Yeast infection during pregnancy
Pregnancy: what to do in case of vaginal infection?
Are you suffering from itching or burning in your intimate area? Don't wait to get treatment! It's probably a vaginal infection, which should not be taken lightly.
A woman's vagina is far from being a sterile environment. On the contrary, the vaginal flora – or microbiota – is colonized by a set of microorganisms, starting with those responsible for its protection: Döderlein bacilli . These friendly bacteria protect the vagina against the intrusion of pathogenic bacteria . Döderlein bacilli feed on vaginal secretions and transform them into lactic acid. They allow the vagina to maintain an acidity level between 3.5 and 4.5 pH .
Vaginal infections and pregnancy: detect and treat as soon as possible
Due to hormonal fluctuations, it is common for the pH of the vagina to be unbalanced during pregnancy. Faced with signs of a vaginal infection, expectant mothers should definitely consult.
What causes a vaginal infection and how do you get a yeast infection?
Vaginal infections can occur if you wash your intimate parts too thoroughly, using harsh soap , or doing avaginal douche . In this case, the Döderlein bacilli are eliminated and the pathogenic bacteria take advantage of this to settle in. It is better to use intimate hygiene products, known to be gentler on the intimate area, or even limit yourself to washing with clear water. The vagina is said to be "self-cleaning": there is no need to clean the inside, this happens naturally.
Another factor that can kill good bacteria: antibiotics . If you have taken oral antibiotics, these can also kill Döderlein's bacilli and therefore lead to an infection a few weeks later.
Finally, sexually transmitted diseases , such as gonococcus (Neisseria gonorrhoeae), chlamydia or mycoplasma, can cause vaginal infections.
Vaginal infections: symptoms and treatment
Women should know the signs of a vaginal infection so they can initiate treatment quickly.
Burning, itching: what are the signs of a vaginal infection in pregnant women?
The symptoms are easy to recognize. You will feel a burning sensation when urinating, when urinating, or you will see your vaginal discharge change color. It can be brown, yellow or even black like menstruation, and become smelly.
Is it the fault of the Candida albicans fungus?
If your discharge is milky, similar to curdled milk and you suffer from burning, the infection is probably due to a microscopic fungus, a parasite of the human body, Candida albicans . Usually, Candida is present in the body, but following antibiotic treatment, it can start to multiply and develop abnormally in the vagina. This fungus secretes aggressive and irritating substances for the mucous membranes, hence the inflammation. The fungus spreads everywhere, in the folds and moist areas, mucous membranes first. We then speak of candidiasis or mycosis.
How to treat a vaginal infection in pregnant women?
The treatment can be purchased directly from a pharmacy and is carried out in two ways: you can soothe the burning on the vulva with a cream and insert an ovule into the vagina that will act locally . Some ovules may contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus. They will “reseed” the vagina with protective flora. Others help promote the “recolonization” of the vagina by restoring its acidity, by administering lactic acid, among other things. On the other hand, if the vaginal infection comes from an STI, you will have to go to the doctor with your partner. The doctor will take a sample with a small swab and send it to the laboratory to find out the pathogenic germ responsible for the infection. Depending on the results, he will give you and your partner a targeted antibiotic treatment to destroy the germ in question . During this time, abstain from having sexual relations, or protect yourself with condoms, so as not to re-contaminate each other before being treated.
Pregnant, what to do and what are the risks in case of mycosis?
If you are pregnant and experience symptoms of infection, notify your midwife or gynecologist. Vaginal infection is only dangerous for the fetus if the amniotic sac is cracked or ruptured , which can lead to infection of the placenta or amniotic fluid ( chorioamnionitis ). Fortunately, this is very rare, and most of the time, your baby is well protected in his sterile sac.
How to treat a mycosis?
The doctor will give you an antifungal and/or antibiotic treatment compatible with pregnancy.
