Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida Albicans. Candida is often present in your body but is usually harmless. Pregnancy increases the risk of getting thrush. Symptoms of vaginal thrush include itching, soreness and swelling of the vagina and vulva, together with a thick white vaginal discharge.

Normal bacteria usually keep Candida under control. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, when taking the contraceptive pill, during your menstrual cycle or at times when you are feeling particularly stressed can destroy the friendly bacteria which are keeping the Candida at bay. Taking antibiotics also increases the risk.

Thrush is fairly common in babies. It can be passed to babies during breastfeeding. Babies’ symptoms may include nappy rash, and creamy white spots in and around his mouth. A sore mouth makes it uncomfortable for him to feed. Breastfeeding mothers may have sore or cracked nipples and shooting pains, burning or itching breasts during and in between feeds.

Although thrush is not a sexually transmitted disease, it can be passed between partners. Men don’t always show any symptoms of thrush.

If you think you may have thrush contact your midwife or GP. Thrush in pregnancy will not harm your baby and treatment is usually simple. You can apply creams to the affected area, or take tablets or use pessaries (vaginal tablets). However, during pregnancy, only the creams as prescribed by your doctor are recommended.

Babies are treated with mouth drops or gel and breastfeeding mothers should be treated at the same time with antifungal nipple cream. Breastfeeding can still continue and Mum can take Paracetamol to relieve the pain until the treatment takes effect.

How can you help yourself to avoid vaginal thrush or treat a mild dose?

• keep the area clean and dry
• use plain water, no perfumed soaps or bath foams
• apply natural live yoghurt to the area
• wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes