Yeast Infections

Candidiasis is the most common vaginitis during pregnancy.  Higher progesterone levels enhance Candidia’s ability to adhere to superficial cells in the vagina.  Higher estrogen levels lead to more glycogen, which yeast love to feed on. Yeast infections occur when the body becomes imbalanced and yeast begins to overgrow.  The itching is actually a result of the alcohol given off by the yeast that irritates the tissue.  Other symptoms include burning, especially during urination, dryness, soreness, painful yoni penetration, as well as redness, inflammation, and swelling of the labia and vagina.  Classic yeasty discharge is a heavy, thick, whitish, yeasty smelling paste that forms cottage cheese-like clumps; however, very often the discharge varies from homogenously thick. 

A good, serious treatment begins with removing all yeast-containing and yeast-nourishing foods form the diet.  This includes all yeasted breads, cheese, alcohol, fermented foods (such as vinegar and miso), packaged and processed foods and of course sugar in any form.  Permitted foods include all meats, peeled veggies, nuts and water.  All foods should be unprocessed.  The more severe the symptoms, the more strict the diet needs to be. Probiotics can also help the system regain balance.  Those in daily contact with lots of baking yeast may be particularly susceptible.

Some women choose to take Nystatin, an oral antifungal agent, which allows them to eat a larger variety of foods without an extreme aggravation of symptoms.

Foods to eat freely:

Vegetables:  Asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, green peppers, leafy greens, lettuce, okra, onions, parsley, radishes, soybeans, string beans, tomatoes (fresh peeled) turnips.

Oils:  linseed, corn, sunflower, soy and sunflower.  Butter may be used in moderation.

Foods to eat minimally:

Walnuts, sweet corn, lima beans, English peas, white potatoes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, beans and peas (dried and cooked) mushrooms, dried fruits, peanuts, melons and unpeeled fruit.

Grains:  barley, corn, millet, rice, wheat.  Breads made with  baking powder, soda or yeast. 

Natural Remedies:

Microwaving underwear will destroy yeast. Washing and then microwaving clean wet underwear and then drying it is a good addition to what ever else is being done.

A douche of cranberry concentrate (1 Tabl. To one quart of water once daily for several days, then every other day for seven days, and twice weekly for two more weeks) is very effective. 

Carefully peel a clove, wrap it in clean gauze, dip it in olive oil and insert into the vagina overnight.  If the infection is caught right away, this can radpidly clear it up.  Continue for several days, if necessary.  The clove should be completely whole to avoid irritation.)

After the first trimester, one 00 capsule loosly filled with boric acid powder inserted in the vagina for two nights in a row, skipping a night, and then continuing treatment for two more nights. (4 capsules in all).  Do not use boric acid if the skin is broken or raw. 

Genetian violet, a coal-tar based dye with antibacterial and antifungal properties is another option for stubborn infections.  If can be painted inside the vagina every two or three days for a total of three treatments.  Alternately a tampon can be painted and inserted for three to four hours. And then removed.

Eating raw garlic, onions, kale, turnips, and cabbage.

Woman can douche with her own fresh urine.  This helps balance vaginal flora and is particularly good for woman who have highly sensitive systems that may have an allergic reaction to other natural remedies.  It works well.  Douche twice daily for five to seven days.

Cultured milk products such as yogurt or capsules containing lactobacilli have been used for many years.  The organisms mimic normal flora by adhereing to the vaginal walls.  However, some products do not contain the type of lactobacilli that adhere best.  Acidophilus capsules can be placed high in the vagina  before going to bed.  A few acidophilus tablets can be dissolved in water and used as a douche once daily for seven days, then every other week for seven days and twice weekly for two more weeks.

Plain yogurt applied externally helps with the itching.

Medication:

If natural remedies fail or symptoms are intolerable, medication should be considered.  Those containing miconazole (such as Monostat) or clotrimazole (such as gyne-Lotrimin) can be found at just about any grocery or drug store.  You may consider getting a culture done, and then see it that particular strain is effective with the medication you are considering. 

No bio-technical drugs have been approved safe for pregnancy, but the topical antifungals are commonly used during pregnancy with no apparent harm.  Only topical azole products are recommended, which should be used for a full seven days to two weeks.  Alternatively, single dose high concentration clotrimazole  may be effective in pregnancy and should be considered as a first-line treatment in women who do not want to bother with many days of treatment.

Resources taken from;

Understanding Diagnostic Test, in the child bearing year  by Anne Frye.