Friday, October 7, 2011

Yeast Infection and Pregnancy: Understand the Risks and Remedies

By JoAnn Hubbard


During pregnancy, women need higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals plus a higher calorie intake to maintain their health and their baby. While in these nine months, women can contract infections during pregnancy while their immune system is working overtime to protect the child forming inside. Regular checkups are needed to discover health concerns and prevent worse ailments in the future.

Tiny parasites found in raw meat, unclean produce, or contaminated water causes toxoplasmosis if ingested. They are also found in cat feces as a result of consuming infected animals. Contact with this excrement while cleaning the litter box can lead to contamination.

Symptoms range from none at all to those similar to the flu such as swollen lymph glands, aches, fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Treatment includes antibiotics for the mother and to prevent passing it on to the child. Extra tests are performed to monitor the baby throughout the rest of the pregnancy. This ailment can harm the brain, eyes, and other organs. Those born with this health issue may not experience any noticeable problems until later in life.

Low amounts of fungus are naturally found in the bowels, vagina, and on the skin. An increased amount of Candida Albicans causes thrush which is not uncommon to contract in the last part of a women's term. Sufferers witness a discharge, burning urination, and swelling and discomfort in the vaginal area. Medicated creams and suppositories are the recommended treatment instead of the fast-acting tablet medication.

The urinary tract may become infected due to a slowed urine flow between the kidneys and bladder. Pain above the bladder, burning urination, and more frequent bathroom trips are warning signs of this health concern. If antibiotics are not taken, premature birth could result.

Bacterial vaginosis is a result of too much bacteria in the vagina. This happens when the good bacteria in a woman's body is unable to keep the bad bacteria from overproducing. A slight odor, discharge, and burning when urinating may be experienced. Premature birth, miscarriage, low birth weight, or contamination of the uterus after delivery can result if antibiotics are not taken.

Flu, respiratory ailments, German measles, and chicken pox are viral contagions that could cause premature labor and birth defects. Staph is caused by a cut that breaks the skin and can lead to sepsis if it enters the blood stream at the site of the wound. This could result in organ damage, inhibited blood flow, shock, and even death. The bones of children can also be affected. Antibiotics by mouth or creams directly applied are needed to treat these disorders.

A decreased immune system and increased hormones also affects the mouth. Dental issues affect the gums and teeth quicker than normal at this time. Therefore, regular dental visits are important to discover or treat any issues before they become worse.

Important medical attention is given to women to prevent or diagnose and treat infections during pregnancy. Any health ailments found are promptly addressed to protect the present and future health of the mother and the baby she will soon deliver.




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