Yeast Infections During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with yeast infections during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels and changes in vaginal pH that promote Candida overgrowth. They affect about 1 in 4 pregnant people. While uncomfortable, yeast infections do not harm the baby during pregnancy. Topical antifungal treatments are safe and effective during pregnancy.
Key takeaways
- Yeast infections are more common during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels and changes in vaginal pH that promote Candida overgrowth. They affect about 1 in 4 pregnant people. While uncomfortable, yeast infections do not harm the baby during pregnancy. Topical antifungal treatments are safe and effective during pregnancy.
- Usually normal when: Thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge with vulvar itching
- Call your doctor if: Vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, CDC, NIH guidelines, yeast infections are more common during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels and changes in vaginal pH that promote Candida overgrowth. They affect about 1 in 4 pregnant people. While uncomfortable, yeast infections do not harm the baby during pregnancy. Topical antifungal treatments are safe and effective during pregnancy. At First trimester, yeast infections may occur at any point in pregnancy. In the first trimester, talk to your provider before using any over-the-counter treatments. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend safe topical antifungal creams or suppositories. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally avoided during pregnancy. It is generally considered normal when thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge with vulvar itching. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
Yeast infections may occur at any point in pregnancy. In the first trimester, talk to your provider before using any over-the-counter treatments. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend safe topical antifungal creams or suppositories. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan) is generally avoided during pregnancy.
Second trimester
Yeast infections may recur due to ongoing hormonal changes. Wearing cotton underwear, avoiding douching, keeping the vulvar area clean and dry, and eating yogurt with live cultures may help prevent recurrences. Topical antifungal treatments (miconazole, clotrimazole) for 7 days are typically recommended during pregnancy.
Third trimester
Treating yeast infections before delivery is recommended, as the baby can contract oral thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth) while passing through the birth canal. Your provider can recommend appropriate treatment. Do not self-diagnose - similar symptoms can be caused by other infections.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed yeast infections during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you think you have a yeast infection and want to confirm before treating.
- Mention if symptoms do not improve after completing treatment.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge with vulvar itching
- Redness and swelling of the vulva
- Burning with urination or intercourse
- Symptoms that improve with prescribed antifungal treatment
- You think you have a yeast infection and want to confirm before treating
- Symptoms do not improve after completing treatment
- You are getting recurrent yeast infections during pregnancy
- Vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection
- Severe pelvic pain accompanying vaginal symptoms
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice yeast infections during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge with vulvar itching — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
Related Conditions
Bacterial Vaginosis During Pregnancy
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina. It affects up to 30% of pregnant people. BV during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes, so it is important to be treated if diagnosed.
Normal Vaginal Discharge Changes in Pregnancy
Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is a normal and expected change during pregnancy. It is typically thin, white or clear, and mild-smelling. This increased discharge helps protect the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria. Changes in color, odor, or consistency may indicate an infection and should be evaluated.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is yeast infections during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about yeast infections during pregnancy?
When is yeast infections during pregnancy normal?
What causes yeast infections during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about yeast infections during pregnancy?
Is yeast infections during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is yeast infections during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for yeast infections during pregnancy?
Does yeast infections during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Yeast Infections During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed yeast infections during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you think you have a yeast infection and want to confirm before treating.
- Mention if symptoms do not improve after completing treatment.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- You think you have a yeast infection and want to confirm before treating
- Symptoms do not improve after completing treatment
- You are getting recurrent yeast infections during pregnancy
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection
- Severe pelvic pain accompanying vaginal symptoms
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of yeast infections during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if vaginal discharge with a strong odor, gray or green color, or accompanied by fever, which could indicate a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria of the vagina. It affects up to 30% of pregnant people. BV during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes, so it is important to be treated if diagnosed.
Normal Vaginal Discharge Changes in Pregnancy
Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is a normal and expected change during pregnancy. It is typically thin, white or clear, and mild-smelling. This increased discharge helps protect the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria. Changes in color, odor, or consistency may indicate an infection and should be evaluated.
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