Yeast infections, also known as vaginal candidiasis, are very common during pregnancy. This fungal overgrowth is caused by the Candida species, most often Candida albicans, which naturally resides in the vagina. When the vaginal environment changes, the fungus can multiply rapidly. Although the infection is typically uncomfortable, it does not directly harm the developing fetus. However, its presence always warrants a consultation with a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the symptoms are not caused by a more serious issue.
Why Pregnancy Increases Yeast Infection Risk
Pregnancy causes significant physiological changes that make the vaginal environment highly susceptible to yeast overgrowth. The most notable factor is the dramatic and sustained rise in estrogen levels, particularly during the second trimester. This increase in estrogen directly encourages the growth of Candida species.
The elevated estrogen stimulates the vaginal cells to produce and store more glycogen, which is essentially sugar. This increased glycogen provides a rich food source for the yeast to colonize and multiply rapidly. This change creates an ideal, nutrient-dense environment for the fungus.
These hormonal shifts also influence the chemical balance of the vagina, causing the pH to become more acidic than usual. The specific acidic range found in pregnancy promotes the proliferation of Candida because the fungus is acid-tolerant. Furthermore, the immune system is naturally modified during pregnancy to accommodate the fetus, which can slightly reduce the body’s local ability to keep the fungal population in check.
Identifying Symptoms and When to Seek Confirmation
Identifying a yeast infection relies on recognizing a specific set of symptoms, though these can often overlap with other vaginal conditions. The most characteristic sign is the presence of a thick, white vaginal discharge, frequently described as having a “cottage cheese” consistency. This discharge is typically odorless, which can help distinguish it from other infections.
Accompanying the discharge is often intense itching and burning around the vulva and vagina, alongside redness and swelling of the external tissues. Discomfort may also be felt during sexual intercourse or while urinating due to the inflammation. While these symptoms strongly suggest a yeast infection, self-diagnosis and treatment are highly discouraged during pregnancy.
It is important to seek confirmation from a medical provider because other infections, such as Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) or Trichomoniasis, share similar symptoms but require different treatments. Only a clinical examination and laboratory testing, such as a vaginal swab, can definitively identify the cause.
Treating the infection before delivery is also important because there is a small risk of transmitting the Candida fungus to the newborn during birth. If the fungus is passed to the baby, it can result in oral thrush or a fungal diaper rash. Timely and correct treatment minimizes this risk and ensures the comfort of the pregnant person.
Safe and Approved Treatment Options
The standard medical approach for managing vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy prioritizes local, topical treatments to minimize systemic absorption. Antifungal creams and vaginal suppositories are the preferred and safest options because the active medication is applied directly to the site of the infection. This delivery method ensures high efficacy with minimal exposure to the developing fetus.
Common active ingredients used in these topical treatments include miconazole and clotrimazole, which are considered safe to use throughout all trimesters of pregnancy. These medications work by disrupting the fungal cell wall, effectively eliminating the overgrowth. Treatment courses are generally prescribed for a minimum of seven days, and it is important to complete the full duration of treatment, even if symptoms begin to improve sooner.
Oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, are generally avoided during pregnancy. The systemic nature of these pills means the drug circulates throughout the body and may carry a risk of complications, especially if taken during the first trimester. A physician will only consider an oral treatment if the infection is severe or resistant to topical therapy.