Some of the home remedies for yeast infection during pregnancy include use of apple cider vinegar, garlic, honey, cranberry juice, calendula, olive leaf extract, coconut oil, yogurt, to name a few.

Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging phase of a woman’s life. Along with a life developing in the uterus of a mother, the body is undergoing a series of changes along with changing hormones. With so much going on in your body, the last thing you would want is to contract a yeast infection in pregnancy.

The woman’s vagina normally contains small amounts of yeast that exist in harmony with the immune system. However, if this harmony and balanced is disturbed or if the woman gets pregnant, the yeast grow densely to cause full blown infections.

What is a Yeast Infection?

A yeast infection typically occurs when yeast present in the vagina and acid levels in the body are out of balance. This causes the yeast to grow in an uncontrollable manner causing an infection.

Causes of Yeast Infections during Pregnancy

There are several reasons that can cause yeast infection during pregnancy, some of which include

• Taking Steroids or antibiotics
• Bacterial infections
• Hormonal changes
• High blood sugar
• Vaginal intercourse

Why is Yeast Infection Common in Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes. This makes the body difficult to cope up with the chemical changes in the vagina. More sugar is secreted out in vaginal discharge which is a perfect food for the yeast. This leads to an imbalance causing too much fungus to grow.

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

• White discharge that smells like bread or cottage cheese
• Sometimes discharge can also be yellowish or green in colour
• Irritation, itching, and redness in the vaginal region
• Burning sensation during urination

What leads to Yeast Infection during pregnancy?

Yeast infections or vaginal candidiasis is also known as Monilial vaginitis. Microscopic fungi are responsible for this infection, commonly found among pregnant women. It’s true that a specific amount of yeast exists in the vagina of all women, but when it multiplies faster than other organisms, it becomes problematic.

During pregnancy, women experience higher estrogen levels that in turn lead to a higher glycogen level, ensuring the right environment for yeast to grow within a woman’s vaginal walls. The symptoms of yeast infection are inflammation, itchiness, vaginal discharge and burning.

Home Remedies to Treat Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is one of the most common infections to contract during pregnancy. Apart from getting medically treated by your doctor, you can also follow the below mentioned home remedies to treat yeast infection during pregnancy.

1} Wear Comfortable Underwear

The first and most important prerequisite is to wear loose and comfortable underwear. Tight underwear locks in moisture and does not allow it to escape. Yeast infection can worsen if your underwear is moist and warm. Always wear loose, comfortable, and cotton underwear so that it dries quickly and keeps the vaginal area dry and clean.

Read More: 11 Home Remedies for Treating Vaginal Tearing

2} Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract possess anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is extremely beneficial in treat yeast infection during pregnancy. This extract also helps restore the good bacteria in your body. All you need to do is mix some olive leaf extract with vodka and apply on the affected area. It is completely safe to use in pregnancy and does not have any side effects.

How to use Olive Leaf Extract for treating yeast infection during pregnancy : Cut some olive leaves and add sufficient vodka to cover the leaves. Now, store it in a dark place for a month. Then, strain the liquid and apply it on the affected area. After doing this three times, you will get 100% results. Alternatively, it can be used topically in spray form.

3} Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most effective remedies to treat yeast infection as it has anti-fungal properties. Applying coconut oil on the affected area 3 times a day will help you get rid of yeast infections in absolutely no time. You can also mix coconut oil with cinnamon oil for better results.

4} Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar due to its high acidic content kills all the fungus causing infection and helps control yeast infection effectively. Apple cider vinegar can be consumed orally along with warm water or a diluted mixture can be applied externally on the affected area.

How to use: Add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your bath water. Soak in this bath water for about  30 minutes. Alternatively, you can dab the area with apple cider vinegar for faster relief. A third option is to add apple cider vinegar to plain water and apply it topically onto the inflamed area. Let it remain for 30 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly with water.

5} Cranberry Juice

Cranberries are popularly known to cure and prevent urinary tract infections in normal as well as pregnant women. Well there is good news! Cranberry juice has anti-fungal properties and is an excellent remedy for yeast infections. Drink unsweetened no sugar cranberry juice every morning to get rid of yeast infections quickly.

6} Garlic

You may not know an interesting fact that bread makers do not add garlic to the bread dough when it is rising. If not, garlic will kill all the yeast. Garlic is one of the best remedies to cure yeast infection in pregnancy. Fresh and raw garlic cloves can be placed in the vagina overnight and washed off next morning. This can be done up to 1 week till the itchiness and discharge is reduced.

How to use: Place a peeled garlic clove into the vagina at bedtime and see results the next morning. If it doesn’t, it can also be pushed out of the vagina or taken out manually. These days, it is available as a gel supplement. To use it, place it directly in the vagina and it will dissolve in a little time. If pregnant women have any blood disorders, they should desist from using this as it could lead to bleeding.

7} Avoid Usage of Soaps

Soaps can infuriate yeasts and can cause full blown infections. Soaps contain alcohol and toxic chemicals that can cause an imbalance in pH level of the vaginal region. This increases the chances of developing yeast infection. Avoid using chemical soap products and switch to either organic or herbal soaps.

8} Drink Adequate Water

Water is important for life and so it is for pregnant women too. Pregnant women who have contracted yeast infection can benefit greatly from drinking large quantities of water. Drinking water often will make you urinate frequently, reduce pain, and flush out excess sugar. Water also helps eliminate toxins from the body.

9} Acidophilus Bacteria

Acidophilus is a good bacteria that normally resides in the gastrointestinal tract. This bacteria also plays an important role in keeping yeast at controlled levels in the body. Acidophilus is also commonly found in many foods we consume. It is also available in a powder or capsule form to readily consume.

10} Yoghurt

Yogurt is a good remedy for treating yeast infections in pregnant women chiefly because it contains acidophilus and live cultures that stimulate the growth of good bacteria that aid yeast infection treatment. It is rich in lactobacillus bacteria that is a probiotic bacteria which keeps yeast growth under control. Yoghurt helps in regaining the acid bacteria that is present in the vaginal region and kills yeast causing infections. You can consume yoghurt orally or apply it on the affected vaginal area.

How to use: Apply yogurt to the vagina or it can be eaten. If applying directly, choose unflavored yogurt. Apply it with a tampon applicator, preferably twice a day till symptoms exist.

11} Reduce Caffeine and Sugar

Sugar and caffeine are poisonous ingredients when it comes to yeast infections as they support the growth of yeast in the vagina. Cutting down caffeine and sugary foods in meals can help control and treat yeast infections.

12} Calendula

Calendula is known to be a very effective remedy for yeast infections since it is both antifungal and anti-inflammatory in nature.

How to use: In its simplest form, you can apply Calendula lotion or ointment directly on to the affected area. Or, crush a few Calendula leaves and apply it onto the affected body part. Do this about three times a day for full relief.

13} Indian Lilac ( neem)

This is a great remedy to reduce itching caused by yeast infection. The antiseptic properties in neem fight of infection, reducing itching and other discomforts.

How to use: Boil neem leaves in 3 cups of filtered water. Leave the strain to cool. Use the water to rinse the vagina daily.

Alternatively, use a few drops of neem oil mixed in a bowl of lukewarm water to wash your vagina. you may also drink neem tea for a few days.

14} Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is helpful in getting rid of harmful germs and fungi because it contains flavonoids and phenols that kill dangerous pathogens. It is also rich in nutrients and vitamins that strengthen the human immune system. For these reasons, it can easily treat candidiasis. Not only does it kill the fungus, but it also strengthens the body so that it can fight yeast infection.

How to use Oregano oil to treat yeast infection during pregnancy: You can either use oregano oil by applying it onto the affected area or you can take the oil orally.

15}Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil works as a good remedy for yeast infection because it contains terpinen – 4 – ol that can kill fungi causing this infection. It also contains gamma–terpinene and alpha–terpinene that prevent the spread of candida albicans. It is known to reduce inflammation and helps restore good and bad bacteria to the body. Though tea tree oil is a really good natural home remedy for yeast infection, yet it should never be used internally nor should you use it undiluted.

How to use tea tree oil for treating yeast infection: Tea tree oil can be used as a vaginal douche by adding about 10 drops of it to one litre of water. Here, plain water should be avoided and apple cider vinegar should be used to kill all yeast. Stir the solution and apply it to the affected area once in the morning and at bedtime. You can also add some essential oils to the vinegar as they have the ability to fight candida.

16} Honey

Honey is known to treat infections and increase the quantum of good bacteria in the abdominal tract. For these reasons, it is considered to be good for treating yeast.

How to use: The best form of honey to use for yeast infection is raw and unheated honey. To use, pour a little honey on the affected areas and allow it to remain for about 30 minutes. Then, wash it off with warm water and dry the area completely. Repeat again later in the day till symptoms vanish.

Conclusion

There are several over-the-counter drugs available to cure yeast infections. However, it is best advisable to consult a doctor before taking them. Above mentioned remedies are simple and quick hacks to treat yeast infection naturally without any side effects.

These effective remedies are from cheap and already available natural ingredients at home. If the yeast infection persists despite trying out these remedies, you may be suffering from a chronic infection. In such cases, it is advisable to contact your doctor immediately. Follow these simple home remedies and bid good bye to unpleasant yeast infections.

References

The Secret Book of Natural Cures: Emmy Christopher

The Complete Handbook of Nature Cure : Dr H.K. Bakhru