
Pregnant women are more prone to vaginal yeast infections due to hormonal changes and increased sugar in vaginal secretions. While yeast infections are usually more of a nuisance than a concern, they can cause discomfort and should be treated quickly. The CDC recommends only topical preparations, such as vaginal creams or suppositories, to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, as they expose the developing baby to less medication than oral preparations. Monistat is a topical antifungal treatment available over the counter that can be used during pregnancy to relieve yeast infection symptoms. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Characteristics | Values |
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Is Monistat safe during pregnancy? | Yes, Monistat is safe to use during pregnancy. It is available as a vaginal cream or suppository and is recommended by the CDC. |
What is Monistat? | Monistat is the brand name of the antifungal drug miconazole, which is used to treat vaginal yeast infections. |
How common are vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy? | Vaginal yeast infections are more common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters, due to changes in hormone levels and the immune system. |
What are the symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection? | Symptoms include vaginal itching, soreness, burning, redness, irritation, discharge that resembles cottage cheese, and pain while urinating. |
How is Monistat used? | Monistat is inserted into the vagina before bedtime using an applicator or fingers. It is recommended to lie down after insertion to prevent leakage. |
Is Monistat available over the counter? | Yes, Monistat is available over the counter and does not require a prescription. However, it is advised to consult a doctor before use. |
Are there any risks associated with treating vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy? | The oral medication fluconazole (Diflucan) has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. The CDC and FDA recommend alternative treatments, such as topical therapies. |
What You'll Learn
Monistat is safe to use during pregnancy
Vaginal yeast infections are common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. This is due to changes in hormone levels and the immune system. The good news is that Monistat is safe to use during pregnancy.
Monistat is an antifungal drug called miconazole, which is available over the counter as a vaginal cream or suppository. The CDC recommends that only topical preparations are used to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, and Monistat fits the bill. Topical preparations expose the developing baby to less medication than oral alternatives.
The CDC also recommends a 7-day course of treatment, and Monistat 7 is a topical treatment that works four times faster than the leading prescription oral pill. Monistat 7 is also available as a vaginal cream, which is another CDC recommendation for treatment during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, it's important to speak to your doctor or healthcare professional. They can help you choose the right treatment and ensure your symptoms are caused by a yeast infection.
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Oral medication fluconazole is not recommended
The oral medication fluconazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The CDC advises that only topical preparations are used to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, as these expose the developing baby to less medication than oral preparations.
Fluconazole is an oral medication that has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage in pregnant women. Two recent studies have found that taking fluconazole during pregnancy may significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. A 2019 study found that pregnant women taking 150 mg or less of fluconazole had twice the risk of miscarriage, while those taking more than 150 mg had three times the risk. Furthermore, taking more than 150 mg of fluconazole during the first trimester was associated with an 80% higher risk of neonatal cardiac septal closure anomalies. Another study in 2016 found that women taking one or two 150 mg pills of fluconazole during weeks 7 through 22 of gestation had a significantly higher risk of miscarriage.
The FDA is currently reviewing these studies and has issued a warning about the use of fluconazole during pregnancy. As a result, the CDC does not recommend fluconazole for treating yeast infections during pregnancy. Instead, they recommend a 7-day course of a vaginal cream or suppositories, such as Monistat, which is available over the counter.
If you are pregnant and experiencing symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, it is important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
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CDC recommends a 7-day topical therapy
The CDC recommends a 7-day topical therapy for treating vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy. Monistat is available over the counter (OTC) and can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections. It is available as a vaginal cream in a prefilled applicator or a vaginal suppository with an applicator.
The CDC recommends topical preparations over oral preparations as they expose the developing baby to less medication. Some experts suggest only inserting the applicator halfway or using your fingers to insert the vaginal suppositories, rather than using a full applicator.
Vaginal yeast infections are more common during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters. This is due to changes in hormone levels and the immune system. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal itching, soreness, or burning, redness or irritation, vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, and pain while urinating.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Monistat to ensure that the symptoms are caused by a yeast infection. While Monistat can be purchased without a prescription, it is important to inform your doctor if you develop a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy.
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Vaginal yeast infections are common during pregnancy
Yeast infections occur when the normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina are disrupted, allowing yeast to overgrow. This imbalance is caused by increased estrogen levels during pregnancy, which can cause pH levels to fluctuate. The higher levels of sugar in the vagina can also lead to yeast overgrowth.
The most common symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include:
- Vaginal itching, soreness, or burning
- Redness or irritation
- Thick, white vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese
- Pain or discomfort during urination or intercourse
Yeast infections are typically treated with over-the-counter or prescription topical creams and suppositories, such as Monistat. Oral antifungals like fluconazole are not recommended during pregnancy as they have been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
To prevent yeast infections during pregnancy, it is recommended to:
- Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and clothing
- Wipe from front to back after using the restroom
- Avoid douching and tight, damp clothing
- Keep the genital area dry
- Consume yogurt with live cultures and limit sugar intake
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Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast
During pregnancy, yeast infections are more common due to fluctuations in hormone levels and changes in the immune system. The increased levels of estrogen can cause pH levels in the vagina to fluctuate, creating an environment that is more susceptible to yeast infections. Additionally, there is often more sugar present in the vagina during pregnancy, which can lead to an overgrowth of yeast.
The symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal itching, soreness, or burning, redness or irritation, vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese, and pain while urinating. It is important to consult a healthcare provider to confirm a yeast infection and rule out other possible infections, such as bacterial infections.
To treat a yeast infection during pregnancy, topical treatments such as vaginal creams or suppositories are recommended. Monistat, a commonly used antifungal medication, is safe to use during pregnancy and is available over the counter. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
While yeast infections during pregnancy are typically more of a nuisance than a concern, it is important to treat them to ease discomfort. Additionally, although it is unlikely, an untreated yeast infection may spread to the baby's mouth or diaper area during labour and delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Monistat is safe to use during pregnancy. The CDC recommends topical preparations to treat vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy, and Monistat is available as a vaginal cream or suppository.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include vaginal itching, soreness, or burning, redness or irritation, vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese, and pain while urinating.
Clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin AF) and Terconazole are alternative over-the-counter treatments for vaginal yeast infections during pregnancy.