Yeast Infection Pregnancy

Yeast infections can occur in several places on the body:

The most common areas are the mouth, where the infection is called thrush; on the feet, as athlete's foot; and on the genitals. When this develops in a woman's vagina, it causes a type of vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. Yeast can also overgrow and cause infection in overweight people who have folds of skin that rub against each other, creating a dark and moist environment in those folds.

We normally have yeast all over our bodies, and it plays an important role as it lives side by side with bacteria.

When there is an imbalance in the normal flora [environment] of these areas, the yeast can grow heavier and cause what we know of as a symptomatic yeast infection,these symptoms usually include itching, discharge, redness, and burning."

Add increased amounts of vaginal discharge to the list of physical changes that occur during pregnancy. The amount and type of discharge you have may increase because of hormonal changes and changes to your cervix. A thin, clear, or white discharge that has no odor, or is mild smelling, is normal.

- Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, women should discuss their symptoms with their doctor if:

Their vaginal discharge becomes yellow or green, or is white, thick, and curd-like.

The vaginal lips itch or burn.

Such changes could be a sign of vaginitis or a yeast infection. Usually, yeast causes a white discharge; if the discharge has a fishy smell it could be due to a condition called bacterial vaginosis.

Yeast likes warm, moist, airless environments. Being pregnant and wearing support hose or constrictive clothing can make the vaginal environment all the more warm, moist, and dark, encouraging yeast to grow

While this generally doesn't put a pregnancy at risk, they can be very uncomfortable. If you think you have a vaginal infection during pregnancy, it should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

- Lifestyle Contributors

A variety of factors may contribute to the development of a vaginal infection. For example, wearing tight underwear or underwear made from a synthetic fabric that doesn't let the area "breathe" encourages yeast overgrowth.

Being overweight can also contribute, both in the vagina and in the folds of the genital area, so can eating a diet high in sugar.

- Medical Conditions:

If you have diabetes, you may also find that you experience frequent infections. This is especially likely to happen when your blood sugar is not well controlled. Illnesses that lower your immunity, like HIV/AIDS, can frequently lead to this.

An oral infection, or thrush, is caused by a type of fungus, or yeast, known as Candida albicans.

Normally, Candida exists in the mouth in small numbers along with various kinds of good bacteria, with each type of organism keeping the other in check. An upset in this harmonious balance clears the way for the yeast to grow, ultimately resulting in thrush.

- Symptoms of an oral yeast infection include:

White patches in the mouth or on the tongue that may bleed when rubbed
Redness or soreness inside the mouth
Cracking at the corner of the mouth (known as angular cheilitis)
The risk of contracting thrush may be increased by:

Having cancer, HIV or AIDS, or any other condition that weakens the immune system
Being on chemotherapy
Using antibiotics, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs
Using inhaled corticosteroids for asthma
Being very old or very young
Having diabetes
Wearing dentures

Thrush has been associated with poor oral hygiene, but only in very extreme cases.

You really have to have massive decay and neglect in order to see thrush. In cases like that, bacterial infection is much more common, and it can be severe."

Heavy tobacco smoking is also sometimes associated with thrush because smoke can irritate the surface tissue lining the mouth, making it easier for yeast as well as other organisms to invade and start growing.