Causes of thrush in pregnancy

When a women is pregnant it is common to experience a higher level of vaginal discharge than women that are not pregnant. Normal vaginal discharge that is known as healthy discharge will be white in colour and rather thin in its density.

Symptoms of Thrush in Pregnant Women

If a pregnant woman has thrush she will notice the discharge will be thicker than usual and a creamier color. She will also experience intense itching around the vagina and bottom area. The area may get rather sore and a feeling of burning has been described. Having thrush can also make sexual activity a painful process. You will feel discomfort when you pass urine.

How to Get Thrush

When a woman is pregnant it is rather common to get a vaginal infection. There is a yeast called candida albicans which is already naturally in a women’s vagina and digestive tract and it can stay in body and cause absolutely no issues. However when an imbalance occurs, and it will happen in pregnant women due to hormonal changes, thrush can happen. When a woman becomes pregnant the glycogen sugar level in the vagina will raise and this will inevitably cause thrush. If you wear tight and/or synthetic clothing namely underwear this will cause you to receive a lack of oxygen thus causing thrush. The same applies to pregnant women as it does for women that are not carrying a child. In pregnancy, if you tend to use perfumed toiletries it can contribute to the onset of thrush. Usage of antibiotics can also cause trush. If you have diabetes and are not controlling it as much as you should be it can also bring on thrush symptoms. If you have had sex with somebody that has thrush then you may contract it as well.

When a Pregnant Woman Should See the Doctor

It is important to see your doctor if you suspect you have thrush. The doctor and/or midwife will be able to do an examination and firstly determine and confirm whether it is or is not thrush and secondly they will be able to provide you with the correct course of action and care. This may be done via a vaginal swab to make sure they get an accurate diagnosis. An antifungal cream may be prescribed that would suit you. If you are in the first trimester the doctor may not give you anything though in order not to harm the baby.