How to Cure a Yeast Infection During Pregnancy
By Lisa R ArmstrongDue to hormonal imbalances and other disruptions to the body that can occur when you are expecting a child, yeast infection during pregnancy is quite common. The Candida albicans fungus thrives whenever there are imbalances in our bodies, which makes pregnancy a time at which you can be particularly at risk of developing an infection. Depending upon the stage of your pregnancy at the time you develop the condition, there are different options available for treatment. Natural treatment and prevention are considered the ideal treatment options, but under medical supervision there are alternatives that may be open to you.
If you develop a yeast infection during pregnancy, then you need to consult a doctor before you take any over the counter medications or prescription treatments. As you are carrying a child, any medications could potentially be harmful. Your doctor can advise you about what you can take safely. The alternative to this is to undertake natural preventative measures and natural treatments that will not have an adverse effect upon your baby.
One of the first concerns that expectant mothers will have is whether a yeast infection during pregnancy is harmful to their baby. If you have a yeast infection it is not harmful to your baby while it is in the womb. That means that as long as you treat the infection the baby will be fine. If you have a yeast infection when you deliver and you have a natural birth, it is possible for the baby to contract the infection during childbirth. For this reason, it is generally best to consult a medical specialist if you develop an infection when you are close to your delivery date. Your doctor may prescribe a suitable medication in order to ensure that the infection clears up before the delivery.
During the first trimester of a pregnancy, it is advisable that you do not take any form of over the counter or prescription medication to treat a yeast infection. While it is always advisable to consult an expert before taking any medication during the pregnancy, your baby is especially vulnerable at that time. The best option if you have a yeast infection during pregnancy is therefore to look at natural treatments and preventative measures.
There are a number of options for treating a yeast infection during pregnancy, which can help to provide relief from the symptoms as well as clear the condition and prevent any recurrence.
Among the treatment options during pregnancy are the following:
o Take a natural probiotic to restore the balance of 'good bacteria' in the intestinal tract, thereby preventing an outbreak of the Candida organism.
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o Use diluted Tea Tree Oil with its' anti-fungal properties and help your body to stop the growth of the Candida fungus.o Relieve symptoms such as itching and inflammation around the infected area by placing a cloth soaked in diluted Witches Hazel on the area.
o Apply natural yogurt, which contains 'good bacteria' around the infected area.
o Avoid using strong soaps or scented body washes which can encourage the growth of the organism.
o Wear lose fitting clothing that allows the skin to breath and doesn't promote ideal conditions for the Candida organism to grow in.
By taking steps to make sure that you avoid developing a yeast infection during pregnancy and by using natural preventative measures to help reduce the symptoms if you do, you'll be on track to have a healthy, problem free pregnancy. If any issues should arise that you are unable to manage with these natural treatments, always seek advice from a medical expert.
Lisa Armstrong is a fellow yeast infection sufferer. She spends her time helping others to understand and find the solution to their yeast issues. For more great information on yeast infections during pregnancy visit http://www.beatingyeastinfections.com
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