Yeast exists naturally in the vagina and in our intestinal tract and it occurs when you have an overgrowth and ultimately the yeast takes over and causes an imbalance which then results in a yeast infection. Pregnant women are even more prone to this because their bodies are making extra estrogen and other hormonal changes are taking place. If you have diabetes or high blood sugar, or have taken antibiotics, that exasperates the situation even more.
Do not take any over-the-counter or prescription oral antifungal medications. They are generally not safe for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about what’s safe, and use some tips below to help treat it naturally.
Ways you can treat yeast infections during pregnancy naturally.
1. Wear only cotton underwear, avoid bathing, use only unscented natural personal care products, and avoid sugars and refined foods.
2. Eat foods rich in Lactobacillus acidophilus, a friendly bacteria that exists naturally in our bodies and helps fight excess yeast among other benefits. L. Acidophillus stimulates the immune system, provides the correct balance in the gastrointestinal tract, helps with urinary tract infections, reduces the chances of ulcers, and helps balance cholesterol. It is a great supplement to take even if you are not pregnant. Foods rich in this friendly bacteria are yogurt, fermented pickles like sauerkraut and kimchi, miso soup, tempeh, kefir, and fermented cheese. Kefir, traditionally popular in certain regions of Europe, is rapidly gaining popularity in the US. It is basically fermented milk and has stronger beneficial bacteria than yogurt. You can also make or buy kefir made from coconut water or juice.
3. In addition to eating foods rich in L. Acidophillus, taking a probiotic supplement is highly beneficial, especially if you have been taking antibiotics. You can also use a liquid form of a probiotic and use it as a suppository to naturally help treat vaginal yeast. Saturate a light tampon with the liquid probiotic, insert it, and leave it on for 2-3 hours. This is completely safe for pregnant women as a means to treat vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy. I do not recommend showering with commercial products, but you can shower by dissolving the probiotic powder in water.
4. The use of antifungal extracts and oils as natural suppositories can also be very helpful. Tea Tree Oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract are powerful and effective. Be sure to dilute it in water. You can add around 10-20 drops of oil/extract to 2 cups of water.
5. A midwife has treated many of her pregnant patients with hydrogen peroxide. She safely kills pathogenic organisms that exist in the vagina. She can buy 3% hydrogen peroxide at any drug store, it comes in a dark brown bottle. Put a small amount in a small cup and fill a syringe with it. You can dilute the hydrogen peroxide with 1-2 parts water if you experience extreme irritation; otherwise, it is not necessary to dilute it. In the shower or over the toilet, take your time inserting the hydrogen peroxide into your vagina slowly and gently. You can safely do this once a day for a week.
If some of the natural therapies don’t work for you (some women have deep-seated issues like diabetes and other health issues where recurrence continues despite many effective natural therapies), then I recommend working with a naturopathic doctor to find a solution. natural. .
If you found this article helpful or have anything to add, please take a moment to leave some comments and suggestions.