Can I Use Monistat During Pregnancy?

What is a yeast infection during pregnancy?

Yeast infections (also called candidiasis) are common among women, especially when they are pregnant. Increased estrogen in the pregnant body can disrupt the normal balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This can cause yeast to overgrow. Most yeast infections during pregnancy are caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The other two types of yeast that can cause them are Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis.

Yeast infections aren't pleasant, but they won't harm you or your baby. And it can usually be safely treated with topical creams.

Symptoms of yeast infection during pregnancy

You can check the following:

• Itch
• Burning
• Redness or swelling of the vulva that is outside the vagina.
• Thick white vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese.
• Causes of yeast infections during pregnancy
• Taking antibiotics that can change the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Conditions such as HIV or drugs, such as corticosteroids, that make it difficult for the immune system to work well.

If your sexual partner has vaginitis, it can be transmitted to you during vaginal sex.

Causes of yeast infections during pregnancy

• Taking antibiotics that can change the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina.
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Conditions such as HIV or drugs, such as corticosteroids, that make it difficult for the immune system to work well.

If your sexual partner has vaginitis, it can be transmitted to you during vaginal sex.

Treatment of yeast infections during pregnancy

It is safe to treat yeast infections with over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal creams or suppositories that contain miconazole or clotrimazole.

Do not take oral fluconazole tablets to treat yeast infections during pregnancy. May cause birth defects.

If you think you have a yeast infection, call your doctor before using over-the-counter medications to treat it.

Preventing yeast infections during pregnancy:

• Wear cotton crotch pantyhose and cotton underwear to keep the vaginal area dry and "breathe".
• Always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
• Do not wash. It can upset the balance of quality. During later pregnancy, the water may crack.
• Avoid tight pants and pantyhose.
• Change wet swimsuits or sweat immediately. This will keep the genital area dry.
• Avoid toilet paper, feminine sprays, bubble baths, and smelly sanitary napkins.
• If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures. Some studies suggest that this may be helpful.

Can I use Monistat during pregnancy?

Yes, you can use Monistat during pregnancy. The CDC recommends using only topical formulations to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, and Monistat comes as a vaginal cream with a prefilled applicator or a vaginal suppository with an applicator. Topical formulations expose the developing baby to fewer drugs than oral formulations (such as fluconazole tablets). The CDC also recommends using a 7-day course of vaginal cream or vaginal suppositories, and recommends that women first check with their healthcare provider to determine if their symptoms are actually caused by a yeast infection.

Some experts suggest inserting the vaginal suppository using your finger rather than inserting the applicator halfway or using the applicator if you are pregnant.

Vaginal yeast infections are more common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. This increased frequency is thought to be related, at least in part, to changes in hormone levels and the immune system during pregnancy. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:

• Vaginal itching, pain, or burning
• Redness or irritation
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese
• Pain when urinating

Monistat is an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. However, if you develop a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy, tell your doctor.