PREGNANCY Q & A 1

Are creams to treat yeast infections safe during pregnancy? For the most part, creams that treat yeast infections are fine for pregnant women. But I will caution you that in my practice, I generally recommend expectant moms stay away from exposing babies to ANYTHING in the first trimester (whether it be an over-the-counter medication, prescription, or cream), especially in weeks 6 through 9, when the organs are forming. But I'm a little less worried after 10 weeks. If a patient is really uncomfortable due to infection, then I will prescribe an antifungal cream even in the first trimester. You may notice you have more yeast infections during pregnancy, that's common. As pregnancy hormones go into overdrive the delicate balance of acid and yeast that are present in a normal, healthy vagina, are thrown out of whack. As a result, you may notice a cottage-cheese like discharge in your vaginal area, which may indicate a yeast infection. Even after your first trimester, if you suspect that you have a yeast infection you should talk to your health care provider before trying out any treatment—even those offered over-the-counter. Sometimes, what you think is a yeast infection, may instead be another type of infection, so confer with your doctor. Perhaps the best method to treat yeast infections is to avoid them altogether. The American Pregnancy Association offers these tips: Change out of wet, sweaty clothes right away. After workouts or swimming make sure to get into something dry. After using the bathroom, make sure to wipe from the front of your body to the back. Avoid wearing tight clothing that may encourage a moist environment in the vaginal area (which in turn can trigger yeast infections). Eat yogurt containing "lactobacillus acidophilus." Make sure to keep up with your regular prenatal visits to stay in good, overall health.