Causes of thrush during pregnancy, symptoms and treatment. What danger does thrush pose to pregnant women? Possible consequences for the pregnant woman and the unborn child

For almost all women, the term “thrush” is quite familiar and is not associated with something scary and dangerous, despite its unpleasant manifestations. But during the period of bearing a child, any little things are taken more seriously, not to mention the health of the expectant mother. So what is the danger of thrush during pregnancy for mother and child, is it worth treating, and what consequences may arise? Few can answer these questions. For the rest, let's try to sort everything out in order.

What kind of disease is this

This concept means a violation of the normal microflora of the vagina with the rapid addition of colpitis, associated with a fungus of the genus Candida. The pathogen itself is not so dangerous; moreover, normally it can be present on the mucous membranes of various organs, maintaining an optimal environment. When some kind of malfunction occurs in the body, under the influence of certain factors, the number of Candida Albicans increases sharply. Their excessive presence is actually the cause of the disease.

With vaginal candidiasis, the discharge takes on a white, curd-like appearance with a sour odor. In other words, they resemble curdled milk, which was the popular name for the disease - thrush.

Causes

As already mentioned, the disease has a specific pathogen. But in order for fungi to begin to multiply and suppress representatives of the normal microflora of the vagina (lactobacillus, Doderlein bacillus), malfunctions in the body must occur. Pregnancy for a woman is continuous changes that affect all organs and systems, including the state of homeostasis. Because of this, almost every woman is susceptible to developing thrush during this period.

The mechanism is very simple: the acid-base balance of the vaginal environment changes, which allows representatives of opportunistic microflora to be more aggressive. Next comes inflammation, which has several development options. All this happens due to the following factors:

1. Dishormonal changes that necessarily accompany pregnancy;
2. Immunodeficiency states or transient decrease in protective factors (after a long illness);
3. Violations of personal hygiene rules;
4. Chronic infections of the reproductive system;
5. Systemic chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus);
6. Frequent change of sexual partners;
7. Antibiotic therapy;
8. Poor nutrition (hypo-, vitamin deficiency);
9. Mechanical damage to the mucous membrane (sex).

During pregnancy, only hormonal surges are enough, because the mucous membrane of the vagina is no less hormone-dependent than the ovaries or endometrium. But, if a woman takes care of herself and does not have immune disorders, candidiasis does not develop or develops in a mild form and with a rapid course.

Do not underestimate bad habits such as systematic drinking and smoking. They affect absolutely all systems of the body and contribute to changes in the normal pH of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, thereby stimulating the development of opportunistic microflora.

Symptoms of the disease

Thrush manifests itself as itching, burning, pain and discomfort in the perineum, as well as curd-like discharge with a sour smell. All these signs do not develop in the same way; in some, discharge may predominate, and in others, discomfort. In this regard, other infections or diseases of the reproductive system should not be ruled out. It is very wrong to diagnose yourself only by the appearance of the secretion. Differential diagnosis is most often carried out with trichomoniasis and gonorrhea.

Axle

There is a misconception about the safety of candidiasis during pregnancy for both the mother and the fetus. In fact, like any infection, thrush leaves a mark behind itself, fraught with potential danger. Pregnant women suffer more from the disease.

The most common complication is loss of vaginal elasticity. During childbirth, the organs of the reproductive system soften to make it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. If the vagina is rough, it is more difficult for it to acquire the desired consistency, and this can lead to external and internal ruptures. Candidiasis is also associated with the development of eroded ectropion and pseudo-erosions of the cervix.

The fetus in utero is reliably protected from Candida Albicans by membranes and a specific environment. But directly during the passage of the child through the genital tract of the woman in labor, he can become infected with a fungus. According to some data, the more curd secretion is produced, the more likely the newborn is to become infected. This is manifested by the appearance of white spots in the mouth (candidal stomatitis).

Complications

Thrush does not directly threaten complex diseases. But it is a stimulating factor, which can provoke:

• Chronic colpitis, endocervicitis, oophoritis;
• Dyspareunia;
• Impaired tissue regeneration after ruptures during childbirth;
• More severe course of any other diseases;
• Infertility;
• Pre-tumor conditions.

Chronic colpitis

Candidiasis occurs against a background of weakened immunity, and when it becomes chronic, it further lowers the immune defense, forming a vicious circle. The worst thing is that thrush can trigger a mechanism that will result in the death of the newborn.

What you need to know about pathology

Candida colpitis, first of all, is a marker of imbalance in the body. The disease indicates a change in the acid-base, water-electrolytic, hormonal, and immune state. You need to pay attention to this and contact a specialist, because such changes can harm the process of bearing a child.

Do not forget about the infection of the mammary glands by Candida Albicans fungi. This indicates maternal immunodeficiency and also exposes the baby to pathogenic organisms.

Does the disease affect conception?

At first glance, the fungus has nothing to do with conception, because fertilization of the egg occurs in the fallopian tube. But, since vaginal candidiasis makes the vaginal environment more alkaline, most sperm cannot break through this barrier and die in the woman’s vagina.

If conception does occur, there is no need to rejoice. As already noted, the development of candidiasis is closely related to the weakness of immune defense factors. In such conditions, the development of the fetus and the health of the expectant mother are at risk.

How to prevent development

It is quite possible to avoid the disease if you follow simple recommendations. These recommendations will help not only avoid thrush, but also other infections, and also normalize metabolism, restore normal weight, and improve well-being.

1. Visit your gynecologist regularly. It is better to plan a pregnancy when there is no threat to the woman’s health.
2. Balance the diet and quality of nutrition. If the food is sufficiently high in calories, varied, healthy, prepared from fresh, natural products, this will be quite enough for a pregnant woman.
3. Do not take vitamins and other mineral complexes unless necessary. Remember, their excessive use irreparably damages a woman’s condition.
4. It is advisable to use a condom during sex. Men are carriers of certain infections, which necessarily manifest themselves in females, but not always in males.
5. Follow the rules of intimate hygiene. Select the means for this according to the internal environment, because, for example, hand soap disrupts the vaginal microflora.
6. Wear comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics.

Balance the diet and quality of nutrition
Wear comfortable underwear

Features of diagnosing candidiasis colpitis

Despite the fact that candidiasis is familiar to all obstetricians and gynecologists, it is not so easy to recognize it during pregnancy. Constant hormonal changes, adaptation to pregnancy and preparation for childbirth blur the usual clinical picture, which complicates diagnosis.

However, an experienced doctor may suspect thrush. To do this, you need to carry out a number of necessary laboratory tests:

• A smear taken from the mucous membranes of the genital organs, in which the pathogen can be detected;
• The presence of other pathogens (specific and nonspecific) in the smear, which can be combined with candidiasis;
• Assessment of the state of microflora.

In case of candidiasis, not only the vagina is examined, but also the cervix, cervical canal, rectal mucosa and urethra.

To clarify the diagnosis, bacteriological and cultural methods are used. The first involves staining cells on a glass slide. And the second is more difficult, but more accurate. To do this, the selected material is sown on a special medium and the colonies are waited for growth.

Additionally, serological tests are prescribed - polymerase chain reaction or enzyme immunoassay. You should not trust them as the main methods, because they only show the presence of a pathogen, without specifying its type. In addition to specific tests, the pregnant woman is checked for a general blood and urine test.

The final diagnosis is made only after the conclusion of the cultural method. Treatment depends on the results of the study.

Principles of treatment

A big mistake in the treatment of thrush is the exclusively local use of various drugs. Candidiasis is a complex disease in the formation of which the endocrine, endocrine, immune and genital organs take part. In this regard, starting to treat the fungus directly, without paying attention to etiological factors, will be incorrect and ineffective.

1. Diet therapy. Eating right is very healthy and tasty;
2. Don't forget about hygiene. Help your body maintain a clean external and internal environment;
3. Avoid synthetic underwear that is tight or irritating. This also applies to jeans, pants and skirts. They should retain heat without pressing on the pelvic area;

Drug therapy does not have an evidence base for its effectiveness. The use of antifungal agents stops the growth and development of the pathogen only temporarily. Until the body's systems restore their function, the fungus will continue to multiply again and again.

Of course, you don’t need to endure the terrible itching and burning. Special ointments, suppositories, and vaginal tablets against candidiasis (Tarzhinan, Pimafucin) will help remove them. They relieve irritation, pain and discomfort. But some of these drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women (Fluconazole, Diflucan).

Conclusion

Thrush is an infection and infection is always bad. During pregnancy, both the disease and its treatment can become an unfavorable factor for the development of the fetus and mother. If an illness occurs, the main thing is not to self-medicate and not to delay the process.

Thrush during pregnancy (or candidal colpitis) is quite common. According to WHO statistics, 90% of pregnant women experience it. This is due to weakening of the immune system. Symptoms of the disease, which manifest themselves in the form of cheesy discharge with a specific odor and severe itching, cause a lot of discomfort. Sleep is disturbed, intimacy is excluded, and the quality of life decreases. This affects the psychological state of a woman. Pregnant women have a question: can thrush be dangerous during pregnancy?

There is a statement that there is no need to treat candidiasis; it goes away on its own after a certain time. But this is a misconception. There are circumstances under which a child becomes infected with a fungus both in utero and during its passage through the birth canal.

Thrush during pregnancy - causes

Yeast-like fungi are among the opportunistic microflora. Normally, they are present in the vagina of every woman. Under favorable conditions, candida begins to actively multiply and form colonies.

The main reason for infection during pregnancy is a decrease in local and general immunity. When the protective functions of the genital mucosa are disrupted, the fungi grow rapidly, increasing their numbers. The development of thrush is facilitated by changes in hormonal levels and endocrine status, which are typical for every pregnant woman.

The impetus for the development of the disease can be non-compliance with personal hygiene rules. A woman should always wear dry cotton underwear. Excess moisture is an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungal microflora.

Another cause of thrush is treatment of a pregnant woman with antibacterial drugs. They disrupt the natural environment of the vagina, reduce local immunity, and promote infection.

Factors that can cause thrush include:

• sexual intercourse;
• use of flavored condoms;
• use of daily deodorized pads;
• lactobacilli deficiency;
• diseases of the digestive system - stomach, intestines;
• abuse of sweets;
• bad habits - smoking, alcohol.

The consequences of pregnancy and thrush are not always predictable. The presence of fungus in a woman’s body creates risks for infection of the fetus. The infection itself does not pose a danger to pregnancy, but after birth the baby may require serious treatment.

Intrauterine danger of fungal infection for the fetus

If sexual activity is avoided and hygiene rules are observed in the early stages of pregnancy, thrush rarely occurs. Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection appear in the second trimester, when hormonal levels change.

If the pregnancy progresses well, the disease is not dangerous for the unborn child. The microbe does not spread to the woman’s internal genital organs, does not penetrate the placental barrier and does not infect the fetus. Candida does not produce toxins that could enter the bloodstream and infect the baby. Therefore, the disease does not affect intrauterine growth, mental and mental development of children.

There are unfavorable conditions under which the presence of thrush in a pregnant woman poses a risk of infection to the fetus. If there is no adequate treatment, the fungus spreads throughout the parts of the woman’s reproductive system. Reaching the umbilical cord, it can penetrate the placenta and infect the mucous membranes and internal organs of the fetus (systemic candidiasis). Such cases have been recorded extremely rarely, but a woman should be aware of such a danger in order to prevent it in a timely manner.

Read also on the topic

Is it possible for a virgin to get thrush?

The likelihood of intrauterine infection is negligible and, according to statistics, is 0.5% of all cases of the disease diagnosed during pregnancy. The fetus is reliably protected by membranes, waters, and the fetoplacental complex. But there is always a risk of miscarriage if the uterus is infected with a fungus. Therefore, this microbe, which causes thrush during pregnancy, is dangerous.

Threats in the 2nd and 3rd trimester

Can thrush be harmful during late pregnancy? Untreated candidiasis in the third trimester is a direct threat of infection to the child during passage through the birth canal.

Outcome of candidiasis in a newborn:

• fungal infection of the oral mucosa;
• stomatitis;
• poor appetite, breast refusal;
• constant regurgitation after eating or during feeding;
• impaired sleep quality in a child;
• infection of the skin - a rash, pustules, wounds appear;
• intestinal dysfunction - increased gas formation, bloating, colic.

In newborns, due to the low protective function of the skin, thrush can penetrate the body through the epidermis and affect internal organs!

What else threatens a baby with thrush in a pregnant woman? Damage to the conjunctiva is often recorded. After birth, the baby's eye mucosa becomes inflamed. Hyperemia, edema, and pronounced vascular network in the white of the eye appear. Intense lacrimation is observed due to blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. A bacterial infection may occur.

Girls are diagnosed with urogenital candidiasis. Its symptoms are redness of the labia majora and minora, swelling of the vulva, discharge with a sour milk smell, sometimes with pus.

Why is thrush during pregnancy dangerous for children? In severe cases, it contributes to the development of pneumonia - neonatal pneumonia. Pathology develops during the first hours after birth or a week later. First, respiratory failure and fluctuations in body temperature appear. If emergency assistance is not provided, the disease quickly progresses to shock and can be fatal.

The consequences of thrush during pregnancy in the third trimester are not difficult to avoid. The woman is prescribed complex therapy. If necessary, before childbirth, the vaginal mucosa and cervix are treated with antiseptic and disinfectant solutions. If the birth canal is extensively damaged and the baby is at high risk of infection, a caesarean section is performed.

The effect of thrush on the body of a pregnant woman

The most common way thrush during pregnancy can be dangerous for a woman’s body is the appearance of a chronic inflammatory process of the reproductive organs. In the near and distant future, the following pathologies develop:

• frequent colpitis;
• cervicitis;
• adnexitis;
• adhesions in the adnexal tubes;
• cervical erosion.

A pregnant woman has an increased risk of developing postpartum infection. Endometriosis occurs - inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus.

The presence of thrush affects the physiological state of the mucous membranes. Under the influence of pathogenic microflora, their elasticity decreases. This creates a risk of rupture and injury to the epithelium during childbirth. In the future, fibrous formations—scars made of connective tissue—will form at the site of mechanical damage. They disrupt the anatomical structure of the internal genital organs and lead to functional changes. Postpartum sutures take a long time to heal and have complications; bacterial infection of wound surfaces and suppuration are possible.

From this article you will learn why thrush is dangerous during pregnancy. Is there a threat to the fetus or the mother? When and how the disease can be passed to a developing child from an infected woman. At what stage of pregnancy is the risk especially high?

Article publication date: 09/04/2017

Article updated date: November 27, 2018

With thrush, the genitals are affected by a fungal infection; the traditional name for this disease is urogenital candidiasis.

Despite the absence of severe manifestations of the inflammatory process, it poses a real threat to the developing fetus, and in the future – to the newborn. The consequences for a woman are less dangerous, but when talking about pregnant women, the harm to two organisms is always assessed.

The table lists the main harmful effects of a fungal infection on a woman and a growing child. They are structured by degree: from the most severe to the least dangerous.

Obstetricians and gynecologists are involved in the diagnosis and selection of a drug regimen during pregnancy. In most cases, the disease can be treated without hospital treatment using topical medications.

Danger to mother

For pregnant women, fungal inflammation of the genital organs is dangerous at any stage and requires treatment immediately after initial detection, followed by monitoring the smear for candidiasis at least once every two months.

Inflammation of the genitourinary system

Against the background of the proliferation of fungi, they penetrate into the mucous membrane of the genital tract, and later into the urethra. This is the reason for the disruption of the normal balance of microflora, which under physiological conditions protects a woman from other pathogens.

A change in the level of acidity leads to the colonization of the vagina by bacteria that cause an inflammatory process, and the mucous membrane injured by thrush no longer serves as a barrier to their penetration into the deeper layers.

Any forms of urogenital candidiasis (carriage, acute or chronic) increase the risk of developing specific (associated with a specific type of pathogen) inflammatory diseases:

• glands in the vestibule of the vagina (bartholinitis);
• labia (vulvitis);
• vagina (vaginitis);
• cervix (cervicitis);
• placenta (placentitis);
• membranes (chorioamnionitis);
• uterine appendages - tubes, ovaries or ligamentous apparatus (adnexitis);
• urinary tract (urethritis).

When a fungal infection spreads up the birth canal, acute cervicitis can occur - an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the cervix.

Reproductive dysfunction

Disruption of the normal biocenosis of the vagina (imbalance of certain types of microorganisms that create a protective barrier) leads to a change in the internal environmental conditions necessary to maintain the viability of sperm. This reduces and sometimes completely eliminates the possibility of pregnancy.

During gestation (gradual maturation of all fetal systems), thrush can cause:

• increased contractility of the myometrium (muscular layer of the uterus), which is manifested by the threat of miscarriage or loss of the fetus in the case of a short pregnancy due to the non-viability of the child;
• disturbances in nutrition and physiological maturation of the fetus against the background of changes in the placenta or fetal membranes accompanying any inflammatory processes. This leads to malnutrition (immaturity) of the child and his low resistance to the action of various pathogens.

Complications in the postpartum period

Candida infection is a sign of a significant decrease in the body’s protective (immune) forces. The early period after childbirth is accompanied by the formation of an extensive wound surface in the uterine cavity, genital tract or caesarean section wound. These areas are extremely vulnerable to pathogens.

Any inflammatory processes that were not treated before birth can cause suppuration inside the uterus (endometritis) or infection of the postoperative wound.

Danger to child

Thrush during pregnancy poses a significant threat to the developing fetus, whose body is directly connected to the mother’s through the system of general blood flow and amniotic membranes.

Infection with a fungal pathogen can occur in several ways:

When passing through the genital tract during labor.

Due to the penetration of infection into the tissues surrounding the fetus (placenta, chorion, amniotic fluid).

The second option is the most dangerous due to the high risk of fungal infection of the child’s blood and internal organs.

The maximum level of danger occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. During this period, the natural level of protection of the amniotic fluid from various infections decreases. This is a physiological feature, a stage of preparation of a woman’s body for the onset of labor, and it is impossible to influence it. But it is quite possible to treat the disease in time, without allowing the fetus to become infected.

Fungal infection of the oral mucosa in a child

Antenatal death

The death of a developing fetus in the uterine cavity before birth is the most serious consequence that can cause a fungal infection to enter the child’s bloodstream.

The pathogen settles in vital organs (liver, brain, kidneys, red bone marrow) and leads to a gradual decrease in their function, which ends in the death of the entire organism.

Contracting an infection

There are several forms of fungal infection of the fetus or newborn, depending on the location of the process:

• cutaneous – infection of both the skin itself and its appendages (sweat and sebaceous glands, nail plates and hair);
• mucous membranes - inflammatory changes in the oral cavity, genitals and conjunctiva;
• systemic - damage to the organs of one system associated with the external environment (respiratory, digestive, genitourinary);
• visceral or organ - infection of internal systems and organs that have no connection with the environment (brain, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, internal structures of the eyes);
• generalized - the presence of fungi in the bloodstream, often in combination with organ spread;
• carriage – detection of a fungal population on the mucous membranes in a titer of more than 10 to 4 degrees, but without clinical manifestations of the disease.

Cutaneous form of candidiasis

Candidiasis infection can be localized, affecting only certain areas, or occur in many places, sometimes with total damage to the child’s entire body.

Depending on the location of the process and the form of the lesion, the course of the disease is severe or mild, which determines the prognosis for recovery. In severe cases with damage to internal organs, there is a high risk of fatal outcome or disability of the child in later life.

Premature birth

Giving birth to a child before its internal systems have fully matured is dangerous due to the risk of:

• death due to insufficient functionality of organs;
• increased sensitivity to infectious agents and the occurrence of severe forms of inflammatory processes;
• developmental disorders of the central organ of the nervous system with the formation of intellectual deficit in the future;
• defective development of internal organs with clinical manifestations of their insufficient functionality.

Conclusion

Is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? Definitely yes. The harmful effects described above may not occur, but the risk always exists. So is it worth risking the health of yourself and your unborn child if the treatment of urogenital candidiasis takes from one to three weeks, almost always allowing you to limit yourself to local specialized remedies?

Owner and responsible for the site and content: Afinogenov Alexey.

Vaginal candidiasis, or thrush, is a frequent “guest” in women of all ages and social statuses. The disease is a lesion of the mucous membranes of the vagina, and sometimes the vulva (vulvovaginitis) by a fungus of the genus Candida. The obvious symptoms of the disease are: pain when urinating, unbearable itching and copious discharge that resembles a white curdled mass. The pathological process can occur latently in a mild form, practically asymptomatic, be acute in nature with severe pain and burning, and take a generalized form.

Thrush during pregnancy, especially in its generalized form, is dangerous. It threatens intrauterine infection of the fetus and disruption of the gestational process itself.

Thrush and pregnancy

When it comes to fungal vaginitis during pregnancy, it is more appropriate to talk about an exacerbation of the disease than about infection. Although primary infection is also, of course, possible. But even if the couple was examined at the stage of preparation for conception, treated if necessary, and took the entire recommended course of vitamins, this does not guarantee the absence of thrush during gestation.

Pregnancy itself is one of the significant factors leading to the exacerbation of this disease. This is due to a decrease in immunity in pregnant women, which is necessary to avoid fetal rejection, and massive releases of hormones that support gestation.

These hormones stimulate the growth and development of the fetus, prepare the mother’s body for breastfeeding and support the pregnancy process, and also contribute to the riot of microflora. Yeast-like fungi “love” hormonal “feeding” very much, so a rare woman can avoid exacerbation of this disease during pregnancy.

In addition to a natural decrease in immunity, the following can contribute to the development of fungal colonies:

• Frequent or severe stress.
• Excessive hygiene of the genital organs, disrupting the biocenosis of the vagina.
• Indigestion, constipation and intestinal dysbiosis.
• Diet errors (consumption of large amounts of sweets and baked goods).

Considering that you can get pregnant with thrush and that an exacerbation of the disease in a woman who is healthy at the time of conception is almost inevitable, the question arises: is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? And what exactly does it threaten the baby growing in the mother’s womb?

Candidiasis in pregnant women must be treated, but only starting from the second trimester.

Main threats

Many people are accustomed to considering thrush as an almost safe companion to the gestation process. This is not entirely true. To be fair, it should be said that serious complications for a woman or her baby with vaginal candidiasis develop very rarely (in less than 1% of cases). But potentially this infection can lead to complications with the woman’s health, with the course of gestation and the health of the fetus.

Answering the question of how thrush affects pregnancy, it is worth noting that it, like any infection, can lead to:

1. To fetal hypoxia.
2. Intrauterine infection.
3. Contamination of the baby's mucous membranes during childbirth.

For a woman, thrush can increase the risk of rupture. The risk of cervical rupture is higher, but in some cases the pregnant organ may also be at risk. This happens especially often if the previous birth was performed surgically. With a fungal infection, the risk of reproduction of other opportunistic and pathogenic microflora increases.

What else is dangerous about thrush during pregnancy? It threatens a woman with a long process of healing from postpartum injuries. In an untreated state, candidiasis can cause endometritis in the late postpartum period, adhesions of the uterine mucosa and other consequences.

Why is thrush dangerous during pregnancy? It all depends on the timing of gestation:

1. This may be a spontaneous abortion in the early stages.
2. Early labor at the end of pregnancy.
3. Premature rupture of amniotic fluid.
4. Inflammation of placental tissue (chorioamnionitis).
5. It is possible to give birth not only to premature babies, but also to low birth weight babies.
6. In the worst case, fetal malnutrition develops.

The child in the mother's womb is quite well protected. It is covered with fetal membranes, protected by amniotic fluid, and the placenta and mucous plug act as a barrier to external infections.

The latter covers the uterine os, preventing access of pathogens. Therefore, thrush rarely leads to serious consequences for the fetus. Nevertheless, they are possible.

Consequences in the womb

How dangerous is thrush during pregnancy for the fetus? By multiplying, fungi of the genus Candida contribute to the death of lactic acid bacilli, which normally inhabit the vaginal mucosa. This promotes the development of other pathogenic microflora. Together, these microorganisms can indirectly affect the fetus, leading to:

• To placental insufficiency and fetal hypoxia.
• Slowing down its development.

Depending on the period at which the fetus does not receive enough oxygen, the consequences for its development may be different. These may include developmental anomalies and delayed weight gain. Most often the nervous system is affected.

Can the fungus directly affect the fetus by infecting its tissues? Infection of the fetus in the womb is an exceptional case rather than a possibility. The risk of developing hypoxia and infection of the fetus during childbirth is much higher than the possibility of the fungus penetrating under the membranes.

As a result of such infection, generalized fetal candidiasis develops. This may cause intrauterine death or death immediately after birth.

Infection during childbirth

When a mother passes through an infected birth canal, the danger to the fetus increases. A child can easily become infected.

Most often, newborns develop oral candidiasis. The child has a white, cheesy coating on the tongue, and in more severe cases on the lips and cheeks.

If infected during childbirth, the genitourinary system of the newborn may be damaged. Girls are more susceptible to this infection than boys.

Even less commonly, a newborn develops a fungal infection:

• Conjunctivitis.
• Pneumonia.
• Intestinal candidiasis.
• Generalized candidiasis.

Having figured out whether thrush affects gestation and the baby in the womb, and how it does, you shouldn’t be afraid. Fortunately for most mothers and their children, this threat remains potential. But to prevent it from happening, it is better to undergo a course of treatment under the guidance of a doctor.

Diagnosis and treatment

Having understood how thrush can affect pregnancy, it remains to figure out how to determine that thrush is present, because it can occur with a minimal set of symptoms. To do this, you need to regularly visit your doctor while pregnant. The examination allows the gynecologist to see signs of thrush and take a smear.

Microscopic examination is quite informative for identifying candidiasis. If in doubt, you can do a bacterial culture.

When vaginal candidiasis is diagnosed, a pregnant woman is prescribed treatment with local drugs or systemic medications. The choice of remedy depends on the severity of the pathological process, gestational age and individual characteristics of the female body. Typically, several groups of medications are used:

1. Local antifungal agents.
2. Immunostimulants.
3. Preparations to maintain normal intestinal microflora (normalization of intestinal biocenosis in case of vaginal candidiasis is very important).

As antifungal agents, experts prefer medications that do not enter the systemic circulation (Nystatin). They are less effective than, for example, Clotrimazole, but are allowed at any gestational age. Recently, the complex medicine Terzhinan has gained popularity.

How dangerous is thrush during pregnancy for the fetus? A similar question is asked by thousands of expectant mothers who have had this infection in their bodies. Like any infectious disease, thrush, or vaginal candidiasis, poses a certain threat to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus. The disease is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida, which is constantly present in the female body. But due to certain pathological conditions and factors, it begins to multiply intensively. What is the danger of thrush during pregnancy?

• Causes of the disease and symptoms

Causes of the disease and symptoms

Naturally, a pregnant woman is more concerned about possible risks to the fetus than her own well-being. However, thrush during pregnancy causes certain inconvenience for a woman.

The first trimester of pregnancy is a fertile time for fungal growth. And if a woman has a mild disease during this period, then this will soon change, as the fungus will begin to multiply intensively, leading to oxidation of the habitat. This process is associated with a weakening of the functions of the immune system and a decrease in leukocyte activity.

If at this time the problem is ignored and nothing is done, then before the date of labor, yeast-like fungal bacteria will occupy the entire vaginal surface and begin to infect the external tissues of the genital organs. Thrush during pregnancy, the more it grows, the higher the risks for normal gestation and development of the fetus.

The disease is accompanied by copious curd-like discharge from the vagina, in addition to severe itching. Urination becomes painful, and the urge in pregnant women, as everyone knows, becomes more frequent. The consequences of this condition are lack of sleep, irritability, mood swings, and pain provokes uterine tone.

Vaginal candidiasis often leads to erosion of the mucous surfaces of the organs of the reproductive system, and the defects can cover large areas of the membranes. This pathology does not go away on its own, but only develops, affecting healthy tissue further. The advanced stage of the pathology leads to adhesions in the tissue walls, which significantly reduce muscle elasticity. This explains the answer to the question of whether thrush is dangerous during pregnancy. Yes, it's dangerous. This pathology does not allow the uterus to stretch normally as the size of the fetus increases. Adhesions lead not only to severe pain, but also to the threat of miscarriage.

Complication of pregnancy with thrush

Carrying a child is a complex process, fraught with various kinds of difficulties. Naturally, a fungal infection negatively affects pregnancy and threatens the following conditions:

• spontaneous termination of pregnancy before 28 weeks (miscarriage);
• premature birth;
• the appearance of an inflammatory process in placental tissues;
• excessive leakage of amniotic fluid ahead of time;
• infection of the birth canal.

During the early postpartum period (in the first 2 hours after birth), a woman may develop endometritis, an inflammatory process in the uterus, against the background of vaginal candidiasis.

How does thrush affect fetal development?

How dangerous is thrush during pregnancy for the unborn baby? You should not think that such a common disease, which is not classified as a serious pathology, is harmless and will not affect the development of the fetus. In fact, there are a lot of complications that this bacterium provokes:

1. Often thrush leads to oxygen starvation (fetal hypoxia), which causes intrauterine growth retardation and disruption of the formation of the central nervous system. After birth, the baby's adaptation is significantly complicated.
2. It is possible that a full-term baby will be born with an abnormally low birth weight.
3. There are risks of infecting the unborn baby with candidiasis in the case of an advanced stage of the disease.
4. According to statistics, 5-15% of newborn babies are diagnosed with thrush. Infection occurs during labor, when the baby passes through the birth canal.

Can a fetus become infected in the womb?

The concerns of expectant mothers are understandable, but you should not set yourself in a negative mood, but rather seek advice from an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist.

Nature has hedged its bets by making the placenta a reliable protection and barrier against unwanted pathogens. It prevents bacteria from penetrating into the fetal bladder and preventing the unborn baby from coming into contact with the affected tissues of the mother’s body.

If we turn to practical data, the percentage of risk of infection of the fetus with vaginal candidiasis from the mother during pregnancy is low and amounts to only 0.4%.

This is the rarest form of thrush and is extremely severe, affecting large areas of the skin and tissue of internal organs.

During pregnancy, the baby is protected. And before childbirth, the external pharynx opens 12-14 days before labor; Candida fungus can get from the vagina to the fetus. That is why in the last term and during natural childbirth the risks of infection increase sharply.

Most often, signs of candidiasis are found in infants born prematurely. At an advanced stage of infection, even death is possible. We are talking about those situations when a pregnant woman ignores the symptoms of the disease and does not seek qualified help.

Doctors warn pregnant women about such consequences and offer appropriate treatment for the infection. There are ways to get rid of a fungal disease without risk to the unborn baby, which can be done at any stage of gestation. Of course, it will not be possible to completely eliminate these bacteria, because the female body is their natural habitat, but you can control their number by undergoing timely examinations.