Pregnancy is not always pretty, and here are some DIY suggestions for natural yeast infection treatments during pregnancy. Sometimes, these pesky YI's can be downright itchy. In your second & third trimesters, many pregnant women will experience the tell-tale signs of a yeast infection: odorless "cottage cheese" discharge from the vagina, accompanied by itchiness around the vaginal lips and/or burning during sex or urination.

Yeast infections , also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, affect 20–30% of pregnant women due to hormone-driven yeast overgrowth - though treatment with topical antifungals is usually safe and effective when guided by an OBGYN.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, do NOT panic: this is totally normal.

While pregnancy can bring so much joy, it also can bring on morning sickness , stretch marks and an itchy belly . Getting a yeast infection while pregnant is certainly a nuisance; however, yeast infections are easily treatable. And better yet — you can treat most infections with items already in your pantry! Read on about home remedies for yeast infection while pregnant.

What causes a yeast infection during pregnancy?

A number of other factors cause yeast infections, including one or more of the following:

• Hormonal changes that come with pregnancy or before your period
• Taking hormones or birth control pills
• Taking antibiotics or steroids
• High blood sugar, as in diabetes
• Vaginal intercourse
• Douching
• Blood or semen
• Elevated stress levels

However, expectant women are more prone to yeast infections because of chemical imbalances in the vaginal environment. With increased sugar in your vaginal secretion, the natural bacteria that live in your hoo-ha goes on a feeding frenzy to create the fungus.

Yeast infection while pregnant: Natural remedies

We love trying natural remedies when we can. Here are a couple widely lauded treatments that women, pregnant or not, have used to get rid of their YIs. As always, consult with your doctor before treating yourself.

Topical drug treatments like miconazole or clotrimazole suppositories are standard and safe during pregnancy ; oral treatments like fluconazole are avoided early in pregnancy unless medically advised.

CAPSULES, SUPPOSITORIES & TOPICAL TREATMENTS

Support your vaginal health by balancing your pH level with these easy-to-use capsules, gels, and suppositories:

Yeast + Vaginal capsule for pH Support

Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories 600mg without applicator

Boric Acid Vaginal Suppositories 600mg with applicator

For persistent itching, try anti-itch cream with benzocaine or a homeopathic cooling witch hazel vaginal gel .

YOGURT

Since yeast infections are caused by "bad bacteria" running rampant, introducing good bacteria can help you win the microscopic war happening in your nether regions. And that's where yogurt comes in.

Yogurt contains Lactobacillus acidophilus , a bacterium found in healthy vaginas. While some women consume it orally, the faster, more direct approach involves inserting it vaginally.

Apply it with a tampon, syringe (sans needle), or condiment bottle. For soothing relief, freeze yogurt in disposable glove fingers and insert as a popsicle. These provide cooling comfort to irritated labia. Only use plain, unsweetened yogurt — flavored kinds feed the yeast!

GARLIC

Garlic’s natural antifungal properties are legendary. Many natural Mamas suggest inserting a peeled garlic clove into the vagina for 4–8 hours (if approved by your doctor). Or try odorless garlic softgels .

To use fresh garlic, peel it gently. Some suggest not nicking the clove to avoid stinging. For stronger potency, pierce it or slice in half. Tie a string for easy removal. Everyone’s body reacts differently, so experiment carefully!

We hope these natural yeast infection treatments during pregnancy have been helpful! If you’re also experiencing other symptoms, explore our OBGYN-recommended pregnancy skincare made just for Mamas like you.

Reduce recurrence by:

• Wearing breathable cotton underwear
• Avoiding scented products and douching
• Keeping the area dry and changing damp clothes promptly
• Wiping front to back after using the toilet
• Limit sugar intake

Have you had a yeast infection during pregnancy? Have you tried these natural remedies, did they work well for you?