Yeast infections occur commonly in many women, but the American Pregnancy Association points out that this type of infection actually occurs more commonly during pregnancy than any other time in a woman's life. A yeast infection during pregnancy should only be treated with vaginal creams or suppositories recommended by your doctor. Symptoms of this type of infection include vaginal discharge that is usually white and lumpy, itching, redness or other irritation of the vagina. The American Pregnancy Association says that women often notice either no odor or a yeast-like smell and the amount of discharge can prove quite substantial.
Perfect Environment
The most likely reason a yeast infection proves so common during pregnancy, including the early stages, is that pregnancy creates the perfect vaginal environment for yeast overgrowth. The vaginal secretions of a pregnant woman contain more sugar, which is a desirable food for yeast. Once the yeast begins growing rapidly, the body has a harder time regaining balance, so that a yeast infection often results. Some women also experience a slightly elevated body temperature during pregnancy, another desirable quality for yeast.
Hormones
Hormone changes can cause a change in vaginal secretions. This too can lead to a proliferation of yeast. BabyCenter.com specifically points to estrogen, a hormone that increases during pregnancy, as a catalyst for causing yeast to grow faster and stick more readily to the vagina.
Other Causes
A yeast infection can develop for a number of reasons during pregnancy including taking antibiotics or steroids, says BabyCenter.com. The antibiotics can interfere with the body's immune functions, making it easier for the yeast to get out of control in the vagina. Women who have diabetes already have a higher level of blood in the sugar and may secrete more sugar in vaginal discharge. Other factors that can throw the normal yeast balance off within the vagina, resulting in an infection include, douching, the presence of blood in the vagina and contact with semen.
