate hygiene products that do not affect mucous membranes and do not wash away beneficial microorganisms.

• avoid excessive physical activity and take care of your health;
• review your diet and exclude flour, spicy foods and sweets from your diet;
• introduce vegetables and fruits into the diet;
• drink more fluids;
• wash your face twice a day;
• give preference to loose underwear made from cotton fabrics.

In addition, every woman should undergo an examination by a gynecologist at an early stage. If any problems are identified, she needs to refuse intimacy with her sexual partner until they are completely eliminated.

Candidiasis is often a companion to pregnancy. During this period, the immune system is weakened and is not able to resist fungal infection. It is strongly recommended not to delay treatment. There are safe medications that can be used even during pregnancy.

Good afternoon, my dear readers. There are probably few women who have never encountered candidiasis. This disease is very common, especially during pregnancy, when immunity drops and our body becomes especially vulnerable. Therefore, today I would like to talk in detail about the reasons for the development of this disease. Are you wondering why thrush is dangerous during pregnancy? What symptoms indicate the appearance of pathology? What should young ladies do to avoid relapse of this disease? How to treat candidiasis early stages carrying a baby when most drugs are prohibited? Today I will give comprehensive answers to these and many other questions. Interesting? Then follow me...

Conclusion:

Briefly about this pathology

Among the people, the disease “candidiasis” is most often found under the name “thrush”. Every third young lady faces this pathology, especially during the exciting period of bearing her baby. This disease is caused by Candida fungi, which infect the mucous membranes of the body. Some pregnant women are in no hurry to contact an antenatal clinic, thinking that the disease will go away on its own. This behavior is completely wrong! After all, candidiasis in an expectant mother can develop into more serious problems for her health and even be transmitted to the newborn during childbirth. A child can develop thrush in the mouth, but adults most often experience damage to the genitals.

To be fair, I note that a certain amount of these fungi lives in the body of 99% of the entire population, that is, they are an essential component of healthy microflora - they are found not only on the mucous membranes, but also on the surface of human skin, even in the digestive tract, only in safe quantities. But this pathology does not progress in everyone. Why is this happening? What are the reasons for the growth of pathological flora in the vagina?

According to statistics, every second pregnant woman experiences candidiasis.

Reasons for the development of candidiasis

In order to reduce the likelihood of thrush, or at least understand what causes it, let's look at the main reasons for the growth of fungi in the vagina.

Decreased immunity

At the moment, doctors agree that the growth of Candida on the delicate surface of the genital organs of most patients begins due to decreased immunity - after conception, the female body begins to work for two, and if its accumulated resources become insufficient, this primarily affects the main “strength” of the body – immunity.

Increase in some hormones

The second reason for the development of candidiasis when carrying a baby is a rapid change in the mother’s hormonal balance (the amount of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, increases), which leads to an increase in the level of acidity on the vaginal mucous membranes. And for the proliferation of fungi, these are the most Better conditions! The immune system does not fight, the pH changes, and “food” for their growth becomes abundant.

Antibiotic treatment before and during pregnancy

Another impetus for the development of thrush can be antibiotic therapy before pregnancy. These drugs kill beneficial bacteria mucosal flora and give a green signal for the growth of pathogenic organisms - vaginal dysbiosis occurs. Nothing can prevent the growth of fungi, and they rapidly begin to multiply in fertile soil.

If during pregnancy it was necessary to use antibiotic therapy, then this is even more likely to lead to the appearance of candidiasis. Weak immunity + high acidity + low level of beneficial organisms will not give a chance to avoid the development of this unpleasant disease.

When prescribing antibiotics during pregnancy, it is better to immediately discuss with your doctor local additional supportive therapy for the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Disturbance of vaginal microflora

Thrush also becomes a frequent guest in women who rely too much on douching. Disruption of the vaginal microflora, lowering local immunity by washing out the beneficial inhabitants of the mucous membrane will inevitably lead to the growth of a pathogenic environment. If a young lady notices a change in the nature of the discharge, dryness, even slight discomfort, then it is better to find out the reason for this from a doctor, and not to continue douching with even greater zeal.

Injury to the mucous membrane

During the period of bearing a baby, a woman’s whole body becomes more vulnerable. Therefore, lovers of thrills and violent sex should cool their ardor a little. The same applies to women who have a low amount of lubrication. In order to reduce the risk of injury to the vaginal walls during sexual intercourse, it is advisable to use special lubricants.

Intimate hygiene mistakes and incorrectly selected underwear

I hope all girls already know that the health of our intimate organs depends on the quality of underwear and proper intimate hygiene? Lovers of tight shorts, invisible thongs and synthetic panties need to be especially careful. The former interfere with normal blood circulation in the pelvis, which is fraught not only with the appearance of candidiasis, but also with more serious consequences (lymph nodes are pinched, which can lead to their malignant degeneration). The latter significantly shorten the path of bacteria from the anus to the vagina along the narrow “bridge” of the back strip of the thong. Well, the artificial fabric of others interferes with the necessary breathability.

As a consequence, in intimate places a warm, moist environment is created - the most favorable for the growth of pathogenic bacteria. After all, as we already understood, local immunity is already greatly reduced in pregnant women, so why add burden to it in the form of low-quality fabrics and fashionable design.

The right decision would be to wear comfortable cotton underwear during pregnancy, which will not be felt during the day. You should also not forget about regular intimate hygiene using special “mild” detergents.

Sexual transmission

And of course, you can become infected with thrush from your sexual partner. Most often, thrush in men is completely asymptomatic. Therefore, if it is detected, the future dad should also get tested. But I note that candidiasis is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

How do the first symptoms of the disease appear? Let's talk about them now.

The first symptoms of candidiasis development

Many women immediately notice an exacerbation of thrush due to pronounced symptoms. Although there are those who find out the diagnosis only after undergoing tests (vaginal smears) during pregnancy registration. What should you pay attention to?

The first signs of the development of pathology are:

• cheesy white discharge;
• severe itching and/or burning sensation in intimate area;
• the appearance of a sour odor from the vagina.

Then they can join:

• redness of the labia;
• pain when urinating.

Particularly disturbing are the unpleasant sensations in the evening, after sex and hygiene procedures.

But you shouldn’t immediately diagnose yourself. After all, these same symptoms can occur in many other inflammatory diseases. Since the expectant mother must be especially careful and responsible about her health, the right option would be to see a doctor and undergo all the necessary tests to confirm (deny) the diagnosis. You should not self-medicate!

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy: what is possible and what is not

As I said above, thrush is not always pronounced and causes concern to a woman. But if during the tests an increased amount of Candida fungi was detected, then treatment cannot be postponed.

Beginning of pregnancy

The 1st trimester of pregnancy is a period when treatment with most drugs is contraindicated. After all, it is at this time that the most important “laying in” of all the vital systems of the child’s body takes place. And, as luck would have it, it is in the early stages that all long-forgotten sores begin to “climb out” ((Are you familiar with this scenario? We have already figured out above what causes this. Some women even regard thrush as a sign of pregnancy, it appears so often in the first weeks after conception. How to alleviate your condition? What can you use in the very first weeks, which are so important for the baby?

First of all, as I already wrote, pay attention to the quality, design of underwear and intimate hygiene. It is also worth remembering about the diet - during thrush, you should limit the consumption of sweet, spicy, pickled foods, spices with a pronounced taste - all of them provoke increased discomfort in the intimate area, as they increase the acidity of the vaginal mucosa, which increases the growth of Candida. During this period, it is best to focus on fermented milk products High Quality(with a short shelf life), fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals.

Soda baths or douching will not interfere. But it should be remembered that this is not a treatment. Just the alkaline composition of the solution can temporarily remove discomfort in the genitals.

During the period of exacerbation of the disease, complete sexual rest is important. It is also advisable to completely abandon the use of panty liners (you will need to change your underwear more often), since they create a “greenhouse” effect and an acidic environment, which pathogenic fungi love so much.

If you start preventive measures in time (diet, proper hygiene), then thrush may recede without additional treatment. Everything will depend on the strength of local immunity.

If you are not among the lucky ones, and thrush still needs to be treated, then the doctor will choose the safest drugs for the pregnant woman. In the first trimester, the most correct option would be Pimafucin (it is allowed from the beginning to the end of pregnancy), since its main active ingredient does not enter the blood, is not absorbed by the mucous membranes and does not penetrate the uterine placental barrier to the baby. Sometimes the gynecologist adds Betadine to the treatment regimen, but for a short course.

It is Pimafucin that doctors recommend in the early stages, but this does not mean that you can prescribe it yourself. In addition, the effectiveness of this medicine is not very high compared to other antifungal drugs.

Mid and end of pregnancy

Since the beginning of the 2nd trimester, most medications for the treatment of thrush have already been approved. A special exception is for oral medications - their use is not recommended. It is most convenient to use local vaginal tablets, suppositories or cream. Starting from the 13th week of pregnancy, doctors prescribe Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Livarol and other antifungal drugs. Their effectiveness is much higher than Pimafucin. Sometimes, for a complete cure, therapy with the drug Terzhinan is required (in rare cases, it is also used in the 1st trimester). But I think you should know that it contains a hormonal component.

There is controversy online regarding the use of Sodium tetraborate (borax in glycerin). This remedy is very cheap and has previously been successfully used to treat thrush not only in pregnant women, but even in newborns. But now most doctors believe that its use is completely unacceptable! And in the instructions for this drug, pregnancy, lactation and pediatrics are on the list of contraindications! Why? In this regard, it is best to ask the opinion of your treating gynecologist. Maybe because this medicine is highly toxic, is actively absorbed into the blood and has many side effects?

Why is thrush dangerous in the third trimester?

Thrush in the 3rd trimester is especially dangerous, even if it occurs without severe discomfort for the pregnant woman. The fact is that a sick mother can infect her newborn with candidiasis as he passes through the birth canal. That is why the answer to the question: Is thrush dangerous for a newborn? – there will be a categorical YES. Remember, before giving birth it is necessary to cure candidiasis. This will not be particularly difficult, because as we remember, starting from the second trimester, the list of medications for its treatment is quite wide. The new antifungal agent Zalain has proven itself very well. And for complex treatment Doctors prescribe Vagilak, Wobenzym, etc.

Thrush is a common “companion” of pregnant women. The scientific name of the disease is candidiasis, caused by Candida fungi.

Every person has these microorganisms as part of their microflora. When conditions are favorable for them, they begin to multiply, thereby causing symptoms of thrush.

One of these conditions is pregnancy, since pregnant women experience dramatic changes in hormonal levels and decreased immunity. Most often, candidiasis affects the genitals, mouth and intestines.

Causes and symptoms

The proliferation of Candida fungi is the cause of thrush. Factors that provoke vaginal candidiasis:

Characteristic symptoms of thrush:

• curdled vaginal discharge with a sour odor, white;
• itching and burning of the genitals;
• pain during intercourse (due to swelling and inflammation of the labia).

Thrush can have a chronic form, which is more difficult to treat. It usually appears before menstruation.

Diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy

If there are suspicions or manifestations of the first symptoms of thrush, you should immediately consult a gynecologist. Do not self-medicate under any circumstances, even if you already have experience in treating candidiasis. During pregnancy, many drugs can cross the placental barrier and enter the baby's bloodstream.

We must know and remember that the reception of many medicines negatively affects the fetus.

In addition, some infectious diseases are similar to thrush, so only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis after analyzing the laboratory data obtained.
To make an accurate diagnosis, a gynecologist examines a woman in a gynecological chair and takes smears.

Diagnostic methods used:

In the first trimester, local medications (suppositories, ointments) are prescribed, since this period is the most important, as all the important organs of the fetus are formed.

At the beginning of pregnancy, the gynecologist prescribes Pimafucin and Betadine suppositories; they are safe and do not have a toxic effect on the fetus, but are not always effective; there is a possibility of relapses in the next trimesters. If thrush is severe, then sometimes it is necessary to use systemic medications.

In the second and third trimesters, Gyno-Pevaril suppositories and Gynofort cream are allowed. At the end of pregnancy, the use of Clotrimazole and Terzhinan is allowed. Since thrush can be sexually transmitted, the partner also needs to undergo treatment (systemic).

In men, thrush rarely occurs; more often they act as carriers of the disease without visible symptoms. During the treatment period, you should abstain from sexual intercourse.

The duration of treatment for candidiasis and dosage are prescribed only by a doctor.

The prescribed course must be completed to the end, even if the symptoms have already disappeared. If thrush appears in the first and second trimesters, before giving birth it is recommended to undergo treatment again for preventive purposes, since during childbirth you can infect the fetus.

In addition to local treatment, it is advisable to take drugs to maintain intestinal microflora, for example, Hilak Forte. During treatment, intimate hygiene should be performed at least twice a day without frequent use soap, preferably boiled water. It is recommended to eat right and take vitamins, this has a good effect on maintaining immunity.

Possible consequences for the pregnant woman and the unborn child

“Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy?” - frequently asked question women when carrying a child. Every pregnant woman should know how thrush affects the fetus and the course of pregnancy. Candidiasis is an infectious disease, so there is a possibility of infection of the fetus and pregnancy complications.

But with timely consultation with a doctor and proper treatment, the danger is unlikely.

Why is thrush dangerous during pregnancy and childbirth?

Infection of a child occurs more often during childbirth than during pregnancy.

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In the womb he is protected amniotic fluid, fetal membranes, fetoplacental barrier, as well as a closed uterine pharynx, so the likelihood of infection is minimal (according to statistics, intrauterine infection occurs only in 0.4% of cases).

But there is still a risk, if candidiasis is not treated, there will be a huge number of fungi and they will penetrate the fetal organs. Children suffer from thrush much more severely than adults, and even some deviations may occur. Possible consequences in the fetus:

If treatment is ignored during pregnancy, the consequences of thrush can seriously affect the health of the child, even leading to death in the first days of life.

Prevention during pregnancy

Before planning a pregnancy, you need to make sure that there are no infectious diseases. It is best to undergo a full examination so as not to treat the consequences later. Preventive measures during pregnancy:

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Have you ever tried to get rid of THRUST? Judging by the fact that you are reading this article, victory was not on your side. And of course you know firsthand what it is:

• white cheesy discharge from the external genitalia...
• itching and burning in the vaginal area...
• sour smell...
• pain and discomfort when urinating, during sexual intercourse...

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Many expectant mothers are familiar with thrush (candidiasis). During the period of bearing a baby, formations are created in the vagina. ideal conditions for fungal growth. The consequences of thrush during pregnancy can be serious, including self-abortion. The risks are determined in each specific case by the doctor. To avoid consequences, you need to contact a gynecologist if you have characteristic symptoms. If candidiasis is treated correctly, it does not pose a danger.

If there is an illness, only the attending physician can choose the appropriate treatment method

The development of the disease is provoked by the Candida fungus. Such microorganisms are always present in the female microflora, and this is considered the norm. When actively dividing, the yeast-like fungus causes characteristic symptoms. This is how thrush occurs. A large number of microorganisms provoke inflammatory processes, which is dangerous.

Expectant mothers are at risk for developing the disease. Favorable factors for the fungus are considered to be a change in vaginal microflora to acidic, supplemented by a decrease in immunity. During pregnancy, hormonal levels change, which leads to a change in the vaginal environment. Fungi get an impetus to divide. A decrease in the body's protective functions contributes to the progression of candidiasis. This phenomenon is a natural process. A decrease in immunity is necessary to prevent fetal rejection. But this also stimulates the development of fungal disease.

There are a number of additional factors that contribute to the appearance of thrush. Most often, symptoms of the disease appear when:

• failure to comply with personal hygiene rules;
• presence of allergic reactions to hygiene products;
• wearing synthetic underwear (“non-breathable” material creates favorable conditions for the development of fungal disease);
• taking antibiotics before/during pregnancy (they change the microflora);
• poor nutrition;
• intestinal dysbiosis;
• vitamin deficiency;
• the presence of concomitant diseases: tuberculosis, diseases of the genitourinary system, diabetes mellitus, oncology, infectious diseases, pathologies of the circulatory system.

It is believed that thrush can occur due to stress. Regular stress leads to weakened immunity. Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates can provoke the disease. They are the main cause of imbalance in the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, due to which the growth of candida increases.

Thrush can develop against the background of douching. This procedure should be carried out only when indicated. If you neglect this rule, the normal microflora will be washed out and replaced by pathogenic ones.

Symptoms

The symptoms of candidiasis are recognizable, so a woman can easily recognize the presence of the disease. Typical symptoms include:

• Curdled discharge. When fungi multiply, the mucus becomes colored White color, acquires a lumpy consistency. The change in secretion on dark underwear is especially noticeable. Sometimes pathological discharge has grey colour. The abundance of mucus depends on the stage of the disease: the progress of the fungal disease increases the production of mucus.
• Specific smell. With candidiasis, the discharge takes on a sour smell. It is also called “kefir”. He may have varying degrees expressiveness, but the patient herself always hears it.
• Burning, itching. The fungus causes discomfort in the vaginal area: a burning sensation appears and the itching sensation does not stop. If you scratch the affected area, the sensations will intensify: pathogenic microorganisms will penetrate deep into the tissue, and the inflammatory process will become more extensive.
• Painful sensations when urinating. A fungal disease leads to a decrease in the protective functions of vaginal mucus. Against the background of inflammation, the sensitivity of the epithelium increases. This leads to discomfort when going to the toilet.
• Pain, burning during sexual intercourse. Under the influence of the fungus, the vagina becomes sensitive, which leads to discomfort during sex. A woman with thrush cannot have a normal sex life. The same symptom is observed with chlamydia, so it is important to carry out a differential diagnosis.

Typically, symptoms manifest themselves in a complex manner, but with an atypical course of the disease, only one can be expressed. The expectant mother should follow the signals that her body gives her. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should contact your gynecologist to find out the causes and subsequent therapy.

Diagnostic methods

Detecting the presence of a disease in the body is not so easy

Only a gynecologist can diagnose candidiasis. The diagnosis is made based on the study of the patient’s complaints, examination, and test results. Important diagnostic methods are smears. They allow the doctor to determine the cause of the pathological manifestations. It is difficult to make a diagnosis based on symptoms alone. Unpleasant sensations in the groin area and discharge that deviates from the norm may indicate the presence of an infection.

With an atypical course of the disease, diagnosis becomes more complicated. Especially if the “identifying sign” of the disease - curdled lumps of mucus - is absent. Sometimes, when the course of thrush is erased, it is even impossible to assume in advance that it is candidiasis.

Possible consequences

Thrush during pregnancy occurs without consequences only with timely and competent treatment. The lack of adequate therapy significantly increases the possible risks of complications. Candidiasis itself does not pose such a great danger; if left untreated, infections are added to the fungal disease. This phenomenon can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is believed that during the period of bearing a baby, candidiasis is associated with risks concerning both the health of the expectant mother and the safety of the fetus.

The consequences of thrush during pregnancy depend on the stage of the disease, the duration of pregnancy, and the timeliness of therapy. TO possible risks include:

• the likelihood of self-abortion (if thrush occurred in the first trimester);
• premature birth(when the disease manifested itself towards the end of the term);
• infection of amniotic fluid;
• inflammation of the membranes;
• development of intrauterine hypoxia, which can lead to delayed fetal development and slow weight gain.

If you have thrush, there is a risk of postpartum infection. The most common complication is endometritis. Thrush can indirectly provoke ruptures when labor activity. Under the influence of fungal infection and inflammatory processes vaginal epithelial cells die. Their place is taken by connective tissue. The problem is that it is not elastic. When the fetus passes through the birth canal, the tissues are torn. After delivery, ruptures take a long time to heal.

Fetal infection: myth or reality

Timely therapy will help avoid complications

Among the risks posed by thrush, doctors always mention the possibility of intrauterine infection of the fetus. This dangerous phenomenon can lead to the appearance of various pathologies in the baby, cause premature birth, and provoke a miscarriage. However, expectant mothers should know that the likelihood of such infection is minimal. This is proven by medical statistics - 0.5% of cases. The child is reliably protected by the membranes, waters, fetoplacental barrier, and closed pharynx. Although the fungus rarely passes through the placental barrier, the likelihood of passage increases if candida actively multiplies and there are a lot of them. Therefore, statistics are statistics, and we cannot remain inactive.

If intrauterine infection is a rare occurrence, then infection with a fungal disease when passing through the birth canal is common. During the process of delivery, the baby's skin, oral cavity, umbilical cord, and respiratory tract can become infected. Usually the fungus “chooses” the oral cavity. This causes stomatitis. The baby refuses to breastfeed due to the fact that he cannot eat normally, which results in weight loss. The problem is easy to solve with the help of therapy, which can only be prescribed by a doctor. The main thing is not to waste time, because the baby should receive all the substances necessary for normal development from birth.

How to avoid consequences

It is possible to avoid the consequences of thrush, which pose a threat to the health of a woman and her baby. If you have characteristic symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor, who will determine treatment tactics taking into account the “interesting” situation.

You should consult a gynecologist if the patient had thrush before pregnancy. The doctor will give recommendations on how to prevent the active proliferation of fungi again. If the expectant mother has never had candidiasis, then she needs to find out what preventive measures exist and follow them. This will help you carry your baby to term without being distracted by the fight against thrush, without fear of serious consequences.

Therapeutic measures

For thrush, treatment with systemic drugs is indicated. They effectively fight candidiasis. However, capsules and tablets are strictly forbidden to be used during pregnancy. Systemic drugs penetrate into the blood and affect microorganisms in the intestines. If you use systemic antifungal agents to treat a pregnant woman, this will negatively affect the development of the fetus. Such drugs are highly toxic, so the gynecologist selects an alternative to pills.

You can’t take any medications yourself, it’s dangerous.

To treat candidiasis in pregnant women, local medications are used - suppositories, ointments, creams. The pharmacological market offers a lot of options for such drugs, but the expectant mother cannot objectively determine which of them effectively cope with the task and do not harm the fetus on her own. This is the competence of an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Self-medication during pregnancy is strictly prohibited. You can harm both your own health and your baby’s. The taboo also extends to the use of traditional medicine without prior consultation with a gynecologist observing pregnancy. Douching with decoctions of medicinal herbs and using herbal infusions only at first glance seem like a harmless solution. In fact, such actions can negatively affect the course of pregnancy. Sometimes alternative methods do help, but only those approved by your doctor.

Doctors recommend a comprehensive approach to the treatment of candidiasis in pregnant women. To combat fungi, they prescribe topical medications, and multivitamins to increase immunity. Sometimes immunomodulators are additionally prescribed.

It is important that both partners undergo treatment. Pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, so treatment will be ineffective if a man refuses therapy. During the entire treatment period, you need to use condoms during sex: one unprotected act and all your efforts will come to nothing.

Treatment must not only be safe and effective, but also timely. Any alarming symptom is a reason to seek advice from a specialist.

Preventive measures

The development of candidiasis can be prevented. Since expectant mothers are at risk, preventive measures must be strengthened. You can reduce the likelihood of developing candidiasis if:

• wear cotton underwear and completely abandon synthetic ones;
• pay close attention to personal hygiene;
• do not take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription;
• adjust your diet (be sure to include vegetables, fruits, bran, grains, they have a positive effect on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract).

A pregnant woman must register with the antenatal clinic in a timely manner; it is important to take all tests. If alarming symptoms appear, you should not postpone going to the doctor; in the future, you need to follow all his recommendations.

When planning a pregnancy, you need to get tested and make sure that the microflora is normal. Especially if the woman already had thrush. It is also important to identify and treat all diseases that can cause problems during gestation, before pregnancy occurs.

Planning, prevention and timely treatment can minimize all the risks that accompany candidiasis. With the right approach to the problem, the consequences can be avoided.

Waiting for the birth of a child certainly becomes a very interesting and unpredictable time for a pregnant woman. She experiences an indescribable sensation from the thought that soon the baby will be born and will grow before her eyes. But pregnancy does not always proceed so well that expectant mother will not affect the common problem of thrush and all its unpleasant consequences. How to get rid of thrush during pregnancy?

Candidiasis(thrush) is a disease of infectious etiology caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This type of fungus is a representative of opportunistic microflora, which normally lives not only in the vagina, but also in the oral cavity.

When conditions arise that allow Candida albicans to freely increase its number (decreased local and general immunity of the body, imbalance of vaginal microflora, gross errors in nutrition), the fungus multiplies and colonizes the mucous membrane. Candida transforms from an opportunistic microorganism into a pathogenic microorganism that can cause bacterial inflammation of the vaginal mucosa– candidiasis.

Why is thrush dangerous during pregnancy?

Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Vaginal candidiasis, being a common disease among pregnant women, has already for a long time remains one of the main problems in the practice of obstetricians and gynecologists. Occurring not only during pregnancy, but also during pregnancy planning, thrush threatens the successful development of the fetus and its trouble-free passage through the woman’s birth canal.

Why is it dangerous for the fetus? thrush during pregnancy and how does it affect pregnancy? The fungus Candida albicans, multiplying in favorable conditions, further acidifies the vaginal environment. Depending on the severity of the thrush, the microorganism has different effects on pregnancy. In mild cases of the disease, the pathogenicity of the effect is limited by changes in the acidity of the environment, but this circumstance, in the absence of adequate and timely treatment, will provoke further proliferation of the fungus.

In more severe forms of thrush, the fungus, spreading in an upward direction to the uterus containing the fetus, creates high risk of infection of the child’s organs and systems. The umbilical cord, skin, mucous membrane of the oral cavity and respiratory system are subject to infection.

In addition to the above, vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy can promote increased proliferation of other microorganisms on the mucous membrane of the birth canal of a pregnant woman, among which there are species that are initially pathogenic for humans.

What are the causes of thrush in pregnant women?

The direct cause of vaginal candidiasis in a pregnant woman is the already mentioned species of Candida albicans. However, there is whole line etiological factors, under the influence of which the pathogenic activity of the fungus is activated. Without their stimulating effect, thrush most likely will not develop.

To causative factors The occurrence of thrush during pregnancy includes:

• Mandatory disruption of a woman’s hormonal levels, which is directly related to the very fact of bearing a child.
• The presence of chronic diseases of other body systems (liver, kidneys, digestive tract), including cancer.
• Infectious diseases (tuberculosis,).
• The formation of injuries to the vaginal mucosa during sexual intercourse.
• Taking hormonal and antibacterial drugs.

In general, the occurrence of candidiasis in a pregnant woman indicates an unfavorable state of her health and decrease in the protective properties of the immune system.

Symptomatically, the course of candidiasis in a pregnant woman and in a woman who is not expecting a child is not particularly different. With thrush, they are observed during pregnancy, reminiscent of curdled masses in their consistency. Itching and burning may occur in the external genital area.

It is possible that there is an unpleasant sour smelling discharge. Some pregnant women note the periodic occurrence of pain in the lower abdomen, which intensifies when urinating.

Initial diagnostic measures begin with a detailed questioning of the woman about pregnancy. Next, a mandatory examination is carried out in a gynecological chair for visible symptoms and taking a smear from the vagina for microflora. This test is absolutely painless and is performed on all women when they attend an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist. It allows you to quantitatively assess the population of the vaginal mucosa with the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans.

In other cases they use microbiological research method. To do this, biological material obtained from the walls of the vagina and mucous membrane of the cervix of a pregnant woman is planted on a specialized nutrient medium. At the same time, how the fungus grows on a given medium, the indicator determines its susceptibility to the action of antifungal drugs. This diagnostic method not only confirms the presence of an excess amount of fungus among the vaginal microflora, but also helps in choosing adequate therapy for thrush.

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy

How to treat thrush during pregnancy? The basis of drug therapy for candidiasis in pregnant women is the group antifungal drugs, which includes agents of both local and systemic action. Due to the wide side effect on other organs and systems, as well as on the fetus; oral drugs with systemic action (Diflucan, Nizoral) are excluded for pregnant women. Are widely used only local medicines from thrush during pregnancy, which include:

• Miconazole. By inhibiting the formation of fungal cell wall components, it reduces their ability to reproduce.
• Nystatin. Having a high affinity for the components of the fungal cell wall, it is able to integrate into its structures. Subsequently, this integration leads to the formation of channels in the membrane of the microorganism through which water molecules pass uncontrollably, leading to cell death.
• Clotrimazole. The action of the drug is in many ways similar to the mechanism of action of Miconazole, however, this drug additionally disrupts the electrolyte balance of the fungal cell.
• Pimafucin. Similar to the fungal-destroying action of Nystatin.

All local medicines are used in the form vaginal suppositories or vaginal tablets from thrush during pregnancy.

IN modern conditions a woman suffering from thrush may resort to using homeopathic and folk remedies for your cure for thrush during pregnancy. In this situation, the following may help: calendula, echinacea, sulfur.

Homeopathic therapy is used to eliminate symptoms thrush: itching and burning, unpleasant odor, curdled discharge. But the use of this type of treatment for thrush during pregnancy without consultation with a leading obstetrician-gynecologist is absolutely excluded.

However, we should not forget about the enormous role observing personal hygiene rules, especially during pregnancy. This circumstance is no less important in the treatment of thrush than drug therapy. A pregnant woman should change her panty liners(in certain cases, completely abandon their use) and provide a high-quality personal toilet. This helps not only to cure candidiasis, but also to prevent its development.

It should also be balanced and complete. According to the recommendations of nutritionists, during recovery from candidiasis, it is worth excluding salty, spicy, too spicy or sweet foods from your daily diet. And fermented milk products and all kinds of fruits are welcome.

It is important not only for the pregnant woman to comply with all the above rules, but also to maintain favorable psychological and emotional microclimate in family. The support and help of loved ones, especially the father of the unborn child, is very important. It is recommended to stop treatment for the duration of treatment, and there is also a need to examine the sexual partner for the presence of candidiasis and mandatory therapy in case of positive results.

What is the prevention of thrush during pregnancy?

• Maintaining personal hygiene, excluding douching (due to the possibility of imbalance of vaginal microflora).
• Wearing clean underwear mainly made of cotton fabrics.
• A varied, nutritious diet with the exception of a low-calorie diet.
• Regular walks in the fresh air.

A pregnant woman, despite her “interesting situation,” can follow not only preventive measures, but it is generally easy to treat candidiasis when it is detected. Do not be afraid of this diagnosis, because with timely diagnosis and treatment, the state of the vaginal microflora normalizes, and the symptoms disappear. The main recommendation for a pregnant woman remains vigilance and attentiveness to your normal state and the health of your child.

Video about thrush during pregnancy

We invite you to watch video about thrush in pregnant women, where the doctor will talk about the features of treatment and prescribed medications.