Yeast exists naturally in the vagina and in our intestinal tract and 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 levels or if you have taken antibiotics, that further exasperates the situation.

Do not take any prescription or over-the-counter oral antifungal medication. They are generally not safe for pregnant women. Talk to your doctor about what’s safe, and use a few 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 natural, fragrance-free 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 include 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’s basically fermented milk and has stronger beneficial bacteria than yogurt. You can also make or buy kefir made with coconut water or juice.

3. In addition to eating foods rich in L. Acidophillus, taking a probiotic supplement is very 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 and leave for 2-3 hours. This is completely safe for pregnant women as a means of treating vaginal candidiasis 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. Make sure to dilute it in water. You can add about 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 pharmacy, it comes in a dark brown bottle. Put a small amount in a small cup and fill a syringe with it. You can dilute hydrogen peroxide with 1-2 parts water if you experience extreme irritation; otherwise, it is not necessary to dilute it. In the shower or on 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 problems 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. .

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