By: John Cielo
Submitted: 2011-07-11 08:59:05 | Word Count: 736
If you think you have thrush or you have been diagnosed with thrush and you're pregnant, then don't worry, you aren't alone; thrush during pregnancy is very common. And, your baby is quite safe. Here, you'll discover 5 thrush remedies that are completely natural and are used by many women around the world.
First though, in order to understand why thrush is so common during pregnancy, it pays to know just how thrush (yeast infection) comes about...
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Thrush symptoms are due to the presence of the Candida albicans fungus which has overgrown out of control. The strange thing is that this fungus naturally lives in our bodies without causing any problems whatsoever most of the time. And this is because it's controlled and kept in check by our bodies' good bacteria. But, there are circumstances where the Candida fungus can overcome the friendly bacteria, thus causing thrush.
Unfortunately, pregnancy is a situation in which this can happen. And it occurs because one of the major causes of triggering a fungal overgrowth is hormonal imbalance, which of course you have when pregnant. Another is that the fungus feeds on sugars, and during pregnancy, you have a lot of glycogen (a sugar) in your vagina. This is why thrush is so common during pregnancy.
But there are other underlying issues that can aid fungal growth. These are things like wearing tight, un-breathable underwear, because the fungus loves warm, dark and moist conditions. And, if you're on antibiotics, these can kill the good bacteria as well as the bad bacteria.
The key thing is to attend your doctor right away if you even suspect you have thrush. They will make the proper diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate way forward according to your condition. I would advise not to use over-the-counter medications when pregnant, but stick to what your doctor says.
Now, many women don't like the thought of using drug-based thrush remedies when pregnant. But that's okay, because there are many natural thrush remedies you can use when pregnant. Just remember to run them by your doctor first. So here are 5 thrush remedies to get you started:-
(1) Build-up Your Good Bacteria With Natural Yogurt
Unsweetened natural yogurt, with no fruit or any other additives, contains Lactobacillus acidophilus which are live cultures (good bacteria) that can help to offset the good bacteria / bad fungi imbalance in your gut and in your vagina. So you can consume it daily and apply over the affected area. Not from the same tub of course!
(2) Use a Natural Antifungal Agent - Raw Garlic
Garlic has great anti-fungal properties that can fight the Candida fungi both in your gut and at the local area, e.g. the vagina. And it can reduce blood sugar levels too. So, eat garlic or first class garlic capsules daily. You can also mash a peeled clove into a smooth paste and apply externally.
(3) Wear Cotton Under Garments
Candida loves moist, dark and warm areas, so keep as dry and cool as you can. Don't wear man-made fibres that don't breathe and trap air and moisture. And wear loose dresses, skirts and trousers.
(4) Don't Use Scented Feminine Products
Feminine sprays and douches can alter the pH of your vaginal area, and in so doing, can encourage fungal growth. Stick to water.
(5) Avoid Sex Whilst You Have Thrush
Although sex itself can't actually cause thrush it can transfer it back and forth between partners. When this happens it makes it just so much more difficult to eradicate the infection. And ensure your partner is also tested for thrush and follows the doctor's recommendations.
Okay, so there you have 5 natural thrush remedies when pregnant. But, of course, there isn't enough room here to go into every issue that you need to deal with in order to ensure a safe, natural cure for your thrush that can last. But you can get all that information in one place...
