Waiting for the birth of a child certainly becomes a very interesting and unpredictable time for a pregnant woman. She experiences indescribable sensations from the thought that soon the baby will be born and will grow before her eyes. But not always the pregnancy proceeds so well that the expectant mother will not be affected by the common problem of thrush and all its unpleasant consequences. How to get rid of thrush during pregnancy?
Candidiasis(thrush) is a disease of infectious etiology caused by the fungus Candida albicans. This type of fungus is a representative of conditionally pathogenic microflora, which normally lives not only in the vagina, but also in the oral cavity.
When conditions arise that allow Candida albicans to freely increase its number (decrease in local and general immunity of the body, imbalance of the vaginal microflora, gross errors in nutrition), the fungus multiplies and colonizes the mucous membrane. From an opportunistic microorganism, Candida turns into a pathogenic one that can cause bacterial inflammation of the vaginal mucosa- candidiasis.
What is dangerous thrush during pregnancy
Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Vaginal candidiasis, being a common disease among pregnant women, has long been one of the main problems in the practice of obstetricians and gynecologists. Occurring not only during the period of bearing a child, but also during pregnancy planning, thrush jeopardizes the development of the fetus and its trouble-free passage through the birth canal of a woman.
What is dangerous for the fetus thrush during pregnancy and how does it affect pregnancy? The fungus Candida albicans, multiplying in favorable conditions for itself, further acidifies the environment of the vagina. Depending on the severity of thrush, the microorganism has a different effect on pregnancy. With a mild course of the disease, the pathogenicity of exposure is limited to a change in the acidity of the environment, but this circumstance, in the absence of adequate and timely treatment, will provoke further reproduction of the fungus.
In more severe forms of the course of thrush, the fungus, spreading in an upward direction to the uterus containing the fetus, creates high risk of infection of the organs and systems of the child's body. The umbilical cord, skin, mucous membrane of the oral cavity and organs of the respiratory system are subject to infection.
In addition to the above, vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy can promote the multiplication of other microorganisms on the mucous membrane of the birth canal of a pregnant woman, among which species that are initially pathogenic to humans come across.
What are the causes of thrush in pregnant women
The direct cause of vaginal candidiasis in a pregnant woman is the already mentioned species of Candida albicans. However, there are a number of etiological factors under the action of which the pathogenic activity of the fungus is activated. Without their stimulating effect, thrush most likely will not develop.
to the causal factors thrush during pregnancy include:
- A mandatory violation of the hormonal background of a woman, which is directly related to the very fact of bearing a child.
- The presence of chronic diseases of other body systems (liver, kidneys, organs of the digestive tract), including cancer.
- Infectious diseases (tuberculosis,).
- The formation of injuries of the mucous membrane of the vagina during intercourse.
- Taking hormonal and antibacterial drugs.
In general, the occurrence of candidiasis in a pregnant woman indicates the unfavorable state of her health and decrease in the protective properties of the immune system.
Symptomatically, the course of candidiasis in a pregnant woman and in a woman who is not expecting a baby does not have any special differences. With thrush, they are observed during pregnancy, resembling curdled masses in their consistency. Perhaps the appearance of itching and burning in the vulva.
It is possible that an unpleasant sour-smelling discharge. Some pregnant women note the periodic occurrence of pain in the lower abdomen, which is aggravated by urination.
Primary diagnostic measures begin with a detailed questioning of a woman about pregnancy. Next, a mandatory examination is performed in the gynecological chair for visible symptoms and taking a smear from the vagina for microflora. This analysis is absolutely painless and is performed for all women when they come to an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist. It allows you to quantify the population of the vaginal mucosa with the opportunistic fungus Candida albicans.
In other cases, apply microbiological research method. To do this, the biological material obtained from the walls of the vagina and cervical mucosa of a pregnant woman is planted on a specialized nutrient medium. However, as the fungus grows on a given medium, the indicator determines its susceptibility to the action of antifungal drugs. This diagnostic method not only confirms the presence of an excess amount of fungus among the vaginal microflora, but also helps in choosing the appropriate therapy for thrush.
Treatment of thrush during pregnancy
How to treat thrush during pregnancy? The basis of drug therapy for candidiasis of pregnant women is the group antifungal drugs, which includes both local and systemic agents. Due to the wide side effect on other organs and systems, as well as on the fetus, oral systemic drugs (Diflucan, Nizoral) are excluded for pregnant women. Are widely used only local medicines from thrush during pregnancy, which include:
- Miconazole. Inhibiting the formation of components of the cell wall of fungi, reduces their ability to reproduce.
- Nystatin. Having a high affinity for the components of the cell wall of the fungus, it is able to integrate into its structures. Subsequently, this incorporation leads to the formation of channels in the membrane of the microorganism through which water molecules pass uncontrollably, leading to cell death.
- Clotrimazole. The action of the drug is in many ways similar to the mechanism of action of Miconazole, however, this drug additionally disrupts the electrolyte balance of the fungal cell.
- Pimafucin. Similar to the fungal-destroying action of Nystatin.
All local medicines are used in the form vaginal suppositories or vaginal tablets from thrush during pregnancy.
In modern conditions, a woman suffering from thrush can resort to using homeopathic and folk remedies for her cure for thrush during pregnancy. In this situation, can help: calendula, echinacea, sulfur.
Homeopathic therapy is used to relieve symptoms thrush: itching and burning, unpleasant odor, curdled discharge. But the use of this type of treatment for thrush during pregnancy is absolutely excluded without consulting a leading obstetrician-gynecologist.
However, one should not forget the enormous role compliance with the rules of personal hygiene especially during pregnancy. This circumstance is no less important in the treatment of thrush than drug therapy. A pregnant woman should change panty liners as often as possible (in certain cases, completely abandon their use) and provide a quality personal toilet. This contributes not only to the cure of candidiasis, but also to the prevention of its development.
It should also be balanced and complete. According to the recommendations of nutritionists, during the cure for candidiasis, salty, spicy, too spicy or sweet foods should be excluded from the daily diet. And fermented milk products and all kinds of fruits are only welcome for consumption.
It is important not only to observe all the above rules for a pregnant woman, but also to maintain favorable psychological and emotional microclimate in family. The support and help of close people, especially the father of the unborn child, is very important. for the duration of treatment, it is recommended to stop, and there is also a need to conduct an examination of the sexual partner for the presence of candidiasis and mandatory therapy in case of positive results.
What is the prevention of thrush during pregnancy
- Maintaining personal hygiene, excluding douching (due to the possibility of imbalance in the microflora of the vagina).
- Wearing clean underwear, mostly made of cotton fabrics.
- A varied, nutritious diet with the exception of a low-calorie diet.
- Regular walks in the fresh air.
A pregnant woman, despite her "interesting position", can follow not only preventive measures, but generally treat candidiasis without any problems when it is detected. Do not be afraid of this diagnosis, because with timely diagnosis and treatment, the state of the vaginal microflora normalizes, and the symptoms disappear. The main recommendation for a pregnant woman remains vigilance and attentiveness to their well-being and the health of their child.
Video about thrush during pregnancy
We invite you to look video about thrush in pregnancy where the doctor will talk about the features of treatment and prescribed drugs.
(candidiasis) - the most common female disease of the intimate sphere. According to statistics, 75% of women have suffered this disease at least once in their lives. For many, it develops into a chronic form, which is why it regularly makes itself felt and forces them to take preventive measures. Since thrush usually develops against a background of reduced immunity, in many cases its appearance indicates a malfunction in the body.
Pregnancy is a condition that implies a deficiency of immunity. The body specifically inhibits the protective functions of the body so that it does not reject the fetus and does not provoke a miscarriage. Therefore, many chronic diseases are exacerbated in expectant mothers, and new ones also appear. It is during the period of bearing a child that many women notice the symptoms of thrush for the first time in their lives.
The causative agent of thrush is the Candida fungus, which is found in any human body. It comes to us during childbirth, through household items, with food. This fungus reveals its pathogenic nature only under favorable conditions for it.
A variety of factors can provoke the development of candidiasis:
- Reduced immunity and the presence of chronic diseases. Often, candidiasis develops against the background of diabetes mellitus, pathologies of the cardiovascular sphere, oncology, HIV and other diseases.
- Improper hygiene- excessive or insufficient washing, the use of soap (it violates the natural microflora), synthetic pads and low-quality linen.
- Medication antibiotics, hormones, immunosuppressants, etc.
- Non-compliance with the diet- an excess of sweets contributes to increased production of vaginal secretions, which creates favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic fungus.
- Mechanical damage to the vagina.
- Severe stress, emotional tension.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract.
- Lack of vitamins.
Sometimes pregnant women develop thrush for no apparent reason. Due to hormonal changes in the body, in which progesterone predominates, the acid-base balance of the vagina changes, which leads to the appearance of thrush.
Symptoms and diagnosis of thrush during pregnancy
Signs of candidiasis during the gestation period are no different from the disease in all other women. This disease can be recognized by its characteristic symptoms:
- white curdled discharge;
- itching, burning and discomfort in the vagina, in the perineum;
- pain during sexual contact;
- characteristic sour smell of secretions;
- discomfort when urinating.
On examination, the gynecologist notes swelling of the walls of the vagina, their redness. In advanced cases, microcracks and irritated, inflamed areas of the vulva are noticeable. Already these signs are enough to diagnose candidiasis. But since similar symptoms accompany other gynecological diseases, the patient is sent for microscopic examination. This will help determine the type of fungus and find out its sensitivity to antifungal medications.
The danger of candidiasis during pregnancy
How dangerous is debatable. Some experts argue that candidiasis will not cause any harm to either the mother or the fetus. They say that it is necessary to treat it only because it gives a woman discomfort and makes adjustments and intimate life. However, most experts are sure that the fungus can provoke dangerous complications, so it is necessary to take the necessary measures as soon as possible and get rid of this disease.
Risks for a woman
Advanced cases of candidiasis, according to many experts, can cause dangerous complications:
- preterm birth- Against the background of incessant irritation, insomnia develops, headaches appear, which adversely affects the condition of the woman herself.
- Complications during childbirth- the walls of the vagina due to candidiasis lose their elasticity, which leads to multiple tears and cracks. Subsequently, such wounds heal for a long time, and if stitches are applied, they suppurate and even diverge.
- With a caesarean section, it is possible seam divergence, since the scar is poorly formed and thinned.
In addition, thrush further depresses the immune system, which can lead to other, dangerous pathologies. So ureaplasmosis and gardnerellosis join candidiasis, which are much more difficult to get rid of. If the infection rises up the genital tract and enters the uterus, it threatens to turn into dangerous complications. For example, rupture of the membranes or inflammation of the placenta. Although such a pathology is diagnosed infrequently - in 4% of cases in patients with thrush - it is impossible to completely exclude the possibility of this outcome.
Recovery after childbirth with thrush also does not proceed smoothly. Since the elasticity of the walls of the vagina and uterus is reduced, the return of these organs to normal size takes longer than usual.
Risks to the fetus
The most dangerous is the infection of the fetus during the gestation period. This happens only in 0.5% of cases. Congenital candidiasis is treated very difficult. If at the same time the child is weak, born prematurely or has other diseases, then the probability of death is very high.
The risk of infection of the fetus directly during childbirth is also great. In this case, the child is affected by the mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes or genitals. If the fungus has settled in the oral cavity (candidiasis stomatitis), then this leads to a decrease in appetite - the child refuses to eat and loses weight. In the most severe cases, candidal pneumonia or sepsis develops, which can be fatal.
Other risks include:
- Delays in fetal development, deviations in the structure of internal organs (this is possible with infection of the placenta or intrauterine infection).
- Infection with other diseases that frolic against the background of thrush.
With a problematic pregnancy, thrush is very dangerous, as it can be an impetus for premature birth, miscarriage, or other pathological phenomena.
Treatment of thrush during pregnancy
Therapy for thrush in pregnant women differs from standard treatment. Many methods in this case are not suitable, because they harm the unborn child. Therefore, it is more difficult for expectant mothers to get rid of thrush than for non-pregnant women. However, there are quite effective methods to do this. The first thing doctors pay attention to is the inadmissibility of self-treatment. Indeed, in this case, you risk not only your own health, but also the life of an unborn baby. Therefore, the selection of medicines is carried out under the supervision of the attending physician.
Medical treatment
Candidiasis during pregnancy is eliminated with the help of local preparations - they are almost not absorbed into the bloodstream, so they do not pose a particular danger to the health of the baby. Systemic antifungal agents are not recommended in this case, as they can affect the health of the unborn child. What kind of treatment will be prescribed depends on the duration of pregnancy. The most difficult thing is to get rid of thrush in the early stages, since it is at this time that the fetus is not protected by the placenta and is most susceptible to the harmful effects of external factors.
In the first trimester of pregnancy, most often prescribed:
- Candles Pimafucin- they must be taken 1 piece per day for 3-7 days.
- Zalain- used in advanced cases, when the risk to the health of the mother is higher than the likely harm to the fetus.
- Gel Candinorm- intervaginal or for intimate hygiene. The first is used for advanced cases, the second - as a prophylaxis against relapses or with a mild form.
- Viferon- an immunostimulant necessary for the complex treatment of recurrent thrush.
- Betadine- suppositories applied 1-2 times a day for 1-2 weeks.
For the duration of treatment at any time, complete sexual rest is indicated - this will eliminate the likelihood of mechanical irritation of the vagina.
Treatment in the 2nd trimester is carried out with other drugs:
- Polygynax- vaginal suppositories with a powerful antifungal effect.
- Terzhinan- a universal drug used in the treatment of many infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs.
- - a universal anti-inflammatory agent used to treat a variety of infections.
- Livarol- having excellent efficiency regarding candidiasis and its relapses.
For the treatment of thrush in the 3rd trimester, it is possible to use all of the above drugs, except for those that contain iodine in their composition. It is also possible to use boric acid in glycerin - this solution helps to quickly get rid of extensive fungal colonies on the vaginal mucosa. However, this is not an independent type of treatment, but an auxiliary one.
In addition to the main therapy for thrush, regardless of the gestational age, auxiliary drugs are prescribed that speed up recovery. These are various multivitamins, pre- and probiotics that normalize the intestinal microflora. To exclude an early relapse of thrush, it is necessary to simultaneously treat the sexual partner (husband) of a pregnant woman. For this purpose, he is prescribed external gels and ointments, and, if necessary, a course of systemic drugs.
If the treatment is chosen correctly and carried out in accordance with the doctor's recommendations, then within a week the disease disappears, the risk for the pregnant woman and her child disappears. However, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of the disease. They also act as a prevention of this disease.
Treatment at home
There are various folk remedies that can help in the treatment of thrush. However, in order to avoid complications, they should be taken only after consulting a doctor.
Treatment of thrush during pregnancy at home involves:
- Trays- a solution of soda (1 tbsp) and iodine (0.5 tbsp) is added to 10 liters of warm water. You need to sit in such a bath for 20-25 minutes. Repeat the procedure for three days before going to bed.
- Washing with decoctions of herbs. For this, medicinal fees are used: oregano, bark, oak, calendula. You can also add thyme, nettle. The mixture should be boiled with two glasses of water. Daily for hygiene procedures we prepare a fresh portion of the broth.
- douching. A procedure requiring the utmost care. It is carried out strictly with the permission of the gynecologist, otherwise you can harm the unborn child! For douching, decoctions of some herbs are used, but a decoction of burdock is preferable.
- Compresses- ideal if douching is prohibited. A medicinal mixture of hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green is applied to a gauze swab. To do this, add the same amount of peroxide (3%) to 1 part of water and drop a few drops of brilliant green. Soak a swab in the liquid and clean the vagina from the cheesy plaque with it. Please note that the procedure is not pleasant and is often accompanied by a feeling of itching, tingling.
- Carrot juice compresses on the outer part of the genitals - moisten gauze with this juice and apply for 1-2 hours. Juice is also recommended to be taken orally - it strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to Candida fungi.
Folk remedies are not able to get rid of thrush - they act only as an addition to traditional treatment.
Prevention of thrush in pregnant women
Personal hygiene plays an important role in this matter - this is the main condition for the health of the genital organs. When a woman is "in position", the amount of vaginal secretion increases dramatically, so it is important to be more zealous about this issue. After getting rid of thrush, do not use soap and hygiene products with lactic acid - in everyday life this is useful, but at the risk of candidiasis, it increases the likelihood of this disease. Try to wear only high-quality cotton underwear. And if you use panty liners, change them more often - every 3-4 hours.
When washing, use only clean running water. If desired, 2-3 times a week, perform hygiene with chamomile decoction, calendula. Also buy neutral pH gels. In the initial stages of thrush, when itching appears, you can wash yourself with a weak solution of soda (without injecting it inside).
It is also important to monitor nutrition - exclude from the diet all foods that create a favorable environment for the development of candidiasis. Sweets, pastries, kvass, soda - all this is not the most healthy food for pregnant women (for various reasons). By using these products, you reduce the effectiveness of treatment and create a favorable environment for recurrent thrush.
This video provides a discussion of thrush, details about how it occurs and how to treat it.
It is difficult to confuse thrush with any other disease, because the appearance of itching, burning in the genital area, curdled discharge unconditionally indicates damage by yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida. Unfortunately, there are women. How is it right to fight the disease in this position?
Thrush during pregnancy is a common occurrence, because the immune system during this period is greatly weakened and does not have time to control the growth of a fungal infection. Stress, worries, overwork, frequent colds - all this and much more weakens the body's defenses, as a result of which it becomes vulnerable to attacks by an infectious agent.
Why is thrush dangerous for the fetus?
Is there any reliable information that would talk about how thrush affects the fetus during pregnancy? In fact, there is no evidence of harm.
In the body, everything is so provided that the child is protected by a placental barrier that prevents the spread of a fungal infection. However, the child can be infected from the mother. How? During passage through the birth canal. To avoid this situation, if during pregnancy you had thrush, you should still undergo a course of treatment immediately before childbirth.
If, nevertheless, your child is infected, then you will see white curdled spots in his mouth and he will be.
How to treat thrush in pregnant women
It is difficult to answer the question of how to get rid of thrush during pregnancy, it all depends on each individual case. However, there are general guidelines that apply anytime and anywhere.
Despite the fact that the use of many medications is prohibited or limited, candidiasis can and should be treated. You should not try to cure yourself of the disease on your own, even using seemingly safe methods of traditional medicine.
Since the appearance of thrush is a clear sign of a decrease in the immune system, expectant mothers are shown a healthy and balanced diet, taking multivitamin complexes, good rest and sleep.
Particular attention should be paid to the state of the digestive system. If intestinal dysbacteriosis has developed, then it is likely that the vagina will be further affected. That is why it is important for pregnant women to monitor the work of their intestines, to prevent constipation.
To do this, you need to consume sour-milk products, as well as foods rich in fiber. In some cases, you may need to take probiotic products that contain beneficial bacteria.
You should stop wearing synthetic underwear, as well as squeezing things. In addition, the sexual partner should also undergo a course of treatment, and intimacy should be abandoned for the duration of treatment.
A good auxiliary tool are pads that will absorb curdled secretions. But at the same time, you should not forget that they should be changed more often, as they will be a source of infection.
intimate hygiene
Treatment of thrush, especially for the period of pregnancy, should be carried out strictly according to the doctor's recommendations. The fact is that different drugs can be used in each trimester, so you should not experiment and select them yourself.
Miconazole
Miconazole is a drug for both local and systemic treatment of fungal infection. During pregnancy, the remedy is used in the form of vaginal suppositories. The active component of the drug has antimycotic and antibacterial properties.
Thrush during pregnancy 1st trimester
Treatment of thrush in pregnant women in the first trimester is not an easy task, because the formation of the fetus has just begun, the laying of organs and systems is underway. Usually, during this period, topical agents are prescribed in order not to additionally harm the vaginal mucosa and the whole body.
Antifungal agents are prescribed only when absolutely necessary with a doctor's prescription, but if you can do without them, then they are not used. Of course, many modern antimycotic agents have such a composition that minimal harm is caused to the health of the mother and the development of the fetus, but still you should not self-medicate. The choice of drug, dosage, duration of treatment - all this is determined by the doctor himself.
Among the most popular drugs that effectively fight fungal infections is Pimafucin. The drug does not have significant side effects, so it can be used in any period of pregnancy, in particular, in the first trimester.
Long-term studies of the use of the drug indicate high safety and good performance. Full instructions for use can be found on our website.
Betadine
This drug is prescribed by doctors even from the first weeks of pregnancy. Usually the duration of treatment is about a week. The only limitations to the use of betadine are severe thyroid disorders and hypersensitivity to iodine.
In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, this drug is not prescribed, because during these periods it becomes dangerous for the fetus. The active components of the drug are able to penetrate the protective barrier and cause disorders of the thyroid gland.
Pimafucin
Natamycin is the main active component of the drug, which practically does not enter the circulatory system from the digestive tract, is not absorbed from the mucous membranes and penetrates through the protective barrier to the fetus. Therefore, the conclusion is obvious: Pimafucin cannot harm the child. 
Treatment of candidiasis with this drug can be carried out, starting from the conception of a child and up to childbirth, there are no restrictions. As for the duration of treatment, it is difficult to say here that it all depends on the severity of the fungal infection and the body's defenses, for some, only three days of treatment are enough, for others at least nine days.
As a rule, pregnant women are prescribed a remedy in suppositories, which are administered every evening, one suppository. In the first days of using candles, a slight burning sensation may appear, which should not be scared, it should go away on its own.
In more severe cases, a tablet dosage form is preferred - one tablet four times a day for a week.
Thrush during pregnancy 2nd trimester
How to treat thrush during pregnancy 2nd trimester? It is important to understand that this period is a time of active fetal formation, which means that taking care of your health should be at the highest level.
clotrimazole
The main active ingredient acts on the protective membrane of fungal cells, as a result of which its permeability decreases, and the cell dissolves. In small doses, clotrimazole slows down and stops the growth of yeast-like fungi, and large doses lead to their death. The full instructions for clotrimazole are located.
In the course of clinical studies, harm to the development of the fetus was not revealed, but nevertheless, the decision on the advisability of clotrimazole is made by the doctor himself. As a rule, the treatment is carried out for seven days, each day one tablet without the use of an applicator is inserted deep into the vagina at bedtime.
Itching and burning may occur, if such sensations do not disappear within a few days, then the drug is changed, since there is a high probability of developing allergic reactions.
Thrush during pregnancy 3rd trimester
How to treat thrush during pregnancy 3rd trimester? During this period, many drugs are allowed that are unacceptable in the early stages of pregnancy.
Terzhinan
This is a French drug that effectively fights fungal infection during pregnancy. The course of treatment lasts from one to two weeks. Before inserting a vaginal tablet, it must be dipped in warm water for half a minute.
If you administer the drug during the day, then after the procedure you should lie down for twenty minutes. Detailed instructions for the drug.
Traditional medicine against thrush
Many women are supporters of the use of folk recipes, because they have a number of advantages:
- low cost;
- no side effects;
- accessibility, since almost every home has “raw materials” for the preparation of non-traditional methods.
Let's talk about such a well-known and affordable medicinal plant as chamomile.
Washing with chamomile
Chamomile is a natural antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. To prepare the solution, it is necessary to brew a tablespoon of dried flowers with a glass of boiling water. After the remedy has been infused for twenty minutes, it must be filtered.
Strained broth in a warm form is used for washing. After the procedure, the product should not be washed off with plain water, just pat it gently with a towel. We remind you that it is not recommended during pregnancy!
Nevertheless, one should not forget that alternative treatment is also struggling with, but such methods are not able to affect the fungal infection itself.
Pregnancy is an important and crucial stage in the life of any woman and you don’t want to overshadow it with such a disease as thrush. Do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene, strengthen the immune system, and you will reduce the likelihood of an illness.
If, nevertheless, candidiasis has already developed, start treatment as early as possible, for this, consult a doctor and tell us about your complaints. After a diagnostic examination, the specialist will prescribe treatment based on the duration of pregnancy, the severity of the process and individual characteristics. Remember that thrush in pregnant women can be dangerous for the fetus, so consultation and examination by a doctor is necessary!
Thrush is perhaps the most annoying and unpleasant companion of a pregnant woman. Along with the news that you will soon have an heir or heiress, you may well hear the news about the presence of thrush. Statistics say that every third pregnant woman has this disease - candidiasis, or. Among the people, it received such a name because of the symptoms: discharge of a curdled nature, milky color.
The fungus can live peacefully in the body of a healthy woman, without causing her absolutely no inconvenience. And as soon as a “foreign body” appears in your body - a fetus, how Candida begins to actively multiply and get you itching, discharge, unpleasant odor or even pain.
Everything would be fine, our medicine is at a high level, advertising claims: one pill and the problem is eliminated. Yes, but is it really so? A pregnant woman faces a very difficult dilemma: to treat or not to treat? What will harm the child more: thrush or medications? And so the answer is unequivocal: TREAT! And as soon as possible. Already at the first symptoms, consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Only microscopic examination of a smear taken from the genital tract can confirm or refute the presence of candidiasis.
Why is thrush dangerous for an unborn child?
The fact is that during pregnancy, complications can occur. The fungus is able to infect many organs of the fetus. Most often it is the umbilical cord, skin, mucous system. Infection occurs during childbirth, but can also occur during gestation. If there is an advanced stage of thrush, the consequences for the unborn fetus can be fatal. Death is not so rare if a woman completely refuses treatment.
Treatment of thrush during pregnancy
We immediately draw your attention: do not self-medicate! Neither advanced forums, nor effective advertising, nor the advice of "experienced", nor the recommendations of grandmothers will cure you of candidiasis. Trust only your doctor. It is he who will prescribe the optimal treatment, having studied the course of the disease, its severity and the state of your body as a whole.
Usually the course of treatment consists of several stages.
Medical treatment
There are local and systemic drugs for the treatment of candidiasis. Systemic drugs are taken orally and act directly in the intestines, namely, yeast-like fungi live there, and then, spreading through the blood, they penetrate into all tissues. During pregnancy, they are used in extremely severe cases of the disease due to high toxicity and side effects. Basically, thrush is treated with local preparations - suppositories, vaginal tablets, creams and ointments. Natamycin (Pimafucin) is prescribed because it is non-toxic even in high doses, but its effectiveness is also weak. Therefore, in the later stages of pregnancy, repeated thrush appears.
After 12 weeks of pregnancy, suppositories with are acceptable. In the last trimester of pregnancy or before the birth itself, treatment with such drugs is possible: Miconazole, Natamycin, Cyclopirox, Isoconazole. Do not forget, the duration of treatment and dosage should be prescribed by a doctor.
Since thrush is sexually transmitted, the partner must also undergo treatment. Usually men are treated with drugs and systemic and local action. Fluconazole is taken inside, and the external genital organs are treated with ointments or creams with clotrimazole.
10 days after treatment, both partners need to undergo a follow-up examination.
The second stage in the treatment of candidiasis is the appointment of drugs that will restore the intestinal microflora - probiotics, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, as well as general strengthening immunomodulatory drugs and multivitamins.
ethnoscience
Surely you yourself have heard about effective folk remedies against thrush. The most popular is a recipe for a solution of water, soda and iodine, over which you need to sit once a day for 20 minutes. It is quite possible that even your gynecologist will prescribe you washing the genitals with solutions from oak bark, calendula, etc. These recipes will soon relieve you of the signs of thrush, but the problem itself will remain and will soon make itself felt with renewed vigor. Therefore, remember that folk remedies should be used in combination with antifungal drugs. During pregnancy, be careful with herbal infusions so as not to harm yourself and your unborn baby.
When treating thrush, it is important to follow certain rules for a successful recovery:
- for the period of treatment, stop sexual contact;
- give up serious physical exertion;
- do not eat spicy foods;
- exclude sweet and flour products from the diet;
- eat more vegetables and fruits, as well as dairy products;
- try to drink plenty of fluids (ideal is);
- 2-3 times a day, wash with clean water, without soap;
- avoid frequent douching;
- give up fashionable "thongs", tight underwear;
- Use only cotton underwear.
Prevention
Since no woman is immune from the appearance of this disease, remember about preventive measures. It is better to exclude the possibility of candidiasis before planning pregnancy. Remember, the following factors most often provoke thrush:
- weakening of the immune system;
- stress;
- lack of vitamins;
- changes in hormone levels;
- chronic diseases;
- malnutrition;
- taking antibiotics;
- abuse of intimate perfumes;
- tight underwear.
Take care of your health and the health of your future baby!
Especially for- Tanya Kivezhdiy
It is extremely difficult to confuse the disease with others, because a woman is worried about itching and burning in the genital area. The main symptom of thrush is curdled discharge, which has a sour smell. Treatment of thrush during pregnancy is mandatory due to the fact that it complicates the course of pregnancy and increases the likelihood of infection of the fetus during passage through the birth canal. If infection occurs, then the newborn will suffer candidal stomatitis.
Treatment of chronic thrush in non-pregnant women is carried out with systemic drugs (tablets or capsules), which penetrate the bloodstream and affect fungi in the intestines and other tissues in the body. However, a gynecologist cannot prescribe such drugs during pregnancy due to their high toxicity - even their short-term use negatively affects the development of the fetus.
What remedies against thrush are allowed for pregnant women? Which drugs should be given preference: local or systemic, or maybe even “folk”? In the list of modern pharmacological agents for thrush, there are about a dozen drugs that act only on the infected area, that is, they are absolutely harmless to the fetus.
Is the disease dangerous during pregnancy?
By themselves, mushrooms cannot cause significant harm to either the body of the mother, or even more so to the fetus.
The problem is that if it is not treated, it may happen that the thrush will progress, constantly tormenting the mother with endless itching, inflammation, etc. If we add to this hormonal changes, then it is not far from neurosis.
In addition, the fungus can settle in the intestines, on the skin or nails. Do not be surprised, Candida feels great in such locations. You can infect other family members, in short, the problems are over the roof and the question “to treat or not” can not even be asked.
Pimafucin during pregnancy
Many gynecologists recognize this drug as the safest and most effective treatment for thrush during pregnancy. The main active ingredient of Pimafucin - natamycin - practically does not enter the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal tract, is not absorbed from the mucous membranes and does not penetrate the utero-placental barrier. Accordingly, taking Pimafucin (even for a long time) cannot harm the fetus.
The only drug officially approved in the 1st trimester. Treatment of thrush in women with Pimafucin can be carried out from the moment of conception to childbirth. One, to get rid of the symptoms of thrush, it is enough to take the medicine for three days, others need a full course of treatment (9 days). Usually, pregnant women are prescribed Pimafucin in candles - 1 suppository at night. With a persistent course of vaginal candidiasis, Pimafucin is prescribed in tablets (4 p. per day, 1 tab. for a week).
Recently, a rumor has been circulating on RuNet that the FDA allegedly classifies natamycin as category C in terms of effects on the fetus. Unfortunately, the editors could not find confirmation of this either on the FDA website or in other sources. If you have links to studies or official sources, please write about it in the comments.
You should not prescribe Pimafucin on your own, especially if the thrush did not bother you before pregnancy. The fact is that the drug has one contraindication: hypersensitivity to the substances that make up Pimafucin. In addition to natamycin, suppositories contain cetyl alcohol, polysorbate, solid fat, adipic acid, sorbitol triolite, sodium hydrogen carbonate. In the first days and hours after the administration of the suppository, burning and irritation may be disturbing, but these side effects do not require discontinuation of the drug and disappear on their own.
Drugs allowed at different stages of pregnancy
clotrimazole(and its analogue Candide). During pregnancy, the drug is prescribed in the form of vaginal tablets or cream. . Clotrimazole is allowed in all trimesters, except for the first. The negative effect of the drug on the fetus during clinical trials was not revealed, but the final decision on the advisability of using clotrimazole should be made by the doctor. Treatment of thrush in women with Clotrimazole lasts 6-7 days, during which, before a night's sleep, one tablet is injected deep into the vagina, without resorting to the use of an applicator. The cream is used only as an addition to suppositories or vaginal tablets. When using vaginal tablets, burning and itching may increase. If they do not pass within 1-2 days, then the drug is canceled due to the high probability of an allergic reaction. In rare cases, pregnant women complain of frequent urination.
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Terzhinan vaginal tablets are included in the list of drugs recommended for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis in Russia. They are prescribed from the second trimester of pregnancy and in rare cases in the first (if the potential benefit to the woman outweighs the risk to the fetus). The French laboratory of Bouchard-Recordati (manufacturer of Terzhinan) also talks about the effectiveness of the drug and stands up for its safety. At the same time, the American agency FDA warns: prednisolone, which is part of the drug, reduces local immunity. The course of treatment is 10-14 days, one vaginal tablet at bedtime (before administration, the tablet is dipped into water for 30 seconds). After the first injections, burning and itching may increase, but then they will disappear.
Livarol (instruction, prices). The drug can be purchased at any pharmacy, but know that it can be used against thrush only in the second and third trimester, and only under the supervision of a gynecologist. Ketoconazole - the active substance of Livarol vaginal suppositories, acts only on the mucous membranes - the vagina and vulva, is not absorbed into the bloodstream and therefore is harmless to the woman and the fetus. Studies show that this drug works better for pregnant women than Pimafucin. According to some data (the page with the study is unfortunately no longer available), recovery after taking Livarol was observed in 96.9% of the subjects; of those who took Pimafucin, only 33.3% were cured. The course of treatment is one suppository at bedtime for 3-5 days.
The average prices for the treatment of thrush in women depend on the drug prescribed by the doctor and the duration of its administration:
Pimafucin (6 candles) - 503 rubles.
Livarol (5 candles) - 340 rubles.
Epigen intimate (spray, 60 ml.) - 1370 rubles.
Terzhinan (vaginal tablets, 6 pcs.) - 354 rubles.
Betadine (14 candles) - 317 rubles.
Clotrimazole (vaginal tablets, 6 pcs.) - 30 rubles.
Fluconazole - a drug prohibited during pregnancy
Fluconazole belongs to the category of drugs that are dangerous during pregnancy, especially in its first trimester. As foreign medical studies show, taking Fluconazole in the first weeks of gestation (organ laying) led to the risk of developing a congenital complex heart disease in the fetus - Fallot's tetralogy. If a pregnant woman took Fluconazole in the third trimester at a dose of 400-800 mg / day, then in rare cases, the born baby was diagnosed with abnormal facies, brachycephaly, malformations of the cranial vault, arthrogryposis, cleft palate, etc.
A single dose of Fluconazole at a dose of 150 mg is considered safe, but the drug is prescribed only in cases of emergency. Thus, the treatment of thrush in women with Fluconazole is possible only after delivery and the end of lactation.
Flucostat treatment of thrush in women is also not desirable. Its main active ingredient is still the same fluconazole, and there are publications that say that this drug is capable of causing deformities and toxic effects on the fetus. Gynecologists prescribe it only if the disease spreads to all vital systems of a woman.
Traditional medicine recipes
"We treat thrush ourselves!". This phrase can often be heard from pregnant women who do not want to harm the fetus by taking medications. We repeat that if we apply only drugs approved during pregnancy, they will not bring harm to the baby.
Alternative treatment options can only be used as a supplement., because drugs eliminate fungi, but not always eliminate burning and itching. And of course, you should not risk the health of the unborn child by refusing traditional medicine.
Treatment with soda for thrush in women is the most popular alternative method of dealing with the disease. Soda is used for douching and washing. The solution is prepared from 1 tbsp. soda, 1 liter of boiling water, wait for cooling and douche, after which candles or vaginal tablets prescribed by the doctor are injected. The optimal duration of douching is 5-7 days. Sedentary soda baths are also effective: 1 liter. water is taken 1 tsp. iodine and 1 tbsp. soda. The duration of being in a sitz bath is 15 minutes.
Douching solutions are prepared not only from soda, but also from natural antiseptics. Here are some of them:
- onions and garlic (5 minutes in a liter of water boil a head of garlic with a tablespoon of chamomile).
- tea tree oil (a small syringe is filled with calendula oil - 1 tsp and tea tree oil - 1-2 drops).
But you need to understand that by delaying the visit to the doctor, the expectant mother risks her health.
74 comments
Good afternoon. Tell me, please, now I’m 14 weeks old, I treated thrush with Pimafucin, it didn’t help, I tried Livarol - the itching and burning intensified by a lot, the vagina hurts terribly now, naturally it didn’t help either. How can this thrush be cured?
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All information is presented for educational purposes. Do not self-medicate, it is dangerous! An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor.