Pregnancy and Yeast Infection

Updated on August 08, 2008
K.S. asks from Aurora, IL
31 answers

I am 30 weeks pregnant and have a yeast infection. It is driving me crazy. I eat lots of yogurt and to no help. Can my husband be a carrier, if so there is no end to this until I deliver? Any alternative ways of treating it besides the OTC Monostat.

K.

2 moms found this helpful

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So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone that gave great advice. I have tried apple cider vinger and water to the genitals, which has helped the itching. I'm going to put myself and my husband an a probiotic.

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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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G.C.

answers from Chicago on

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

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A.S.

answers from Chicago on

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

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J.W.

answers from Chicago on

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
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D.G.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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Z.P.

answers from Chicago on

I used garlic cloves when I was pregnant. 1 inserted for a night or two (remove in the morning) seems to do the trick. Just don't score the side of the peeled clove or it will burn. Garlic kills yeast.

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D.W.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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L.D.

answers from Chicago on

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 : )

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T.V.

answers from Chicago on

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

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E.C.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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A.T.

answers from Chicago on

Pregnant women are more prone to yeast infections. I had 5 (yes, 5!) yeast infections when I was pregnant. It is because of the hormonal changes in your body. I wouldn't have intercourse until the infection is cleared up.

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M.Y.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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S.T.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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M.T.

answers from Chicago on

Not necessarily. Do you have diabetes? If your sugar is outa control and extremely high, this problem won't go away. Tell your doctor asap and he/she can give you some prescription cream and or something for your sugar. If it gets really bad, the doc can paint you purple (like in the olden days!!) and it kinda coats you down there so it doesn't keep happening. It's kinda messy and sounds gross but it works!!! Good luck!!

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D.L.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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E.W.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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M.H.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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L.Z.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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M.J.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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E.H.

answers from Chicago on

Sugars feed yeast. So try to cut out extra sugars (soda is a big one)and make sure the yogurts you are eating don't have sugar in them. Try Keifer (it is usually in the health/organic section of the grocery) and it is a little bitter, but it has those cultures yogurt has without the sugar. I have heard wash with yogurt, but I used vinegar in the bath because I thought the yogurt was kinda gross and expensive for that...I just dumped a cup or two in the bath.

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A.M.

answers from Chicago on

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

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R.V.

answers from Chicago on

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

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L.R.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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K.A.

answers from Chicago on

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!

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L.H.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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E.B.

answers from Chicago on

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

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

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.

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M.D.

answers from Peoria on

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.

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

Yeast infections can be caused from a number of things. My daughter gets them from taking antibiotics. Now she won't take a pill even with sinus infections. Call the dr. for an anitbiotic cream or pill. Drink cranberry juice. No change of sexual partners!

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

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!

M.H.

answers from Chicago on

If you're continuing to have sex with your husband while you have a yeast infection, then yes, he is a carrier. Other than eating lots of yogurt, I had a friend who was travelling in Europe once when she got a yeast infection. There are no OTC treatments there, so she bought plain yogurt and put some up her vagina until the itching stopped. I'd hate to know what that smelled like (if it did), but it worked! I guess you can try that. Beats waiting for the yogurt you're eating to take effect. Otherwise, call your doctor and ask if you can use something OTC or if you can get a prescription. Sometimes the OTC stuff doesn't work (I found out the hard way), so check with your doctor first... Good luck! I know it's not fun!

M.
www.spiceglamup.com

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