For many women, at some point in their lives, problems such as yeast infections and other vaginal infections will occur. Additionally, the link between pregnancy and yeast infections is interesting since more women get yeast infections for various reasons during pregnancy than at other times. Some of these reasons are often beyond their control.

Candida albicans is the fungus most common in vaginal yeast infections. Other medical terms for yeast infection include monilial vaginitis and vaginal candidiasis. However, you should be aware that Candida occurs normally in the human body. The presence of the fungus does not necessarily mean that a yeast infection is present and so should not concern you.

During pregnancy, the most common cause of yeast infections is the change in estrogen levels. As the estrogen levels rise during pregnancy, higher levels of glycogen are also produced, which is the body’s method of storing glucose. Glycogen causes the area to be more vulnerable to a yeast infection. According to research, glycogen may be the reason that yeast multiplies faster and also permits the fungus to adhere to the vaginal walls.

If you have been taking antibiotics for a period of time, the beneficial bacteria may be destroyed along with the harmful bacteria, allowing fungi to flourish in the body uncontrolled. As fungi grows rapidly and takes over, a yeast infection may develop.

Symptoms of yeast infection include itchiness, burning, soreness and redness of the genital area. These are the initial signs of the condition. As the yeast continues to grow, there may be a liquid, cottage-cheese like discharge and you may experience discomfort. It is important to refrain from sex while you have this infection.

A positive thing in treating yeast infections with a pregnant woman is that many of the same treatments used in non pregnant women are available for pregnant woman. The best thing would be to consult with your doctor to be sure you obtain the best yeast infection medication for your condition and know of any side effects. It may be that an over-the-counter cream may be recommended by your doctor. Or, the doctor might have a special treatment program designed for pregnant women.

The good news is that a yeast infection in the mother will not have any affect on the developing fetus. It is believed that as much as 15% of all pregnant women end up suffering from a some yeast infection complaint during pregnancy. Indeed it may be difficult to avoid a yeast infection during pregnancy given the changes in the hormone levels. With this said, yeast infection during pregnancy doesn’t need to be worrying or miserable as it is fairly easy to treat quickly and successfully.