Should I be worried if I have vaginal itching?

Yeast infection, also known as thrush, is a common feminine infection, and it can occur while you are pregnant. Signs of yeast infection When you are pregnant, there is increased vaginal discharge as a result of the new hormones coursing through your body. This discharge is diluted, milky discharge. If the discharge thickens, is white, looks like cottage cheese, and you have vaginal itching on top of it all, you may have a yeast infection. Sometimes, there could also be a burning sensation when you pee or during sexual intercourse. If these are your symptoms, you could be suffering from a yeast infection. Causes of yeast infection A fungus called candida albicans is the culprit for a yeast infection. This grows naturally in human beings' mouths and intestinal tracts. During pregnancy, the vagina becomes filled with a sugar called glycogen, which encourages the growth of this fungus and causes a yeast infection. Risks of yeast infection While you are pregnant, your baby will not be affected as he or she is protected within your womb. If you still have your yeast infection during labour, there is a small possibility that your baby may catch the infection as he or she is delivered, but it is not life-threatening, and is treatable. The best thing to do is to treat it immediately when you realize you have it, so that it can be gotten rid of as soon as possible. Steps to minimize yeast infection Once you exhibit the symptoms of a yeast infection, you should inform your doctor. Your doctor will examine you and help ascertain if you indeed have a yeast infection. If you do, antifungal medication will be prescribed to treat the infection. To prevent a yeast infection, there are some preventive measures you can take. Try to avoid synthetic material for your clothes; choose cotton underwear, and wear loose pants or better yet, a skirt, so that you do not create a warm, moist environment for the fungus to thrive. After a bowel movement, wipe your bottom from front to back, not back to front.