Thrush in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy: symptoms and causes
Thrush in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy: symptoms and causes
Among the minor complications of pregnancy, vaginal thrush is one of the most common. Statistically, most women have experienced at least one episode of vaginal thrush in their lives before pregnancy. It is also known as vaginal candidiasis or moniliasis. Thrush frequently occurs during pregnancy, though there is no evidence that it harms the baby's development.
The surge of hormones, changes in vaginal pH, diet, and metabolism explain why candidiasis affects most expectant mothers. Women are often familiar with the symptoms of vaginal thrush and usually attempt to get rid of it quickly with over-the-counter medications.
Women who suffer from thrush four or more times a year are said to have recurrent candidiasis. If regular treatments do not eliminate thrush during pregnancy, alternative treatment options may be necessary.
What Causes Vaginal Thrush?
• Thrush is caused by the yeast Candida albicans. This is a simple single-celled organism that is easy to contract but quite hard to eradicate. Most women carry Candida ssp., which live peacefully on the skin and in the vagina, kept in check by "good" bacteria. Under favorable conditions, such as exhaustion, pregnancy, or antibiotic use, Candida rapidly multiplies and develops into a full-blown infection.
• Thrush can remain dormant in your body, just waiting for an opportunity to flare up. During pregnancy, the pH balance of the vagina becomes more alkaline and less acidic. Essentially, it becomes sweet due to the accumulation of glycogen in the vaginal cells, which Candida loves. This is why women with uncontrolled diabetes are very prone to thrush.
• During pregnancy, vaginal discharge often increases, creating a constantly moist environment. Candida thrives in warm, moist conditions, and the vagina is an ideal place for it to multiply. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly high estrogen levels, also contribute to the development of thrush.
• Women with weakened immune systems, those taking steroids, or undergoing chemotherapy are also at risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Thrush?
• White vaginal discharge with a cottage cheese-like texture.
• Intense vaginal itching that makes it hard to focus on anything else.
• Vaginal pain and irritation.
• Pain and burning during urination, especially if the vaginal tissues and labia are swollen.
Can Thrush Prevent Conception?
Will Thrush Harm My Baby in the Womb?
Can Vaginal Thrush Harm the Newborn?
If you had candidiasis during vaginal delivery, there is a risk of transmitting the fungus to the baby—most commonly, thrush develops in the mouth (forming white plaques or film), and less commonly, in the groin area. The baby can also contract Candida during breastfeeding if you have thrush on your nipples. However, don't worry: all these conditions are treatable and respond very well to antifungal creams and drops.
