Vaginal discharge is common and if not offensive and non-itching, it is physiological, related to the increase in hormones in pregnancy. Maintaining Hygiene in pregnancy is essential.

 

Vaginal thrush is a common infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans yeast. This yeast lives naturally in the bowel and in small numbers in the vagina.

 

It is mostly harmless, but symptoms can develop if yeast numbers increase. About 75 per cent of women will have vaginal thrush in their lifetime. It causes vaginal itching or burning, a white discharge and stinging or burning while urinating. Vaginal creams or vaginal tablets (pessaries) can help reduce the symptoms of thrush. Thrush can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the mouth.

 

Treatment with Clotrimazole is effective and sometimes repeat treatment may be required. If recurrent episodes, GTT should be checked and cause identified. Oral treatment is contraindicated in pregnancy.