Frequent Yeast Infections During Pregnancy: What To Do

ByRiddhi Roy
Updated: 28 Apr 2025, 6:30 pm

Pregnant women often face recurrent yeast infections, making it a common concern among them. During pregnancy, your vaginal tissues produce more glycogen. At the same time, your immune system becomes weaker. These changes make it easier for opportunistic infections to develop. The most common are Candida infections. They're usually caused by Candida albicans. While most are not harmful to the foetus, untreated or recurrent infections can cause complications, including discomfort, urinary tract infections, or, in rare cases, be transmitted to the baby during delivery.

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Yeast infections are a significant concern for pregnant women. These are often triggered by hormonal changes and other factors related to pregnancy. Usually harmless, however, if left untreated, it can cause discomfort and complications for both mother and baby. Understanding the causes of yeast infections, how to identify them, and the treatments is important. These are the first steps to managing these common irritants.

Yeast Infections in Pregnancy: An Overview

Medically, yeast infections are known as candidiasis and occur due to an overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans. This fungus is typically present in the body, particularly in the mouth, gut, and vaginal area, without causing any issues. However, when certain conditions change, the balance of microorganisms can be disrupted. This results in an overgrowth of Candida and leads to an infection.Types of yeast infections are as follows :
  • Vaginal yeast infection: The most common type during pregnancy, marked by itchiness, burning and a thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
  • Oral thrush: A condition in which Candida overgrows in the mouth, causing white patches on the tongue and inner cheeks. If nothing is done to treat it, this can be transmitted to the baby during breastfeeding.
  • Cutaneous candidiasis: Causes skin infection, especially in warm, moist areas such as under the breasts, armpits, or the groin. It appears as a red, itchy rash.
  • Systemic candidiasis: An uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition characterised by Candida entering the blood and affecting multiple organs. This needs immediate medical attention.

Common Causes of Yeast Infections During Pregnancy

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of yeast infections in pregnant women:
  • Hormonal changes: During pregnancy, high concentrations of oestrogen and progesterone cause increased glycogen synthesis in the vaginal tissues. Glycogen serves as a nutrient source for Candida, enabling it to grow and multiply.
  • Altered vaginal pH: Changes in hormones can throw off the vagina’s natural acidity, which becomes more alkaline. This environment facilitates the development of Candida.
  • Weakened immune system: Pregnancy causes a natural suppression of the immune system so that the body does not reject the foetus. These immunosuppressive conditions impair the body's ability to control Candida outgrowth.
  • Antibiotic usage: Antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria that usually keep Candida in balance, allowing it to flourish.
  • High blood sugar levels: Pregnant women with severe gestational diabetes have higher amounts of glucose in their vaginal secretions, which provides an excellent breeding ground for the yeast.
  • Poor hygiene and tight Clothing: Yeast multiplies in warm, moist places, and wearing tight, non-breathable clothes and not practising good hygiene can create this environment.

Symptoms of Yeast Infections

Knowing the signs of a yeast infection is key to treating it quickly:
  • Burning pain when urinating or during sex
  • Inflammation and swelling of the vulva
  • White, thick, odourless ( slight yeast-like smell ) vaginal discharge
  • Pain and discomfort in the vaginal area
These symptoms can also be a sign of other infections, like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

Treatment Options

Treating yeast infections during pregnancy requires special care to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Medical treatments

  • Topical antifungal creams and suppositories: Drugs such as clotrimazole and miconazole are often prescribed during pregnancy. They are directly applied to the infected area and effectively treat the infection.
  • Oral antifungal medications: Generally contraindicated in pregnancy because they may be harmful to the foetus. Fluconazole and similar drugs have been linked to birth defects. They should only be taken if truly needed and prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Home remedies

Medical treatments remain the main method for managing yeast infections, but certain home remedies may provide additional relief. Here are some home remedies you can consider during pregnancy.
  • Probiotic-rich foods: Eating yoghurt that contains live active cultures can support the restoration of the vagina’s natural bacterial balance.
  • Coconut oil: Widely regarded for its antifungal properties, topical application of coconut oil may relieve symptoms.
  • Warm water rinses: Rinsing the vaginal area with warm water can soothe irritation but avoid harsh scrubbing.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C can potentially increase immunity levels, which may help the body fight infections. Keep in mind, though, that you should not use vitamin C in your vaginal area.
  • Loose-fitting clothing: Wearing breathable, cotton underwear and loose clothing will minimise moisture buildup and discourage yeast from growing.
Before opting for these home remedies, it’s best to consult your healthcare professional first. Additionally, refrain from using douches or other scented hygiene products, as these can make the infection worse.

Risks and Potential Complications

Although yeast infections are not typically dangerous, if they aren’t treated while pregnant, they may cause:
  • Increased discomfort: Persistent itching and irritation can significantly reduce a woman’s quality of life.
  • Secondary infections: Scratching can cause skin breaks, allowing bacteria to enter and cause additional infections.
  • Transmission to the baby: The infection can be passed to the baby during vaginal delivery, potentially leading to oral thrush or diaper rash.
  • Misdiagnosis: Yeast infection symptoms can mimic other infections like bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections, which may have more serious consequences during pregnancy.
Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications.

Measuring Yeast Infections without Thoracic Infections

Treating a yeast infection while pregnant isn’t only about symptom relief; it’s about understanding how it will affect you and your baby. Here are a few key things to remember:

Impact on delivery and newborns

If a yeast infection is present during delivery, there is a risk that the yeast can be transmitted from mother to baby during vaginal birth. This may result in oral thrush, a common fungal infection in newborns that appears as white patches in the baby's mouth or on the tongue. Oral thrush in infants is typically treated with antifungal medications such as nystatin or miconazole oral drops or gels, as prescribed by a paediatrician. Early treatment is important to prevent feeding difficulties and discomfort for the baby. Be sure to inform your healthcare professional about any current or recent yeast infections at the time of labour so they can take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of transmission.

When to avoid sexual intercourse

Yeast infections are not considered sexually transmitted infections, but they can still be transferred between partners during sexual activity. Intercourse when infected may cause irritation, prolonged healing time, or reinfection in either partner.When suffering from an active yeast infection, staying away from vaginal intercourse is typically suggested until the yeast infection has been fully resolved along with a full course of treatment, if prescribed. This measure ensures that the recovery will be thorough, without the risk of relapse or reinfection.

Alternative remedies to avoid

  • Tea tree oil: can irritate the vaginal lining and worsen the infection.
  • Garlic cloves: may disturb the natural pH balance and cause irritation.
  • Vinegar douching: disrupts the vaginal environment and may increase risks.
Always check with a healthcare professional before using any non-prescription or natural remedy. The safest and most effective treatment for a yeast infection during pregnancy is an antifungal cream or pessary approved for use at this time.

Common Ways to Prevent Yeast Infections

Preventive measures can help decrease the chances of getting yeast infections during pregnancy:
  • Maintain proper hygiene: Wash the outside of the vagina with warm water only, and do not use douches and scented soaps.
  • Wear breathable clothing: Choose loose-fitting, cotton underwear, and avoid tight pants or synthetic fabrics.
  • Remove wet clothing immediately: If you swim or are physically active, towel off and change into dry clothing.
  • Manage blood sugar levels: Women with gestational diabetes must control their blood sugar levels.
  • Limit antibiotic use: Only use them when prescribed by a healthcare expert.
  • Eat probiotics: Foods that contain probiotics, such as yoghurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables, can help balance bacteria levels.
  • Avoid irritants: Avoid scented hygiene products, bubble baths, and vaginal sprays.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Keep in touch with healthcare professionals if:
  • Symptoms continue despite treatment
  • You have frequent or recurring infections
  • There are reasons to doubt the diagnosis
  • You have other symptoms such as fever, chills, or abdominal pain
If you experience burning or pain when urinating during pregnancy, seek medical attention promptly, as these symptoms can also indicate a urinary tract infection or other conditions that require different treatment. Oral antifungals like fluconazole are generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential risks to the foetus; instead, only topical antifungal creams or suppositories are recommended under a healthcare professional’s supervision.A quick medical check is important to make sure the treatment is safe and works well for both you and your baby. Good hygiene, wearing breathable clothing, and monitoring your diet are vital for preventing recurrence. It is always advised to consult a healthcare professional before starting any kind of treatment to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. Being aware and taking early action can help expectant mothers overcome these challenges and have a healthy pregnancy.

FAQs on Frequent Yeast Infections During Pregnancy: What to Do

  1. Can yeast infections affect the baby during birth?Yes. If left untreated, vaginal yeast infections can be passed to the baby during delivery, causing oral thrush or skin rashes. This is why treating infections before labour is important.
  2. Are yeast infections common during pregnancy?Yes, due to hormonal changes and increased vaginal discharge, pregnant women are more susceptible to yeast infections, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Sandhya Rani, Sr. Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster Women & Children Hospital, Bengaluru

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