What Are the Treatments for Yeast Infections During the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

The first trimester of pregnancy brings a host of discomforts--including morning sickness, tender breasts, and fatigue. As if this weren't enough, pregnant women are also prone to yeast infections. This is because hormones in the body can cause a chemical imbalance in the vagina that allows yeast to thrive, plus the immune system is slightly suppressed to prevent the body from rejecting the developing fetus. Fortunately, it is safe to treat yeast infections throughout the pregnancy, though it's best to try to avoid them altogether.

Symptoms

• Yeast infections are caused by a fungus from the Candida family that naturally lives in the body. Hormonal, environmental and dietary changes can cause this fungus to grow unchecked which causes itching, burning, swelling, and pain around the vagina and vulva accompanied by a white discharge. Yeast infections are fairly easy to self-diagnose if you've had one in the past. However, if you're pregnant, you should have a doctor confirm your diagnosis to make sure it's not some other type of infection.

Prevention

• The best way to treat a yeast infection is to prevent it. Wear underpants with a cotton crotch lining. Keep the vagina as dry as possible. Don't eat a lot of sugar that will feed the Candida. Eating plain yogurt daily is an effective way to prevent yeast growth because the acidophilus bacteria in the yogurt eats Candida fungi, and the extra calcium from the yogurt is good for you and the developing baby.

Warnings

• Besides the discomfort a yeast infection causes, it can potentially hurt your baby if left unchecked. In rare cases, a yeast infection can lead to an infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes. If a baby is born vaginally to a woman with a yeast infection, there is a chance she can pass it to the baby. Yeast infections in newborns can cause feeding problems since they usually appear in the mouth, though they can also cause an uncomfortable skin rash that's hard to heal. Additionally, yeast infections can be passed to sexual partners.

Natural Treatment

• If you don't like the idea of putting medications in your vagina while pregnant, it is possible to treat some yeast infections with yogurt. Besides eating yogurt, you can apply it directly to your vagina. Use only plain yogurt since flavored yogurt usually contains sugar which will encourage yeast growth. Cold yogurt from the fridge will also alleviate some of the itching, though ice or cold compresses can also be applied. Avoid using herbal yeast infection treatments, as these may contain ingredients that cause contractions.

Medications

• Taking oral medications (like Diflucan) for yeast infections during pregnancy can be dangerous because the effects of anti-fungal drugs on developing fetuses are not well known. It is safe to use over-the-counter topical creams containing clotrimazole, but most doctors will recommend against using anti-fungal suppositories during the first trimester. Suppositories can be used in the second and third trimesters, but they may take longer than usual to work. Most doctors prescribe a 7-day (or longer) treatment, as the 1- and 3-day treatments are less effective during pregnancy.