7 Simple Ways To Prevent Fungal Infection During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is one of the most amazing experiences, but are fungal infections waiting for you around the corner?

There are many questions that would be on your mind as you progress further into your pregnancy and your body undergoes changes that also begin to show. Fungal infections become an increasing case of concern as the pregnancy furthers into the second trimester. Let’s see how to tackle them.

What Is A Fungal Infection?

Fungal or yeast infections are a common occurrence in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

• As the body preps for the baby, there are changes in the acidic balance in the vagina.
• The low acidic nature allows fungus to grow and cause infection, which may give way to odd smell.
• These infections can cause a lot of discomfort, even though they are not a life-threatening condition.

What Causes Fungal Infection?

The lower levels of acidic elements in the vagina, allow all kinds of fungus to grow and can leave you susceptible to many a infections. Some of the triggers for fungal infection during pregnancy, but are not limited to:

• Changes in the hormones in the body.
• Taking prescribed medicines, antibiotics or steroids.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Having sexual intercourse.

Symptoms Of Fungal Infection:

There are many ways to know and understand if you have developed a fungal infection, but some of the most common symptoms of fungal infection are:

• Increase in vaginal discharge which will be white in color.
• Change in color of vaginal discharge along with an unusual odor.
• Drastic Increase in the amount vaginal discharge.
• Too much sore feeling, itchiness and irritation in your vagina.
• Difficulty during urination.

7 Ways To Prevent Fungal Infection:

Your body is undergoing a lot of change during pregnancy. As a result, one might need to take extra care and caution to avoid any kind of problems or infection. Given below are simple tips and tricks to prevent fungal infection that one can follow for relief:

1. Wear cotton undergarments as much as possible as these allow your body privates to breathe, allow air to circulate and absorb the extra moisture.
2. Sleeping with minimal clothing to allow the body to breathe at night.
3. Ensure that you have a lot of liquids to regulate the body fluids and keep the fluid balance.
4. Go to the toilet frequently. Do not “suppress”; relieve yourself regularly and drain out any infection causing bacteria or fungi.
5. If you are a swimmer or visit the the beach, ensure that you take a proper bath and keep yourself dry.
6. Reduce the amount of sugar you consume as this could increase fungal infections.
7. Add more yoghurt to your diet to avoid any kinds of infection as it inhibits growth of infection causing bacteria and fungi.

When To See The Doctor?

Make sure you visit your doctor if the fungal infection is present for more than 3 days. The doctor would prescribe you medicines or guide you on how to get better soon or provide antibiotics.

• Depending on the extent of infection and its spread, it could take anywhere from 10-14 days to heal completely.
• One should not wait beyond 3-4 days for the infection to go away; if the symptoms persist, visit your doctor at the earliest.
• Going to a doctor is important to get the fungal infections healed as it could get passed on to the baby during delivery.

Your doctor would be the best and most professionally qualified to establish the real cause of trouble and provide timely direction and medication to treat the problem.

Do share with us if you feel this article helped you understand the topic better. If you follow all the precautionary measure and make lifestyle changes, you can cure this infection without any problem. Happy Pregnancy!

Reference : 1 , 2

Was this article helpful?

Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.