Yeast infection during pregnancy: symptoms and what to do

Itching, burning, or discharge that looks different than usual... During pregnancy, even the smallest change in your intimate area can quickly become a source of worry.

The good news is that vaginal yeast infections are very common during pregnancy and are generally harmless.

However, because the symptoms can be very similar to other types of vaginal infections, it is best not to jump to conclusions, and especially avoid starting any self-treatment.

Here is how to recognize a yeast infection, what changes when you are pregnant, and the right steps to take.

Why are vaginal yeast infections more common during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, estrogen levels rise significantly.

These hormonal changes gradually alter the vaginal environment, making it easier for Candida—the fungus responsible for most yeast infections—to grow.

The immune system also naturally adapts during pregnancy.

Normally, Candida can live in the vagina without causing any issues. Symptoms only appear when there is an overgrowth.

This makes pregnancy a time when the vaginal balance is more easily disrupted, particularly during the third trimester.

In fact, studies show that Candida is present in about 20% of women in general, compared to up to 30% of pregnant women.

What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy?

The symptoms of a yeast infection are generally the same whether you are pregnant or not.

The most common symptoms include:

• intense itching around the vulva or inside the vagina;

• a burning sensation or irritation;

• thick, white discharge that may look like cottage cheese and is usually odorless;

• redness or swelling of the vulva;

• discomfort during sex;

• a burning feeling when urinating, especially if the skin is already irritated (a symptom that can also occur with other types of vaginal irritation).

You might not experience all of these symptoms at the same time.

Some yeast infections mostly cause itching, while others cause more discharge or burning.

This is why symptoms alone are not always enough to tell you exactly what is going on.

Normal pregnancy discharge vs. a yeast infection: How to tell the difference?

An increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy does not automatically mean you have an infection.

Natural vaginal discharge is normally more abundant during this time. Healthy, normal discharge is typically:

• clear or milky white;

• thin or slightly thick;

• odorless;

• free from itching, burning, or irritation.

A yeast infection is more likely if the discharge becomes thick and clumpy, and is accompanied by other symptoms like intense itching, redness, or burning.

In other words, do not rely on the appearance of your discharge alone.

It is the unusual changes and accompanying symptoms that are most important to pay attention to.

Yeast infection or a different vaginal infection?

This is perhaps the most important point: itching or unusual discharge does not always mean a yeast infection.

Several other common vaginal infections can cause similar symptoms.

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV), for example, is more likely to cause a thin, grayish-white discharge with a strong, fishy odor.

• Trichomoniasis, which is a sexually transmitted infection, can cause a yellowish-green discharge, irritation, and pelvic discomfort.

These infections require different treatments. During pregnancy, getting the correct diagnosis is particularly important.

How do you know for sure if it is a yeast infection?

A medical evaluation

Your doctor, midwife, or gynecologist will start by asking about your symptoms and may perform a quick physical exam.

In many cases, this is enough to point toward a yeast infection or find another cause.

A vaginal swab if needed

If your symptoms are unusual, keep coming back, or do not improve with treatment, your healthcare provider may perform a simple vaginal swab.

The sample is sent to a lab to check for Candida or other microbes.

This helps ensure you get the right treatment instead of using medications that might not work.

What about at-home vaginal tests?

Not all at-home vaginal tests work the same way.

Some only measure vaginal pH. While this is helpful, it is not enough to identify a yeast infection, as vaginal pH often remains normal during a yeast infection.

Other tests are more comprehensive and look at multiple biological markers.

For example, Santelle analyzes 6 biomarkers from a simple vaginal swab to provide more detailed information about your vaginal health and the potential cause of your discomfort.

If you are pregnant, you should never use an at-home test to self-treat.

If you experience any new vaginal symptoms, the safest approach is to talk to your doctor or midwife to ensure any testing or treatment is safe for your pregnancy.

Is a vaginal yeast infection dangerous for the baby?

In the vast majority of cases, a simple vaginal yeast infection will not harm your baby or affect your pregnancy.

It is mostly just very uncomfortable for you.

However, if you have an active yeast infection during a vaginal delivery, the fungus can sometimes be passed to the baby, causing a mild, easily treatable oral infection called thrush.

There is no need to worry—the goal is simply to identify and treat the infection properly, especially as you get closer to your due date.

How do you treat a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, treatment choices differ from what you would normally use.

Local treatments

Topical antifungal treatments applied directly inside the vagina, such as creams or vaginal suppositories, are the preferred choice.

Health guidelines, including those from the CDC, generally recommend using a local antifungal cream or suppository for 7 days during pregnancy.

Even so, you should avoid buying over-the-counter treatments without a professional opinion, as other types of irritation or infections can cause the exact same symptoms.

Avoid oral antifungal medications

Oral pills (like fluconazole), which are commonly prescribed for yeast infections, are not recommended during pregnancy.

If you suspect a yeast infection, always speak with your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist before starting any treatment, even if you have had the exact same symptoms before.

What if the yeast infections keep coming back?

Dealing with one yeast infection is frustrating enough, but having them recur during pregnancy can be incredibly discouraging.

Hormonal fluctuations continue throughout your pregnancy, which makes some people more prone to repeat infections.

If symptoms keep returning, avoid the temptation to just reuse the same treatment.

A vaginal swab can confirm if Candida is indeed the cause, identify the specific strain, and rule out other underlying issues.

How to care for your intimate area during pregnancy

There is no miracle routine to prevent every yeast infection, and getting one is definitely not a sign of poor hygiene.

However, a few simple habits can help prevent further irritation to an already sensitive area:

• wash only the external area (the vulva), never wash inside the vagina (douching);

• use lukewarm water or a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser;

• avoid douching;

• gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing;

• wear breathable cotton underwear;

• change out of wet clothing or swimsuits as soon as possible;

• avoid using perfumed sprays, soaps, or bubble baths on your intimate area.

While these habits support comfort, they will not cure an active infection.

When to see a doctor

During pregnancy, it is always best to seek professional medical advice the first time you notice any unusual vaginal symptoms.

You should also consult your healthcare provider if:

• you are unsure whether it is a yeast infection;

• your discharge has a strong odor or unusual color;

• you experience pelvic pain;

• your symptoms do not improve after treatment;

• the infections keep coming back;

• you experience a fever, bleeding, or any other unusual symptoms.

The goal is not to worry unnecessarily, but to avoid treating