Pregnancy and Yeast Infection

I agree with Toni and Courtney's post, most yogurts do not work b/c of the additives and high fructose corn syrup. Sugar acts as a fertilizer for yeast, so the more of it you eat, the more it survives and craves more for it to grow. Get a good probiotic and take it throughout the rest of your pregnancy and three months postpartum, you will be likely to pass it to your baby and they'll need the extra good bacteria/flora to rid of it themselves since they do not have their inner ecosystem built. Florajen 3 (which carries three strands) New Chapter, FloraStor are all good brands, take at night on an empty stomach. Stay away from dairy and sugar too. Eat low sugar fruits such as green apples and blueberries, stay away from high sugar fruits such as melons, bananas, pineapples. Adding some Omega-3's/DHA is an excellent idea to help reduce internal inflammation and it makes for smarter babies! Nordic Naturals carries a DHA for pregnant and b-feeding moms, it is one of the highest and puriest qualities of fish oils out there, one of the top three.

Here are some good articles to read:
http://bodyecology.com/08/01/17/food_cravings.php

http://bodyecology.com/07/09/27/why_pregnant_mothers_avoi...

You may also need to introduce your baby to a round of baby probiotics too http://www.bodyecology.com/07/09/20/introduce_babies_prob...

Your husband can benefit from probiotics too.

Congrats and good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

I had a yeast infection when I was pregnant (first and last). The doctor told me to use the monistat cream, and for my husband to also use it. It's safe for the baby.

Whole Foods has a couple of alternative treatments, I think they are probiotic based. I used one when I was pregnant with good results. Yogurt can work but it has to be without sugar (or fruit or anything) and inserted vaginally. Garlic inserted vaginally can also help although I have never tried this. Your husband can be a carrier, I would have him treat himself with some antifungal cream- the usual jock itch creams are antifungal. Good luck.

Yes your husband can absolutely be a carrier. Check him for a rash and get him treated.

You may want to try putting 1T of distilled white vinegar & 3T cold water in a bowl, and then use cotton balls (or something similar) to clean the area that is giving you trouble. I have found this to give me relief and to kick out the infection after doing this once a day for a day or two. Your doctor may have suggestions......good luck.

I got frequent yeast infections after my first child was born (we ended up getting thrush 3 times) and I started taking acidopholus and the azo yeast and I haven't had one since. You can get both at wal mart or target or walgreens. I still eat a yogurt a day and make sure I take one of each of those pills and I'm good to go. The acidopholus is safe to take whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you feel you are getting an infection, depending on the dosage of the acidopholus you can take it up to 3 times a day. Good luck!

Apple cider! dip tampons into it and insert (change every 6hrs), sounds funny but it works everytime!

K., yogurt won't do it you need to stay away from anything that feeds yeast (sugar etc.)and get a good probiotic from health food store also same for your husband he needs probiotics also and stay away from what feeds yeast.
This means for the rest of your pregnancy or you will fight this and it will come back.
Sincerely, L.

You might want to look into this, but if I recall cranberry juice really helps.

I drink lots of cranberry juice for them. Your doc can also treat it.

Hi K., Yes there is help. The "good" stuff in the yogurt you are eating is called acidophilus (sp) You & your husband should both take just that. It is available in health food stores. I recommend a brand DDS. I took it pregnant with my kids and we all still take it daily for 16 years nows! Good stuff!

K.,
Yes, your husband can have it as well. Have him use the monistat cream for a few days and that should take care of it. The other thing you might want to try is acidophilis (sp?) tablets. Trader Joes or most pharmacies will have them. It's a revved up version of the active culture that is in yogurt.
Also, have you had your sugar checked yet? You might want to cut down a little or change the order in which you eat your carbs. This can contribute to yeast infections while pregnant if you have an elevated glucose reading.
I had this problem with 4 pregnancies.
Good luck to you!

I am a big proponent of Probiotics. They can help with yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and digestive problems. This is more of a preventitive not a "cure all" Treat your current infection as instructed by your doctor and then start taking a Probiotic daily. Your husband can be a carrier so talk to your doctor about it. He may be will to give him a script for oral Flucanazole, otherwise get him to see his doctor. Priobiotics would be great for him to take as well! Many health food stores sell them but strengths vary alot so look at the label. I use Conklin brand that is only available through distributors, but search online for a local dist.

Definately ask your OBGYN or OBGYN nurse first, but my OB told me that during pregnancy using OTC 1% hydrocortizone cream externally treats yeast infections safely....he said that during pregnancy it is not safe to use an OTC of any kind internally for a yeast infection. Hope this helps!

try a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water. mix it in a cup and pour it over the infected area. It will sting like hell, but it will cure it fast.

It is safe to treat it during pregnancy using an oral medication -fluconazole. If you have had a yeast infection in the past and know that is what it is your doc will likely prescribe over the phone. If your doc won't treat it, find another doctor! You should not have to suffer.

I got yeast infections with both my pregnancy's it is a drag but your going to have to deal with it. Try asking your doctor cause I am not sure if you can have a perscription or not. Talk to you soon.

I recently asked mamasource about a Yeast infection as well. Some of the suggestions I got were to cut out Sugar which attracts the yeast infection. Also several things that work for diaper rash may also help. A&D, Desitin, Lotrimin or some type of Zinc Oxcide. If you use a cream, try to rub it in and not leave it a warm moist area cause it will spread. Mine is finally starting to go away. Also try to air out when you can to prevent the moisture. My humurous boys say to put a loaf of bread on it, the yeast will help it! Ha!

Head to the health food store and ask for advice. You can get probiotics stronger than in yogart and other remedies. Good luck!

I am 6 months pregnant and have had an unending yeast infection since the beginning! I did not have one when I was pregnant with my daughter. My doctor told me that they tend to stick with you when you're pregnant - especially in the summer. Monistat and the other prescription versions seem to help me for only a few days. My doctor also recommended 'sitz baths' - basically soaking in a tub for a bit - helps with the itching, again, only for a few days. The other thing I've found is that if I stay away from sweets, it isn't as bad. And cranberry juice (or pomegranate) and yogurt do help. Good luck! I'm in the same boat and I hate it!

Yes your husband can be a carrier. I don't know of natural treatments, yogurt is best for prevention. Best to ask your OB at your next appointment. If you get monostat, make sure he puts some on himself as well, the external tube should work for him to ensure you don't get reinfected.

There sure is a way to treat it naturally. Alkalize your water. Most people have baking soda in there house add one tablespoon to 8oz of water and do this every hour for 4 hours. That should help alot. Cloves of garlic help as well instead of that yucky chemical stuff. Whole Foods and health food stores carry very effective alternatives.

Yes-your husband can be a carrier. Have him do the same with the water.

Your body is too acidic is is sending out a signal. Most yogurt will not help. Get a pure probiotic.

If you need more info let me know

T.
Detox Coach

I had a similar problem with recurring yeast infections and my doctor assured me that my hubby could not be a carrier. Apparently, men don't produce yeast, lucky dogs! Your issue is most likely caused by the change in Ph as a result of being pregnant - it just makes you more susceptible. Definitely check with your doc about alternative means of treating it. I know there is a prescription oral medication available - not sure if you can take this while pg, though.

Hang in there! The last 10 weeks will fly by : )

I would, at this point, check with the nurse at the doctor's office to get recommendations. You don't want to have to continue this to delivery. Not sure good idea to vaginally deliver with one. As far as husband being a carrier, have him try condoms for now and see. I am not sure what is safe to use or do while pregnant, but I know it can sure be a pain to have.

This sounds kinda weird but after you treat your yeast infection use a hair dryer to dry yourself after the shower. It helps as a prevention, yeast likes warm moist areas and the hair dryer will help by making it a less desirable environment, use on warm and low setting, make sure it is not too hot or you could burn your skin. I had the same problem pregnant and it really seemed to help. Good luck and congrats!