Yeast Infection During Pregnancy

Diflucan is pregnancy category "C", which means it *may* have side-effects on the fetus, but may be prescribed when the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks.

According to the FDA pregnancy category "C" means: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

It *may* be harmful, but so would being hit by a bus. The risks of a long term infection of harming the fetus are far more well established, which is likely why the doctor chose to prescribe meds to clear up the infection now. Vaginal infections are known to lead to problems in pregnancy, while Diflucan *may* cause problems. It's a risk management issue.

Only you can decide whether the risk of an ongoing infection or alternative treatments is worth it to YOU and YOUR baby, or whether you will keep taking the Diflucan - or any other meds your doc prescribes.

If you don't trust your doc to do what's best for you and the baby, however, then you probably need a new doc. Trusting Dr. Google/Dr. Internet is generally a bad idea, though it can at least arm you with information you need to discuss with your doc.

Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

Sometimes medicines say not to take during pregnancy just to keep women from taking something without a prescription from a doctor or over use. You may want to talk to your Dr., however. He/She may have felt that was a better option than something else. And make sure to call your Dr. if you notice any problems!
Also, just an FYI for you if you happen to get another yeast infection anytime, including during pregnancy, you can use Tea Tree Oil Suppositories. They are all natural and safe and effective. You need to use them for about a week, but they work and no side effects! The best way to use is put in before going to bed. They give you quite an interesting feeling (cool and hot at the same time), so don't be alarmed by that. You can get a box of them at Campbell's or any health food store.

Almost every medication comes with a warning not to take it during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Because of various medical conditions, I've had to take many, many things myself, and so far everything has been fine with all 5 of my children. Doctors generally know the risks and weigh them against the risks of whatever they are treating. Also, one of the reasons many medications are not recommended during pregnancy is that they have not been studied thouroughly in pregnant women. If you're really worried, talk to your dr. about it next time and ask why it is not recommended, their answer will most likely set your mind at ease.

Hi Elana,
I had multiple yeast infections while pregnant with my first daughter. My doctor always gave me the Diflucan suppository but never an oral pill. I must have used it nearly once a month and my daughter is perfect and healthy, so if you're using the suppository, no worries. If it is an oral pill just call your doctor back to discuss your concerns. :) T.

I wouldn't panic because sometimes they just say for pregnant and nursing mothers to NOT take some medication because it hasn't been studied in them, not neccessarily that it is harmful to them. Incidental use of a medication is not likely to cause serious harm.
But I would definately talk to your doctor and share your concerns about only choosing medications deemed safe for pregnant/nursing mother and discussing with you any risks taking a medication may pose while you're pregnanct/nursing so you can decide if more research for an alternative is needed. There are lots of natural alternatives to most ailments.
Have a Happy and Peaceful pregnancy.

I am not really sure about that specific prescription but i will say that most prescriptions say NOT to take while pregnant. If your really concerned you should call your doctor but i think that they would know if it would harm the baby. I wouldnt really worry about it unless you start having like side effects or something..
Congrats on the pregnancy!!!!!

My doctor told me that most medication say this just so you seek a physicians help. Physicians will know what other medication you take and can see if there will be a bad reaction. My heart medication said the same thing but the doctor said that it is perfectly safe.

I would difinetly not take it any more, it says that for a reason. Doctors will say alot of things are fine to do but how do they really know? They dont!! Just eat more yoghurt, thats what they should have told you in the first place, alot of the good ones say that!! Also the garlic does work too! Dont wait till you have side effects, by then its always to late!!

Garlic. I have had yeast infection during pregnancy and I kid you not, a clove of garlic placed...well....in there....at bedtime does the trick. I tried the over the counter stuff first to no avail. I read the garlic trick, tried it and viola! Be warned, you can taste the garlic and it seems, well, creepy. But, it works and is safe and inexpensive. Not harmful, either.

Hi there back,
I would stop taking the diflucan right away, until you talk to your doc and get more info. Tell her you are not comfortable with this med and ask for something different. Have a great day, L.

Most drugs say not to take if pregnant or breastfeeding, but don't necessarily cause problems. Many drugs are known to cause problems only during certain developmental times, many of these times are second and third trimester. But as my doctor told me, since you can't do studies on pregnant women you're relying on lab mice and never really know. The less you take while you're pregnant, the better. However, sometimes you have to take something or it might be more harmful to the baby not to be treated. It all comes down to how much faith you have in your doctor. If you trust her, she won't lead you in the wrong direction. Talk to her about your concern and see what her explanation is.

Hi E.,

Sorry to hear about your mix up with the doctor. It's scary these days how they want to prescribe everything away! Anyway, I have found that cleaning up a yeast infection from the inside out, naturally, is the best way. Especially if your pregnant and wary of taking prescribed medication! I take an Aloe Vera liquid supplement that detoxifies your digestive system and balances the acids in your esophogus and stomach which I have seen help clear up yeast infections and ecsema. My sister in law takes it for heartburn, and since your pregnant, I'm sure you have plenty of that! Lol... If you're interested in the kind I take (which is all natural and doesn't contain 'filler ingredients') then shoot me a repy back. If not, good luck with everything!

Happy New Year!
E.

I don't know about that drug but there are many alternatives for treating yeast that are safe, natural and inexpensive. Vinegar and water, yogurt, avoiding sweets and fermented foods. Susan Weed's Book HERBAL FOR THE CHILDBEARING YEARS is an excellent resource. Always check up on anything your Dr. prescribes. The AMA doesn't have the best record in the area of healthy pregnancy and childbirth, being prone to look at it as a medical problem instead of a natural process. Peace on Earth begins with birth. Be well and enjoy the amazing power of this journey. Blessings!

I think there is TOO much info on the net. There is a risk with anything we ingest while pregnant- or otherwise. I would simply ask the Doctor why she chose to prescribe this med for you and tell her what you read on line- I am sure she has a good reason, and there is probably minimal risk to your child

Many meds are not recommended during pregnancy because there is not enough research to know if they are harmful or not to the baby. This could mean that it is perfectly fine, but Difulcan is a relatively new med, so there isn't aren't many studies yet. For a more natural cure, eat more yogurt with live cultures. Is your doc an ob/gyn or a family practice doc? There may be differences there in the way they practice..keep that in mind.

Elana,
While I agree with most of the posts you have gotten in response, as a nurse, I must disagree with the use of vinegar and water. Your body has it's own natural bacteria to help protect you from infections of all kinds. While it may not be helping with a yeast infection it is still working to protect you. If you use the vinegar, you will destroy this natural bacteria and do more harm. If you are not comfortable with the pills the Dr. prescribed then try eating more yogurt and also cottage cheese. These both have natural enzymes in them that
will help heal and prevent yeast infections. Congratulations on your pregnancy.

The same thing happened to me around 8-10 weeks. I took the same medicine. There were no side effect with my son. He was born healthy 11 months ago!