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2019
Vaginitis and pregnancy: can I pass my infection to my baby?
Category (s):
Postpartum
Welcome
It is common to wonder whether a yeast infection (vaginitis) caught during pregnancy can reach the baby. In general, the baby is well protected by the amniotic sac and by the cervix, which stays closed and shields the baby from the outside environment.
It is very common for women to get vaginitis during pregnancy without the baby being contaminated. According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC), 20% of women may have a vaginal environment that naturally contains yeast (fungi), with no symptoms at all.
During pregnancy, the vaginal environment changes. Initially rather acidic (an acidic vaginal pH), it releases more glycogen (sugar) under the influence of hormones. This new environment, combining moisture, warmth and sugar, becomes very favourable to the growth of yeast.
Vaginitis can show up through various signs:
These symptoms can get worse during sex. If the discharge gives off an unpleasant fishy smell, it may be an infectious vaginitis, that is, one linked to the presence of bacteria: the vaginitis then becomes vaginosis.
The SOGC's recommendations suggest treating vaginitis during pregnancy with antifungals applied externally (cream) or with intravaginal ovules, for a period of at least 7 days and sometimes up to 14 days. Canesten, Monistat and Gynécure are the treatments most often suggested.
Oral medication containing fluconazole should be avoided throughout pregnancy, because of a lack of studies on the subject and because of possible abnormalities in the baby. A recent study even suggests that an oral treatment containing fluconazole could be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage. Although it remains low, that risk is still there, and prevention keeps its full place.
If the infection persists and stays resistant to the topical treatment used as a first line, a woman can ask her doctor what to do next.
Faced with a diagnosis of vaginosis, the doctor will see to prescribing the antibiotic needed to resolve the situation, even during pregnancy.
The prenato.ca website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant and new parents, as well as for women throughout the various stages of their lives. This information is not intended to replace the skills, knowledge, or experience of qualified healthcare professionals who are familiar with the specific facts, circumstances, and symptoms of each individual. Consequently, Prenato and its staff cannot be held liable for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information provided on this site. It is the user's responsibility to consult a physician or a qualified healthcare professional appropriate to their specific needs for any personal health concerns.
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