Thrush during pregnancy what to do. Thrush during pregnancy: how to cure with medicines and folk remedies, what is dangerous

Burning, itching, vaginal discharge are characteristic signs that a fungus has activated in the intimate places of a woman. Thrush during pregnancy most often develops against the background of a natural decrease in immunity in the expectant mother. Despite the fact that pathogenic microbes do not enter the body, and the disease is caused by an imbalance of its own microflora, it is not as harmless as it might seem. Therefore, you need to know how to treat thrush during pregnancy.

Thrush is a fungal infection of the mucous membranes that causes inflammation. It appears due to the fact that the growth of yeast-like fungi of the genus Candida predominates in the flora of the intimate zone. Manifestations in this case can be observed both in the vagina and on the external genital organs.

Signs of candidiasis, why it occurs and what it threatens

There is always fungal flora in the vagina, but at some point, yeast-like fungi grow exorbitantly, and thrush begins to manifest itself clinically and disturb the woman.

Why is the number of fungi in the vagina increasing

There are many reasons for the appearance of candidiasis in pregnant women, but they all lead to an imbalance in the natural environment in the woman's body and the activation of fungi. Here are the reasons:

• changes in hormonal levels and decreased immunity due to pregnancy;
• diseases of the genital organs;
• taking antibiotics;
• non-compliance with hygiene standards;
• lack of vitamins;
• diabetes;
• a lot of sweet, spicy and salty in the diet;
• stool retention;
• strong feelings.

Manifestations of the disease

When a fungal inflammation appears, only one of the possible symptoms can be observed, but more often the signs of candidiasis appear completely. The woman is concerned about:

• itching and burning at certain times of the day or constantly;
• white discharge resembling cottage cheese;
• swelling and redness;
• mucosal soreness.

To clarify and not confuse thrush with other diseases, you need to contact a gynecologist and take a smear.

Complications

Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Once a fungal inflammation occurs, it can go away by itself. This sometimes happens when immunity improves. But prolonged candidiasis threatens a woman and carries a danger to the fetus. In this case, such negative consequences as:

• childbirth not on time;
• fetal infection;
• inflammation of the uterus with the threat of miscarriage;
• inflammation of the urinary system with the development of intoxication.

How to treat thrush during pregnancy

There are two forms of candidiasis:

1. when thrush happens for the first time;
2. when it is a chronic illness.

Therapy of acute forms of the disease differs little from the treatment of chronic ones. As a rule, with repeated attacks, more attention is paid to immune correction, but in general, medical approaches are the same. But the treatment of thrush during pregnancy and the therapeutic tactics for those women who are not expecting a baby differ significantly.

If thrush bothers a woman who is not expecting a baby, the doctor has the opportunity to prescribe a wide range of medications to her. These are drugs that increase immunity, and anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, antihistamines and antifungal drugs.

In the case of thrush in pregnant women, oral tablets are contraindicated, so they are not used. In addition, treatment in early and late pregnancy is different.

Therapy in the early stages of bearing a child

From the first weeks of pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in a woman's body. They affect the condition of the vaginal flora, so that thrush can appear even before the expectant mother knows about the pregnancy.

In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, even external medicines for thrush are prohibited, because during this period, the laying of the fetal organs occurs, and any medicinal interventions from the outside are contraindicated. Therefore, even doctors use only folk remedies for thrush in early pregnancy. Dietary and hygiene recommendations available at home are also effective at this time.

• Diet for thrush. Reduce the consumption of salty, spicy, sour foods and dishes, also eat less flour and sweets. Vegetables, fish, lean meat, apples, plums, eggs, olive oil, yogurts are useful for candidiasis.
• Herbal tea . Brew oregano, chamomile, blackcurrant berries. Drink as tea throughout the day.
• Gadgets. You can do them with a solution of soda, half a tablespoon of which is diluted in 500 ml of water. In a solution of room temperature, it is necessary to moisten a piece of bandage and lay it in the vagina for 15 minutes.
• Washing. You can wash with a soda solution or a decoction of chamomile. To do this, pour a few tablespoons of dried chamomile with half a liter of boiling water, cool and apply two to three times a day.

As a rule, such treatment is sufficient, and women leave good reviews about its effectiveness. If the above methods do not help, you can use boric acid powder or vaginal capsules with it. The tool is easy to find in a pharmacy.

Medicines for use in the second trimester

In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the treatment of a yeast-like fungus differs only in that the preparations "Clotrimazole" and "Pimafucin" can be added to all the above points. Medicines are prescribed only by a doctor, in the right form and scheme. Vaginal tablets "Clotrimazole" are administered without an applicator, and, if necessary, an ointment or cream is applied to the vulva. "Pimafucin" is in the form of ointments and suppositories. These drugs practically do not enter the bloodstream, therefore, according to indications, they are used in the middle terms of bearing a child.

Possible methods of dealing with candidiasis in the last three months

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, more drugs are allowed that a doctor can prescribe. But to achieve the effect, a system of measures is needed so that the thrush does not recur.

• Ration. Exclude fried, salty, spicy, floury and sweet.
• Folk methods. Soda lotions, washing with infusion of chamomile, tea with herbs.
• Medicines. In addition to vaginal tablets of ointments and suppositories of "Clotrimazole" or "Pimafucin", you can use the Miramistin solution. They need to irrigate the genitals. The doctor may prescribe Livarol, which is used during pregnancy in candles. The doctor prescribes any vaginal suppositories once a day. A candle is inserted into the vagina, lying on your back, before going to bed. The procedure is repeated from three to ten days in a row. In severe form of candidiasis, "Terzhinan" is prescribed.

Prevention

Pregnancy can provoke various unpleasant conditions, and thrush is no exception. Therefore, you should always remember that the best method of dealing with diseases is prevention. The following measures will help you resist candidiasis:

• compliance with personal hygiene standards;
• proper nutrition;
• early detection and treatment of infections and inflammations;
• regular chair.

But if you still happen to get sick, then before treating thrush during pregnancy, you should definitely consult a doctor. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe the right remedies for the specific period of childbearing and the specific woman.

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Thrush, also called candidiasis, is a problem familiar to many women. The manifestation of its symptoms becomes especially unpleasant during pregnancy, because most drugs are categorically not recommended for expectant mothers. To avoid thrush or get rid of it faster, in addition to medications or instead of them, harmless folk remedies can be used.

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of Candida in the vaginal environment. Normally, the limitation of the number of microorganisms of this type on the epithelium is supported by its own, beneficial microflora. The fungus itself performs a specific function, creating an acidic environment favorable for conception in the woman's vagina.

The increased risk of thrush during pregnancy is associated, first of all, with changes in the hormonal background, which affects the condition of the vagina. Exactly the same way affects the body and hormone therapy.

Expectant mothers often experience a decrease in immunity associated with changes in the body and exacerbation of chronic diseases during hormonal changes. Conditionally pathogenic microflora, which includes Candida fungi, reacts to the deterioration of the body's resistance by intensive reproduction and growth.

Poor nutrition also increases the risk of developing thrush. Since expectant mothers are forced to consume more calories, they can compensate for the lack of sugary snacks and drinks. A sweet environment is optimal for the rapid reproduction of fungi.

Other reasons can also provoke the development of candidiasis:

• like wearing synthetic underwear;
• untimely change of sanitary pads;
• immunodeficiency states;
• disorders of glucose metabolism.

Herbal decoctions for the treatment of candidiasis

Treatment of thrush during pregnancy with folk remedies becomes the best option for many expectant mothers, especially in the 1-2 trimester, when any medications are prescribed with great care due to the effect on fetal development.

Gathering #1

Mix equal amounts of oak bark, juniper, yarrow, birch buds, calendula and dried celandine. Pour 1 tablespoon of the dry mixture with 0.5 liters of boiling water. Leave for 4 hours. The finished decoction is used for irrigation of the genital organs after hygiene procedures. The collection has anti-inflammatory and antimycotic properties, can alleviate the symptoms of thrush (itching, redness, vaginal dryness) and reduce the abundance of discharge.

Gathering #2

Mix 1 part of a mixture of oak bark, herbs of oregano, thyme and calendula, 2 parts of knotweed grass and 2 parts of dry stinging nettle. Pour a tablespoon of the collection with 2 cups of boiling water, bring to a boil, hold on low heat for 5-7 minutes and insist for several hours. The finished product is used to irrigate the genital organs and wash the vagina in order to eliminate inflammation. Traditional healers claim that such a collection contributes to the restoration of the mucosa.

One of the components of the collection - oregano - is traditionally considered a "female" plant due to the specifics of its application. This is also evidenced by one of the popular names of grass - the mother. In addition to dried raw materials, plant oil can also be used in the treatment of thrush. To do this, 2 drops of the product must be mixed with 2 tablespoons of base oil (for example, olive oil). After dipping a tampon in the mixture, you need to introduce a hygiene product into the vagina.

It is recommended to perform the procedure after a thorough washing, before going to bed. The intravaginal administration of oil is supplemented by its consumption: for this, 3 drops of mother oil are dissolved in a tablespoon of olive oil, and then in a glass of very warm water. You need to drink oil medicine once a day with meals.

Gathering #3

To prepare it, you need to combine 2 parts of oak bark and one part of rosemary, yarrow herb and chicory root (some recipes will also include sage as an astringent and anti-inflammatory component). 100 grams of the mixture is poured with a liter of boiling water, brought to a boil and infused for several hours. The genitals are washed with a diluted decoction and douched (only with the permission of the obstetrician-gynecologist).

Ready-made broths are allowed to be stored no more than 2 days in the refrigerator.

Baths for the treatment of thrush

Sitz baths are a convenient way to get rid of candidiasis in early pregnancy. A similar procedure is recommended before bedtime, after bathing and thorough washing.

The most effective recipes are based on components such as:

• soda (creates an alkaline environment in the vagina);
• chamomile (serves as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent);
• iodine (disinfects the external genitalia);
• calendula;
• sage;
• Oak bark.

Recipe #1

Dissolve soda and iodine in warm water, based on the proportion of 1 tablespoon of soda and 3 drops of an alcohol solution of iodine per 1 liter of water. Immerse the genitals in the bath for 10-12 minutes. The course of procedures should be at least 4-5 procedures.

Instead of iodine, you can use sea salt. In this case, the proportion will be 0.5 tablespoons of salt and soda per 1 liter of warm water.

Recipe #2

Pour 3 tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water and insist for 35-45 minutes. Strain from raw materials and pour into a bowl with 2 liters of water. The course of procedures - 6-7 sessions. The bath can be taken daily. Chamomile decoction can be used both for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

Recipe #3

Mix one part of dried juniper, yarrow, sage, eucalyptus and calendula and put in a dark place. Brew daily according to the proportion given for chamomile decoction. The course of procedures subject to daily use is 5-7 days. Instead of one of the components, you can use dried chamomile flowers or St. John's wort: the first have soothing and antiseptic properties, and the second contains a large amount of tannins that eliminate inflammation.

The manifestations of thrush during pregnancy can be avoided if you follow the rules of hygiene, follow the diet and resort to a few tricks recommended by traditional medicine.

Douching, soda baths and therapeutic tampons should not be used to prevent the disease, because. herbal decoctions can provoke dryness of the vaginal mucosa and washing out of beneficial microflora, which will only increase the likelihood of Candida fungus reproduction.

Tips for preventing thrush:

• Consume no more than 40 grams of white sugar per day (including those found in confectionery and baked goods). Replace sweets of industrial production with a small amount of dark chocolate and dried fruits. Potassium contained in dried apricots will help to avoid edema.
• Include carrot juice in your diet. Traditional medicine recommends it not only as a means of prevention, but also for treatment: it is used in compresses on the genitals to relieve inflammation and restore the mucosa.

• Drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day. Drinks with chokeberries, lingonberries, blueberries, cranberries, red and black currants are rich in vitamin C, which has a beneficial effect on the immune system and reduces the likelihood of candidiasis and other inflammatory diseases. In addition, cranberry is a natural antiseptic and diuretic, and its regular use helps pregnant women avoid pyelonephritis and kidney congestion.
• Increase the proportion of dairy products on the menu. Sourdough, yogurt, kefir and cottage cheese desserts will not only deliver the calcium necessary for the growth of the fetus to the body of the expectant mother, but also enrich the microflora with beneficial bacteria. The beneficial properties of fermented milk products are also used directly for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis. For example, in folk recipes, it is recommended to moisten a hygienic tampon with kefir and leave it in the vagina overnight to create an alkaline environment that inhibits the reproduction of the fungus.

• Do not use antibacterial soaps and products with an alkaline pH to wash the genitals. Ideal hygiene products during a period of increased risk of candidiasis are gels with a neutral acidity level for the vagina - 5.5.
• Do not stop treatment with folk remedies after the first relief of the symptoms of the disease. A full course of douching, baths and other means will guarantee a low likelihood of thrush in the near future.

It should be noted that even during pregnancy, it is advisable to use folk remedies for thrush in addition to the prescribed sparing course of treatment and with the approval of the attending physician.

Thrush is a common disease that is often diagnosed during pregnancy. Scientifically, the pathology is called "candidiasis", as it is caused by fungi of the genus Candida.

According to statistics, 75% of women experience unpleasant symptoms and the need to treat thrush.

Why does thrush appear during pregnancy

Thrush is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. It is believed that one of the main ways of transmitting a pathogenic microorganism is sexual contact. However, only 10% of the partners of infected women show the presence of the fungus.

Normally, Candida fungi are always present in the body of a woman. They are part of the flora of the vagina and intestines.

It is thanks to these microorganisms that an acid-alkaline environment is maintained in the vagina, which prevents the penetration of other pathogenic microorganisms into the uterine cavity.

However, when the opportunistic flora grows, a woman may feel unpleasant symptoms - itching, burning, which together indicate the development of thrush.

By the way, it is the decrease in immunity that becomes a provoking factor for the reproduction of the fungus. This fact is the main reason for the appearance of thrush in most pregnant women.

With the beginning of the formation of the fetus, the mother's immune defense is significantly weakened, since the fetus is perceived as a foreign element. Therefore, the system must simultaneously perform opposite duties: attack the embryo with antibodies and provide it with all the necessary substances. In such a situation, the susceptibility of the female body to infections increases dramatically.

Provoking factors also include:

• hormonal imbalance caused by the abundant production of "female" hormones and disturbing the ph-balance of the vagina;
• unbalanced diet due to;
• emotional stress;
• violation of metabolic processes, for example, in diabetes mellitus;
• decrease in general immunity.

The combination of factors such as a decrease in the natural protective barrier and a violation of the hormonal background becomes fertile ground for the development of pathology.

Therefore, many women refer to the sudden development of thrush, with characteristic ones.

Symptoms

Depending on the activity of the fungus, 3 forms of thrush are differentiated.

Carrying

Carrier means that Candida is present in the woman's body, but there are no severe symptoms.

However, it is necessary to get rid of the problem, since during labor there is a risk of infection of the baby.

acute form

• The acute form is characterized by severe itching and burning in the vagina and vulva.

Symptoms are exacerbated if the woman prefers to wear synthetic underwear, and after intercourse, urination, and taking a warm bath.

• There are white discharge in the form of cheesy clots.
• The amount of discharge varies greatly from scant to abundant.
• There is redness and swelling of the tissues of the external genital organs.
• Sexual contact and urination are often painful.

Chronic form

• Chronic candidiasis is detected in most cases.
• The disease periodically recurs and subsides for several months.
• Characteristic symptoms most often appear after sexual intercourse.

Since the disease poses a threat to the mother and child, it is necessary to diagnose the pathology as soon as possible and carry out appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic methods

At the first visit to the gynecologist, a swab is taken from a pregnant woman, which is subjected to microscopic examination in a laboratory.

Exceeding the concentration of fungi in the biological material is the basis for diagnosing thrush.

It is also necessary to carry out bacteriological seeding in a special nutrient medium.

Once in favorable conditions, bacteria begin to multiply rapidly, forming colonies.

This method helps to determine what type of fungus belongs to and choose the best means for treating pathology.

PCR diagnostics, which makes it possible to identify single DNA molecules of pathogenic microorganisms, can give a false positive result with thrush.

It can take several months or years, as the pathogen easily adapts to the drugs and stops responding to the antibodies produced by the immune system.

It would seem that the cured disease continues to recur, leading to severe discomfort and the risk of complications during pregnancy. Therefore, when the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to immediately undergo an examination. It is best to make sure that there is no pathology during conception planning.

According to statistics from the World Health Organization, 75% of women experience vaginal candidiasis at least once in their lives. It is not uncommon for thrush during pregnancy - this is a risky period when a chronic infection may worsen or a new one may appear. Most often, she begins to disturb with the approach of the moment of childbirth. Are there ways to deal with the fungus safely and effectively? What threatens the lack of treatment?

Progesterone works to maintain pregnancy, but it also reduces immunity. Therefore, up to 50% of women in the 3rd trimester, when the concentration of the hormone reaches its maximum concentration, go to the doctor with complaints of curdled discharge. If treatment is started on time, then there is a chance that by the time of delivery the vagina will be sanitized and it will be possible to avoid infection of the child when passing through the birth canal.

Those who are planning a pregnancy and have not treated thrush should be aware of the possible danger to the fetus. Conception should be postponed for a period of remission or complete recovery.

Causes of pathology

The most common cause of thrush in pregnant women is a yeast-like fungus of the species Candida albicans. But in 5% of cases, candidiasis is caused by other fungi, of which there are a large number, but they are conditionally combined into the Candida non-albicans group. Their feature is resistance to drugs traditionally used in the treatment of candidiasis.

Candida non-albicans is more common in women with additional pathologies that dramatically reduce immunity. It can be:

• diabetes;
• HIV infection;
• oncological pathologies.

Mushrooms of the genus Candida are part of the normal microflora of the vagina, but are found there in minimal concentrations. They like an environment rich in glycogen, which serves as the main substrate for metabolism. But with a lack of glucose, fungi can switch to the processing of fatty acids, acetic and lactic acids.

Under normal conditions, the reproduction of candida is restrained by the immune system. But with its weakening, the fungi get the opportunity to multiply more actively. They usually do not penetrate deeper than the vaginal epithelium, which is the ideal environment. But with deep immunosuppression, candida can overcome the epithelial barrier, connective tissue and penetrate into the bloodstream.

The following factors contribute to the occurrence of candidiasis:

• use of sanitary pads;
• irrational nutrition;
• change of sexual partner;
• uncontrolled antibiotic treatment.

Features of the development of thrush during pregnancy

During pregnancy, ideal conditions are created for the occurrence or recurrence of thrush. The woman's body works to preserve the fetus, but often against herself. The following factors contribute to the activation of the fungus.

• Estrogen. Along with progesterone, during the period of bearing a child, an increase in the concentration of estrogens is noted. This leads to an increased accumulation of glycogen in the vaginal epithelium. Glucose should serve as a nutrient medium for lactobacilli, which play a protective role. But the fungus also feeds on the processing of glycogen.
• Immunity. A natural decrease in the body's defenses is necessary for bearing a child, which is 50% genetically alien to the mother's body. But the suppression of immunity leads to the activation of a latent infection.
• Vaginal environment. Increased blood flow to the genitals leads to an increase in temperature. Also, in pregnant women, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. A warm and humid environment is ideal for fungal growth.

In non-pregnant women of reproductive age, the symptoms of thrush are pronounced, cause anxiety and discomfort. In pregnant women, the disease usually proceeds erased, but with frequent relapses.

Forms

Depending on the reactivity of the body, thrush can occur in several clinical forms.

• Carrying. Before pregnancy, this condition is considered as a variant of the norm, but only if there are no symptoms and no more than 104 CFU / ml of fungi are detected in a smear. In this case, the main flora should be represented by lactobacilli, there are no signs of inflammation. But such an analysis in the early stages of gestation should be a reason for increased attention.
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis. The disease is characterized by a pronounced clinical picture. In the smear, more than 104 CFU / ml candida is found, lactobacilli are normal (more than 106 CFU / ml), other flora is not detected.
• Thrush and bacterial vaginitis. The disease is caused by a combined infection - a fungus and an opportunistic flora. This form is most often observed during pregnancy: a decrease in immunity contributes to the reproduction of not only the fungus, but also the facultative flora.

Sometimes thrush is combined with bacterial vaginosis. Microorganisms create a special film on the surface of the vaginal mucosa that protects them from the action of antibacterial agents.

According to the nature of the flow, three forms of thrush are distinguished.

1. Acute. The disease occurs once, the duration of the disease does not exceed two months.
2. Chronic relapsing. There are more than four cases of exacerbation of thrush per year, despite treatment.
3. Persistent. A woman is concerned about the constant symptoms of thrush, periods of improvement are observed only when using antifungal drugs.

Symptoms

The main symptom of thrush is discharge. They can be curdled, milky or creamy. The amount varies from moderate to abundant. Whites usually have a sour smell.

Itching and burning in pregnant women may be absent or insignificant. Sometimes women do not attach importance to them. Symptoms may worsen after sexual intercourse or hygiene procedures. Severe vaginal damage is accompanied by dyspareunia. Sometimes the urethra is involved in the process, pain occurs when urinating.

Dangerous Complications

Thrush is dangerous during pregnancy with possible complications for the baby and additional changes in the immune system. Mushrooms can be present in different forms - in the form of individual cells, filamentous forms. In response, B-lymphocytes are produced, which cannot produce specific immunoglobulins. Therefore, there is a gradual sensitization - an increase in sensitivity with the development of an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy can be complicated by the following conditions:

• termination of pregnancy (in the 1st trimester);
• intrauterine infection;
• malnutrition and low fetal weight;
• fetoplacental insufficiency;
• premature birth (at a later date);
• early rupture of amniotic fluid;
• complications in childbirth (bleeding, trauma to the birth canal);
• infection of the child during childbirth.

Women who have not been treated for thrush during pregnancy are more likely to develop postpartum endometritis. Newborns infected by the mother may develop oral candidiasis. Girls have vulvovaginitis, and boys have balanoposthitis. The increase in the number of sick children has led to the fact that, according to German standards of therapy, all pregnant women diagnosed with candidiasis must undergo a course of antifungal treatment.

Optimal diagnostic methods

Non-pregnant women often go to the doctor themselves with symptoms of candidiasis. But in pregnant women, the clinical picture can be erased, so an examination is necessary.

• smear microscopy. It is impossible to establish candidiasis using this method, but if there are symptoms, a smear can determine the presence of pseudomycelium of the fungus and individual cells. The associated flora and inflammatory response can also be identified.
• Cultural study. If there are symptoms of candidiasis, but there is no pathogen in the smear, then this method allows you to grow colonies of the fungus on a nutrient medium. The method allows to identify Candida non-albicans, as well as to determine its sensitivity to antifungal drugs. The disadvantage of the method is a long wait for the result - at least three days.
• PCR diagnostics. With its help, DNA of the pathogen is detected in vaginal secretions. The method is highly sensitive and can be used for candida infection.

The modern real-time PCR technique allows not only to detect the genetic material of the pathogen, but also to determine its amount. This makes it possible to make the right decision about the need for treatment.

Safe Treatments

Treatment options for thrush during pregnancy are limited. It is necessary to take into account not only the sensitivity of the fungus to drugs, but also the risk of possible effects on the developing fetus. Medicines for thrush should not have teratogenic, toxic effects. To reduce systemic exposure, topical formulations are used. Tablets are not used. But treatment should lead to a complete recovery in order to reduce the risk of thrush becoming a chronic process.

How to treat thrush during pregnancy can only be determined by a doctor, based on the result of the diagnosis and history. The most commonly used medicines of the following groups:

• polyene antibiotics- preparations with natamycin;
• imidazole derivatives- "Clotrimazole", "Miconazole", "Econazole";
• triazoles - "Terconazole".

Clinical recommendations indicate the priority use of Pimafucin suppositories based on natamycin in pregnant women. They have a fungicidal effect and are not contraindicated for pregnant women at any time. The course of treatment at home lasts three to six days. One suppository is used per day at night.

A good effect in the treatment of acute and chronic forms gives "Clotrimazole". But its use is allowed only from the 2nd trimester. According to reviews, the elimination of itching occurs after the first use of suppositories.

Another drug from the group of imidazole derivatives is ketoconazole, on the basis of which Livarol candles are produced. But their use is also limited to the second or third trimesters. The duration of the course is seven days. But in chronic recurrent candidiasis, the duration can be changed up to 14 days.

After delivery, the doctor may decide on additional therapy. For six months, once a week for prophylaxis, one suppository of natamycin is administered or once a month for a suppository of Clotrimazole.

When combining candidiasis with another nonspecific infection, combined preparations are used. From the second trimester, treatment is allowed:

• "Terzhinan";
• "Polygynax";
• "Neo-Penotranom";
• "Klion-D".

A similar approach to therapy is maintained in the third trimester.

Douching with soda, herbs and other folk remedies for pregnant women is prohibited. Before laying candles, you can use antiseptic solutions (for mechanical removal of secretions):

• "Miramistina";
• "Chlorhexidine";
• "Fluomizina";
• "Betadine".

How to supplement therapy with diet

For successful reproduction of yeast fungi, a nutrient substrate is required - glucose. With a sufficient amount of it, they can synthesize the remaining necessary substances and maintain an optimal state of the environment for themselves.

An increase in the concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) leads to its increased accumulation in tissues. For the vaginal flora, an excess of glucose is just as harmful as a deficiency. The acidity of the environment changes, protective properties decrease, the number of lactobacilli decreases. They are gradually replaced by opportunistic flora, in particular, candida.

Chronic hyperglycemia reduces local immunity, impairs the recovery of the mucous membrane. During pregnancy, the negative effect is supplemented by an excess of progesterone, corticosteroids, estrogen and a lack of insulin.

To increase the effectiveness of treatment, you need to deprive the fungus of the substrate for reproduction. This can be done by changing the power type. A diet for thrush should be based on the following rules.

• Prohibited Products. Simple carbohydrates, sugar-containing foods and fructose-based sweets, as well as alcohol, whole milk are excluded from the diet. Prohibited products based on yeast - beer, kvass, pastries. They contain maltose, which can be used by fungi along with glucose. Caffeinated drinks dramatically increase blood glucose, so they are also excluded. The same applies to marinades, dyes, smoked meats, spicy dishes that irritate the digestive tract.
• Diet basis. The main ones should be dairy products. They contain acidophilic flora, which changes the state of the intestinal biocenosis, affects the immune system and helps restore the vaginal microflora. There should also be a sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in fiber.
• Antifungal Products. They can affect the growth and reproduction of the fungus. First of all - fresh garlic. But with caution it is used in the presence of heartburn and gastritis, which is not uncommon during pregnancy.

The duration of the diet is at least three months without disruptions and concessions. It must be combined with antimycotic treatment.

Before treating thrush during pregnancy, it is necessary to undergo a qualitative examination. If the cause of candidiasis is not Candida albicans, then this will require adjustment of the therapy regimen in accordance with the sensitivity of microorganisms to antimycotic drugs.

27 Anemia during pregnancy: consequences for the child and ways to deal with it show more

Almost every woman has experienced the manifestations of thrush, and most often they occur during the period of bearing a child. It is very unpleasant when the happy time of gestation is overshadowed by the symptoms of the disease. Treatment of thrush during pregnancy restores peace of mind, improves the comfort of life and prevents serious complications.

Thrush is caused by the saprophytic fungus Candida, which is present in all people, so the medical name for the disease is candidiasis. This microorganism in humans can be found in the folds of the skin, mouth, intestines, vagina. In some situations, under certain conditions, it begins to multiply, leading to an inflammatory process. About how to treat thrush during pregnancy, our article.

Why does candidiasis often occur during pregnancy?

Hormonal changes

A pronounced restructuring of the endocrine status is necessary for the normal bearing of a child. In the hormonal balance, gestagens predominate, which contribute to the reproduction of candidal fungi.

Physiological decrease in immunity

The fetus for the female body is half genetically alien. Human immunity is created and works in such a way as to prevent foreign genetic material from entering. To prevent rejection of the fetus, nature has created a mechanism for suppressing immune defenses during pregnancy. Any decrease in the body's defenses leads to the appearance of candidiasis.

Predisposing factors

In addition to the main reasons, the following factors can lead to thrush during pregnancy:

• malnutrition with a deficiency of vitamins and trace elements
• common diseases - frequent acute respiratory viral infections, anemia, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, bowel disease
• chronic inflammation in the vagina (see)
• frequent and unreasonable use of antibiotics (see)

Example from practice: A 22-year-old woman planning pregnancy was diagnosed with chlamydia during examination. Both (her and her husband) were prescribed antibiotic therapy. A month after the control of cure, the couple is allowed to become pregnant. The woman, having decided to play it safe, independently conducted another course of antibiotics. As a result, starting from the 1st trimester, due to constant recurrences of thrush, 4 courses of antifungal therapy had to be carried out throughout the pregnancy.

Thrush symptoms

The main symptoms of candidiasis are the following signs:

• copious whites from the vagina (see)
• cheesy or creamy consistency of whiter
• burning and itching intensifying in the evening in the perineum of varying severity,
• sitting cross-legged
• discomfort, itching or even
• in addition to these most pronounced manifestations, an unpleasant sour smell may appear.

The doctor, upon examination, will detect an inflammatory process in the form of redness and swelling of the mucous membranes of the vagina. In the most severe cases, there will be microcracks, eroded areas on the walls of the vagina, scratches on the skin of the perineum.

An experienced doctor can easily make a diagnosis based on the appearance of the vagina, but it must be confirmed by special studies. Microscopic examination of vaginal smears reveals elements of the Candida fungus. When sowing whites, it is possible not only to identify the type of fungus, but also to assess the sensitivity of the microorganism to antifungal drugs. Therefore, for the correct and effective treatment of thrush, this diagnostic study must always be carried out.

How to treat candidiasis during pregnancy?

The most difficult will be the treatment of thrush in the 1st trimester, because it is undesirable to use any drugs during the laying of organs and systems in a growing fetus. But, fortunately, candidiasis in the first weeks of gestation occurs very rarely. It has been proven that with an increase in the duration of pregnancy, the likelihood of candidal colpitis increases. In addition, there are suppositories for thrush that can be used at any period of gestation.

For treatment in the 2nd and 3rd trimester, the doctor has enough drugs in his arsenal to effectively help a woman get rid of candidiasis. Although, it should be understood that it is impossible to cure thrush during pregnancy by 100%. In some cases, it is necessary to conduct treatment courses in each trimester.

Preparations for the treatment of thrush by trimesters of pregnancy:

Features of the treatment of thrush during the period of bearing a child

• only topical ointments and suppositories from thrush are used
• tablets inside are used only on prescription, according to strict indications, in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy
• during pregnancy, you can not use douching with any types of aggressive agents (soda, manganese, chlorhexidine, see)
• Pimafucin suppositories are the safest for treatment, therefore they are used in the first weeks of pregnancy and in the postpartum period during breastfeeding
• as a rule, already at 2-3 candles, all the symptoms of thrush disappear, but the course of treatment must be completed in any case
• sometimes at the beginning of treatment there is a burning sensation in the vulva after the introduction of a candle, but this quickly passes and it is not necessary to stop therapy
• if during the gestation of the fetus there was at least one episode of thrush, then it is necessary to conduct a course of treatment before childbirth, even in the absence of typical complaints

Example from practice: the woman had 2 courses of antifungal therapy (at 28 and 34 weeks). At 38 weeks, the woman, deciding that nothing bothered her, ignored the doctor's recommendation and did not take a prophylactic course. As a result, the baby developed oral thrush in the first week after birth.

• even if the sexual partner does not have any manifestations of the inflammatory process, he should also undergo a course of treatment, otherwise there will be a “ping-pong” effect
• when prescribing antibiotics during pregnancy, prophylactic treatment with drugs against thrush should be used
• for control, it is necessary to do a sowing from the vagina 10-14 days after the course of treatment.