Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy?

Candidiasis (candidiasis) or thrush is one of the most common genital infections. Unlike sexually transmitted diseases, thrush does not pose a particular threat to a woman’s health, but this does not mean at all that you can treat it lightly. Especially when the question arises whether thrush is dangerous during pregnancy , because during this “exciting” period a woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the health of the unborn child. 

Why is the thrush so “loves” the state of pregnancy? It’s simple – the vaginal environment of a pregnant woman becomes more acidic, immunity is slightly weakened, the hormonal background changes. And these are the most favorable factors for active reproduction for the Candida fungus . What is the danger of developing this unpleasant ailment in such a crucial period?

Attention – thrush!

First of all, candidiasis affects the condition of the mucous membranes of the internal genital organs of a woman. Numerous micro-erosions are formed on the tissues of the vagina , which gradually spread deeper and deeper. This leads to the formation of adhesions on the mucous membranes, which disrupt the normal elasticity of the tissues. The danger in this case is that the adhesions of the connective tissues “prevent” the uterus from stretching. That is, there is a real threat of painful sensations for a woman and a high probability of miscarriage.

But much more unpleasant than the danger to the health of the expectant mother is the danger to the health of the unborn baby, which is caused by thrush during pregnancy . What’s happening? The immune system of the fetus is still developing, therefore, the fungus can almost freely infect the main organs and systems of the child. If an “unwanted invasion” occurs, the most terrible outcome is not excluded – fetal freezing, that is, the death of the child.   

But this is not all the dangers of the existence of thrush during pregnancy! During childbirth, passing through the birth canals, the child, like a sponge, absorbs the microflora of the mother’s genital tract. And if there is an infection on them, in the very first days of life it will affect the state of the baby’s mucous membranes – the gums, tongue, palate will immediately be covered with a characteristic whitish coating and sores, which will complicate the feeding process.

Based on the foregoing, the only correct conclusion can be drawn: at the slightest suspicion of thrush, a pregnant woman should immediately inform her gynecologist about this and immediately begin the treatment prescribed by the doctor. By what signs can you recognize candidiasis?

Thrush symptoms. Treatment methods

The symptoms of the disease are quite pronounced. This is genital itching, burning, mild pain during urination and intercourse. An integral sign of thrush is white cheesy discharge with a characteristic sour odor.

In addition to external symptoms, the following manifestations of the disease are observed: redness of the mucous membranes of the vulva, severe hyperemia, increased sensitivity of the vaginal tissues, a specific white coating on the internal surfaces of the female genital organs.

At the initial stage, these symptoms do not cause much concern, but in no case should you ignore them! We repeat once again – as soon as you notice that something is wrong, immediately consult a doctor! Moreover, it will be necessary to treat thrush not only for the pregnant woman herself, but also for her husband in order to avoid the risk of re-infection.

For the treatment of thrush disease , during pregnancy the danger of which is obvious, the doctor will prescribe local and general therapy to the patient. In this case, conventional antifungal drugs will be excluded from the course due to high toxicity, which can harm the child. In this case, drugs such as nystatin and pimafucin become acceptable agents . It is not recommended to independently choose and use other drugs generally accepted in the treatment of fungal infections.  

In addition to the main treatment, you can fight thrush with traditional medicine. However, the use of any medicinal formulations in this case must first be discussed with the attending physician. Do not forget that pregnancy is not the best time for risky experiments! 

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