Yeast Infections in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Safe Treatment

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is common in pregnancy (↑ estrogen → glycogen → Candida growth).

Symptoms

• Vulvar/vaginal pruritus, burning
• Thick, white, curdy discharge (cottage cheese)
• Dyspareunia, dysuria
• Erythema, edema, fissures

Diagnosis

• Clinical + KOH prep (pseudohyphae) or culture.
• Rule out BV, trichomonas, HSV, contact dermatitis.

Safe Treatment in Pregnancy

Prevention

• Cotton underwear, loose clothing.
• Avoid douching, scented products.
• Probiotics (oral Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1/RC-14) — evidence emerging.
• Glycemic control (diabetes).

When to See OB/GYN

• First episode in pregnancy (confirm diagnosis).
• Recurrent (≥4/yr) — evaluate for diabetes, immune issues.
• Symptoms persist after treatment.
• Fever, pelvic pain, foul discharge (possible co-infection).

Untreated VVC → chorioamnionitis risk (rare). Treat promptly with topical azole.

Infectious Diseases - Related Articles

• Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment
• Pinworm Infection: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
• Antibody Production After Infection: Timeline and Steps
• Ascaris Infection (Ascariasis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
• Victorian Era Typhus: Understanding Treatment and Challenges
• Mycoplasma Infections: Symptoms, Treatment & Understanding
• Understanding Weil's Disease (Leptospirosis): Symptoms & Diagnosis

Infectious Diseases

• Staph Soft Tissue Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
• Post-Knee Replacement Infection: Symptoms, Risks & What to Watch For
• Chicken Pox in Adults: Risks, Symptoms & Complications
• Fungal Respiratory Infections: Spore Inhalation, Opportunistic Infections, Allergic Reactions, and Invasive Disease
• Glandular Fever (Mono): Symptoms, Causes & Management
• Ascaris Infection (Ascariasis): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
• Contact Precautions: Infection Control Protocols & PPE Guidelines
• Herpangina in Adults: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
• Tuberculosis: Prognosis, Treatment, and the Critical Importance of Early Care
• Explosive (Secretory) Diarrhea: Risks, Red Flags, and When to Seek Care
• Herpangina vs. Gonorrhea: Causes, Symptoms & Key Differences
• Understanding Mold & Yeast Infections: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Health Sciences © https://www.222health.com

Agent	Regimen	Safety
Topical azoles (clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole)	7-day intravaginal course	Category B; minimal absorption. Preferred.
Oral fluconazole	Single 150 mg (sometimes repeated)	Avoid in 1st trimester (teratogenicity risk: tetralogy of Fallot, craniofacial). 2nd/3rd trimester: single dose likely safe but topical preferred.
Boric acid	600 mg intravaginal × 14 days	Contraindicated in pregnancy (teratogenic in animals).