Teen Pregnancy Forum - Yeast Infection!?

Here I will post it again:
what is a yeast infection?
Yeast infections are a common type of vaginal infection that you're even more likely to get when you're pregnant. These infections (also called monilial vaginitis or vaginal candidiasis) are caused by microscopic fungi in the candida family, most commonly by candida albicans. This bug is normally found in the vaginas of nearly one third of all women (as well as in the intestinal tract of both sexes) and only becomes a problem when it grows so fast that it overwhelms other competing microorganisms. Your increased estrogen level during pregnancy causes your vagina to produce more glycogen, making it even easier for yeast to grow there. (some researchers think estrogen also has a direct effect on yeast, causing it both to grow faster and to stick to the walls of the vagina better.)

what are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include:

• itchiness, irritation, burning, redness, and sometimes even swelling in your vaginal area

• odorless, white, creamy or cottage-cheesy vaginal discharge

• pain during sex

these symptoms may come and go or they may plague you until you treat the infection.

How is a yeast infection treated?
If you think you have a yeast infection, see your practitioner. She'll take a sample of your vaginal discharge and check it for yeast to confirm the diagnosis. If you do have a yeast infection, she may give you a prescription or recommend an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream or vaginal suppository that's safe during pregnancy. You need to insert the cream or suppository into your vagina, preferably at bedtime so that it doesn't leak out, for seven days in a row. (the shorter-course regimens that you might have used before are not as effective in pregnancy.) if you find a cream irritating, let your practitioner know. She may need to switch you to another medication.

The medication should bring you relief within a few days, but be sure to use the full course of treatment to make sure the infection is gone. In the meantime, you can soothe your itching with an ice pack or by soaking for ten minutes in a cool bath.

Will a yeast infection affect my baby?
No, a yeast infection won't hurt or affect your developing baby. If you have an infection when you go into labor, there's some chance that your newborn will contract it as he passes through the birth canal. Yeast infections in newborns are called thrush. Thrush is recognizable by the white patches in a baby's mouth; it's not serious and it's easily treated.

How can I decrease my chances of getting a yeast infection?
You can reduce your chances of getting one by keeping your genital area dry and keeping your vaginal flora in balance. Here's how:

• wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid pantyhose, leggings, and tight pants, particularly if made of synthetics.

• try sleeping without underwear at night to allow air to get to your genital area. (if you like to wear something, a nightgown without underwear allows more air circulation than pajama bottoms.)

• avoid bubble baths and long, hot baths, and don't sit around in a wet bathing suit.

• avoid perfumed soaps, scented laundry detergent, and feminine hygiene sprays. Clean your genital area gently with warm water (not soap) and never douche during pregnancy.

• always wipe from front to back.

• eat yogurt that contains a live culture of lactobacillus acidophilus, which may help restore the proper bacterial balance in your vagina

kristin