searching for what you offer What is a yeast infection? Yeast infection, also referred to as vaginal candidiasis or vaginal thrush, is an irritating, fungal condition that occurs when the yeast in the intestinal tract and vagina starts multiplying too fast, disrupting the balance of microorganisms in the area [1] . What causes yeast infections in pregnancy? It is caused by a common Candida fungus known as Candida albicans [2] . The intestinal tract and vagina naturally contains certain Lactobacillus bacteria and Candida fungi. The bacteria produce some acids that prevent an overgrowth of the yeast, thus maintaining the balance of the vaginal flora [3] . Any disruption of this balance can lead to the symptoms of infection due to a yeast overgrowth [4] . Why are yeast infections more common during pregnancy? The changes occurring in your body during pregnancy are believed to be at least partly responsible for making you more prone to the infection [5] . The higher estrogen hormone levels promote the glycogen production in your vagina, resulting in additional glucose in the vaginal secretions which in turn boosts the growth of yeasts. [6] . Some researchers even believe the hormone to directly affect the yeast growth, helping the fungi to stick easily to the vaginal wall [1] . Apart from the pregnancy related changes, obesity, gestational diabetes and prolonged antibiotic medication (lowers immunity) [2] are a few possible risk factors that might disturb the bacteria-yeast balance. Can yeast infection be an early sign of pregnancy? About 75% women get the infection at least once in their lives with the incidence rising even higher in pregnancy. So, it is evidently one of the most common pregnancy complaints throughout the world. But despite being so common, it is not counted among the signs of pregnancy as unlike most other symptoms, a yeast infection can lead to certain complications unless treated properly [7] . Signs and symptoms of yeast infection during pregnancy Burning sensation while urinating Irritation, itching [8] and rash [9] in the vagina Odorless thick, white curd-like discharge [10] Swollen and irritated vulva Pain or burning during intercourse [2] In some rare cases, the infection has no detectable symptoms in the early stage and remains undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. How to prevent and manage yeast infections in pregnancy? Avoiding using scented hygiene sprays, perfumed soaps and bubble baths [6] Taking a shower and changing into dry clothes immediately after coming out of the swimming pool Wearing dry, loose, breathable cotton underwear Avoiding douching [1] Always making sure to wipe from front to back with a clean toilet paper Cutting down your sugar intake by excluding pastries, sweets, sugary flavored drinks and processed foods [11] Avoiding yeasty wheat products like breads Eating plain yoghurt, as it is a natural probiotic with considerable antifungal properties [11] Maintaining a balanced diet containing plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, non-fat dairy products and whole grains [12] . The above measures can help prevent you from getting the infection for the first time as well as keep recurrent yeast infections at bay. Yeast infection treatment during pregnancy? It is an easily curable condition, when treatment begins at an early stage. Diagnosis might involve a physical examination and collection of a sample of the discharge for laboratory testing [1] . Although mild cases can often be treated at home, consulting your doctor is necessary if you suspect a yeast infection while pregnant (especially during the second and third trimesters) as the symptoms might indicate some more serious contagious diseases (e.g. UTI or a sexually transmitted disease) [13] . Home remedies to get rid of yeast infection The natural probiotics in yoghurt makes it an effective home remedy as well. Applying a few teaspoons of yoghurt to the affected area can help to reduce the pain and irritation [14] . Applying a cold compress to the infected area can provide temporary relief [15] Using whole garlic cloves in cooking as their anti-fungal properties help to fight the yeast overgrowth (keeping the cloves whole helps minimize the garlicky smell) Taking a tea tree oil bath with 1-2 drops of the organic essential oil (consult your doctor if you develop side effects like skin irritation, redness and itching) [16] Adding a few teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water Using boric acid capsules meant for vaginal thrush [11] Adding some baking soda in your bath water and soaking in it for a few minutes [17] There is little or no scientific evidence for proving the efficacy of these natural remedies [18] ; so, it is advisable to check with your doctor or midwife before opting for any of the above . What are the safe medical treatments? Your doctor is least likely to prescribe any medication in the first trimester due to their possible association with increased risks of birth defects and miscarriage [19] . So, you might have to manage an early infection at home using the above-mentioned tips and natural treatments. Creams and suppositories: Over-the-counter antifungal creams and suppositories are usually safe after the initial 3-4 months [13] . Clotrimazole (Gyne-Lotrimin, Canesten) and miconazole (Monistat) are most commonly used for the purpose [20] . Over-the-counter medicines: Most non-prescription oral antifungal medications are not recommended for pregnant women [1] as they are suspected to increase the risk of various congenital conditions such as autism. How long do yeast infections last? In most cases, it does not last longer than 1-2 weeks. Make sure to contact your health care provider if the symptoms refuse to go away within a couple of weeks of starting the treatment [14] . Does an untreated yeast infection harm your baby? It is just a fungal infection that does damage the vagina or transmit into the uterus and placenta, thus is not usually harmful for the unborn baby [18] . However, having the condition during labor and delivery might cause your baby to develop thrush in the mouth [21] . Thrush in your baby can again transmit the infection to you (breast yeast infection) during breastfeeding. When to call the doctor? Watch out for abnormal symptoms like abdominal cramping, contractions, vaginal bleeding or spotting, abnormal yellowish or greenish discharge with or without any distinctive smell, as these might indicate some more serious pregnancy complications. Yeast infection ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes The ICD-9 codes 112.1 [22] and 616.1 [23] are used for referring to the condition while its ICD-10 codes are B37.3 [24] and N77.1 [25] . [ref] http://www.babycenter.com/0_yeast-infections-during-pregnancy_485.bc http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001511.htm http://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection#Causes http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/basics/causes/con-20035129 http://www.everydayhealth.com/yeast-infection/yeast-infection-during-pregnancy.aspx http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/yeastinfectionpreg.html http://www.riversideonline.com/health_reference/Womens-Health/HQ00451.cfm http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/yeast-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20035129 http://americanpregnancy.org/womenshealth/yeastinfections.html http://www.medicinenet.com/vaginal_yeast_infection_symptoms_and_signs/symptoms.htm http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/thrush-in-pregnancy-prone-to-thrush#.U3tDqNKSxvB http://www.webmd.com/women/tc/vaginal-yeast-infections-home-treatment http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/if-you-get-sick/vaginal-infections.aspx http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a485/thrush-in-pregnancy http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20022645 http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549324/thrush-natural-remedies http://www.huggies.co.nz/pregnancy/care/thrush/ http://www.patient.co.uk/health/vaginal-thrush http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/thrush-in-pregnancy-prone-to-thrush#.U3rz0NKSxvA http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vaginitis/expert-answers/yeast-infection-during-pregnancy/faq-20058355 http://www.bellybelly.com.au/pregnancy/thrush-in-pregnancy-prone-to-thrush#10 http://www.icd9data.com/2013/Volume1/001-139/110-118/112/112.1.htm http://www.icd9data.com/2013/Volume1/580-629/614-616/616/616.1.htm http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/B37.3 http://apps.who.int/classifications/icd10/browse/2010/en#/N77.1 [/ref] surgical procedure
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