Posts Tagged yeast infection
Babies with Thrush and Diaper Rash
Posted by in Babies on March 11th, 2010
There are different signs and symptoms that let a parent know when their child has a diaper rash. It can be a chronic issue that is very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It should be treated properly and not left ignored. Diaper rash itself can also be a symptom of another underlying problem that your baby may have. Thrush is a form of a yeast infection just like other rashes are. Some rashes are caused by Candida albicans which is a type of yeast. If your baby does have thrush, it is not uncommon that they will also have a rash from their diaper.
There are side effects that thrush causes that will help you determine if your baby has it or not. The symptoms look different from a rash caused by a diaper. Thrush only occurs in the mouth and there will by small white patches on the roof of the mouth, the sides, and on their tongue. Most parents say that it looks like there is milk stuck on their baby’s mouth. Usually newborns develop this type of rash and it’ll occur up to four to six weeks after birth.
Unlike other rashes, thrush can go untreated. It usually doesn’t cause a lot of pain or irritation. If your child does appear to be uncomfortable, you may need to treat it with an antifungal like you do with other rashes such as diaper rash. If there is discomfort, it will usually only be when they are feeding. The rash should clear up within a couple of weeks on its own. If it doesn’t, you may need to consult your doctor about the rash.
Unlike a diaper rash, there is nothing that can be done to prevent thrush from occurring. A rash caused from diapers can be prevented and treated with diaper ointment. Thrush is not as severe as some other types of rashes that cannot be left untreated. If your child does develop thrush, it is more important for you to treat the diaper rash that may also appear because of the Candida albicans. If you are breastfeeding, you also need to watch for thrush to appear on your own body. It can pass from child to mother and vice versa. You can treat thrush on your body with an antifungal.
If your newborn develops these types of rashes, be sure to give them a little extra love and attention. Be sure that the rashes don’t get too severe or bothersome to your baby. Thrush isn’t dangerous to your child’s health but it shouldn’t be ignored either. Treat any rashes that may develop.
Melanie Nader is the founder of the Homestead Company which makes premium quality natural skin care products including eczema oil and diaper ointment made with the finest 100% natural ingredients. For more information, visit http://www.homesteadcompany.com/.
Article Source: Babies with Thrush and Diaper Rash
Common Breastfeeding Problems And Their Solutions
Posted by in Pregnancy on January 16th, 2010
While the mother’s milk is best for the emotional and physical well being of the infant, several breastfeeding problems may crop up for the nursing mother making it difficult for her to continue nursing her child. Some of these can be easily overcome with a little care and use of technology. Others, however, may require medical intervention.
Sore nipples: One of the commonest problems that affect breastfeeding mothers is sore nipples. If not treated or taken care of in time, this may lead to serious infection and pain. Sore nipples are mainly caused by improper latching on. Follow the guides of your healthcare provider to know exactly how you should help the baby to latch on properly.
Especially after the feed, insert your forefinger inside the baby’s mouth while gently pilling out the nipple with the thumb and ring finger. This will avoid injury to the nipple. Clean the nipples before and after feeds with sterilized cotton swabs and air dry them to avoid moisture build up which may cause infections such as thrush.
Yeast Infection: Thrush is one of the most common breastfeeding problems. It appears as a whitish growth on the tongue of the infant and shooting pain in the breast while feeding, accompanied by red, swollen and/or painful nipples. It needs medical attention, with both the mother and child being simultaneously treated with antibiotics.
To avoid thrush, dry your nipples after every feed. Use nursing pads inside your brassiere to keep yourself dry. The general idea is to keep clean and dry to avoid yeast growth.
Engorged Breasts: If you produce more milk than your baby is able to take in on a certain day, your breasts may become engorged, resulting in a painful situation. To avoid this, you may express excess milk in small quantities with the help of breast pumps. Make sure you don’t express too much regularly as the body will get the wrong signal and keep producing more.
Blocked Ducts And Mastitis: The commonest symptom of a blocked duct is a red inflammation, probably painful, on the breast. This happens when an inflammation in the surrounding tissue does not allow the milk to flow out from the gland. The accumulated milk gets forced into the breast tissue, causing inflammation and pain. If it gets into the bloodstream, you may get mastitis, a medical condition of pain accompanied by fever which needs immediate attention.
Common blocked ducts appear as a white spot on the end of a nipple caused by improper drainage of the breast. Usually, cells grow to cover the opening of the duct and are easily removed by sterilized needle or even clean fingernail. If you need to do it yourself, do it after the baby has fed as the nipple is softer then.
Most breastfeeding problems are avoided with a little awareness and good hygiene. After that – it is only good health and plenty of bonding between the mother and her child.
Access the breast feeding guide on the given link to know more about the basics of breastfeeding. Also know about the common breastfeeding problems faced by women.
Article Source: Common Breastfeeding Problems And Their Solutions
Dealing With Risks
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 16th, 2009
Many women may be asking themselves, Am I at risk of diabetes? This is a particularly good question, even if you can’t answer it on your own. Understanding what some of the specific risk factors are for gestational diabetes is a good place to start. Since this disease affects only pregnant women, it must be handled carefully. Your family history, will have a lot to do with the answer to, am I at risk of diabetes?
Your personal physician will likely ask you questions about your family’s health history. This information will not only focus on diabetes, but many other illnesses, as well. Since diabetes is believed to have a hereditary connection, this would have some bearing on your individual case.
Along with family history, obesity plays a role in determining risk factors for gestational diabetes. Another risk factor has to do with age, and having experienced a still born birth. If you are over the age of 25, and have experienced at least one still born birth, you may be at risk. Race is also a major risk factor related to diabetes. African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics, are in the top three races at risk of this disease.
Once you determine, if you’re at risk of diabetes, you will need to be tested. This is most often done by glucose screening during pregnancy. You will need to discuss the specifics of glucose screening during pregnancy, with your doctor. But typically, he or she will schedule you to have specific tests run. This is especially true, if you fit the risk factors’ criteria. It is also important to have glucose screening during pregnancy, if you are experiencing symptoms.
Most pregnant women with gestational diabetes, experience no symptoms. But for those who do, these can be extreme. A common symptom of this disease is increased thirst. Increased thirst is often followed by increased urination. Some women experience infections, as a result of gestational diabetes. The most documented of these is yeast infection, and bladder infection. Other pregnant women have complained of experiencing blurred vision. This is also a common symptom of this disease.
Experiencing any or all of these symptoms will certainly encourage a woman to have a glucose screening during pregnancy. A glucose screening during pregnancy is generally composed of a series of tests. The purpose for these is to determine the measurement of your blood glucose levels. The ultimate result is finding out whether or not you have gestational diabetes.
The first test involved in the glucose screening during pregnancy, is called the fasting glucose test. This test will measure glucose levels in a woman, who has not eaten. She will have fasted anywhere from 8 to 14 hours, before her test. If the results of this test are within the range of 126mg, further testing will not be necessary. Chances are this woman has gestational diabetes.
The other two tests are called the 2-hour postprandial glucose test, and the random glucose test. The postprandial test is performed after a woman has eaten.
You can find helpful information about glucose screening during pregnancy and everything you need to know about am I at risk of diabetes at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Dealing With Risks
Spotting and Pain During Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 1st, 2009
Unfortunately not all pregnancies are smooth sailing. There are many women each year who experience particularly difficult pregnancies. These women will have vaginal pain and experience a spotting pregnancy. These are cases that need to be under the care of a physician. This is really the only way to ensure a safe pregnancy and future delivery.
Experiencing vaginal pain, or having a spotting pregnancy can be particularly difficult. This is true not only for the expectant mother, but her unborn child, as well. There are various reasons, for experiencing either of these issues. Some of these reasons, can be quite serious and should be addressed quickly.
Individually, both vaginal pain, and spotting while pregnant, can be signs of more serious conditions. Vaginal pain, itself can be caused by many different things. This type of pain can be connected to a woman’s having vaginitis or a yeast infection. Both of these have similar uncomfortable symptoms. Women, with either vaginitis or yeast infection, experience itching or burning, of the vaginal area.
Expectant mothers need extra care, when comes to vaginitis and yeast infection. Either could be the cause for a vaginal pain, or the cause of spotting pregnancy experiences. In these cases, a woman would notice that her vagina is inflamed, and could be red. A simple doctor’s visit could relieve this symptom.
Doctors often prescribe topical creams to combat the itching and burning of the vaginal area. These creams are easily applied to the effected area, and can give relief quickly. Pain in the vaginal area, often goes hand and hand with discharge. Women regularly see a discharge from the vagina, in these scenarios. These discharges can come in various colors, and sometime have an unpleasant odor.
Pregnant women, who are experiencing these, should pay close attention to them. This is important to not only not if they worsen, but change in odor. Generally your doctor will want to know some specifics about what you’ve noticed by way of discharge. Women who are noticing pain, must monitor their symptoms. This is even more crucial when a woman is pregnant.
If for some reason the spotting turns into full on bleeding, medical attention should be sought quickly. Vaginal pain, does not only mean that there could be a problem with your baby. In some instances, this type of pregnancy is related to a greater condition. Whatever the condition is, it may be unknown to both mother and her doctor. If this is true, tests will need to be run for a proper diagnosis.
One such condition, is the existence of fibroid tumors. These tumors have been known to cause extreme pain, in women who are not pregnant. So for those who are, the symptoms can be even worse. In some women, the cause for this type of pregnancy will be polyps, or even cancer. In these cases, pregnancy becomes more difficult, if not risky. It’s very important to watch all abnormal feelings or sensations while you’re pregnant. Even though some reasons will be normal and pose no danger, there are reasons, that could.
You can find helpful information about vaginal pain and everything you need to know about spotting at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Spotting and Pain During Pregnancy
Spotting and Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on September 1st, 2009
If you’re expecting, you’ve probably already started to feel your body change, and you’ve probably started to pay extra attention to your diet, sleep patterns and body signals. It’s important to be well-informed as to what changes fall within the norms of a pregnancy, and which changes may be problematic. Take for example, the occurrence of spotting or vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It’s actually quite common to experience such symptoms during pregnancy, although this does not exclude the need to consult with your family doctor on occasion.
Here’s is a introductory view, by no means exhaustive, of what you need to know about spotting and vaginal discharge:
Let’s start with spotting. Imagine you were sexually active during the fertile part of your cycle. If you experience light bleeding 6-7 days later (after fertilization) for one or two days, you might be experiencing implantation bleed. You probably wouldn’t even know you were pregnant yet. This is when the fertilized egg burrows into your uterus wall.
It is quite frequent to have bleeding after sex, or after a Pap smear or an internal exam. This is because the blood supply to your cervix and pelvis has increased.
This said, a newly pregnant woman needs to pay close attention to slight bleeding during the early phases of her pregnancy. At this stage, it can be an early sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramps. Statistics show that as many as 50% of the women who experience bleeding during early pregnancy miscarry. However, once you have had an ultrasound at 7 to 11 weeks, your chances of continuing the pregnancy are good (over 90%).
You may also experience spotting, after sex or an examination, for reasons that are not related your pregnancy. For example, a benign growth (a cervical polyp), a vaginal infection (such as a yeast infection), or an STD (such as Chlamydia or Herpes) can also cause this kind of slight bleeding.
What about vaginal discharge? If you experience a discharge, it’s quite possible it’s leucorrhea. Leucorrhea is a runny whitish fluid, which is odorless or mild-smelling. You probably noticed it, from time to time, in your underwear before you were pregnant. Now, if you’re seeing more, it’s partly because of increased estrogen production and increased blood circulation in the vaginal area. This vaginal discharge is your body’s way of flushing out bacteria, and it’s is made up, in part, of secretions from the cervix and vagina.
During the last month of your pregnancy, your vaginal discharge is usually heavier and thicker. Then there’s the mucous plug passing, a jelly-like substance, which is something that can happen a 1-2 weeks before labor.
Now if you have an odorless, whitish discharge that’s causing itching or burning or a green or yellow discharge, you might have a yeast infection.
For any of the changes you experience during your pregnancy, the rule of thumb is to err in side of caution and to consult your family doctor when you feel it appropriate. In other words, listen to your body.
You can find helpful information about vaginal discharge and everything you need to know about spotting at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Spotting and Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Changes in Expectant Mothers
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
Expectant women will notice many changes in their bodies, throughout pregnancy. These changes are a natural part of the process. Pregnant women see and increase in not only weight, but some common occurrences, like vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge happens to women, pregnant or not, on a regular basis. On fact, it is common to experience a normal vaginal discharge daily.
Normal vaginal discharge is the body’s way of ridding itself of excess fluid. These fluids are excreted from the vagina, and the cervix. They serve to, carry away old cells, from the body. These old cells, were at one time lining the vaginal walls. Typically a normal vaginal discharge, is clear and odorless. Some women will see a more milky colored discharge.
Women, who are pregnant do recognize a change in their discharge experiences. Normal vaginal discharge, tends to increase during pregnancy. It is important to note, that pregnant women need to pay attention to the color and consistency of their discharges. It is not abnormal to see a change in color during pregnancy.
But some changes tend to signal the existence of a more serious condition. It is also important to recognize that change in discharge odor, can be meaningful, as well. Stark changes, in discharge odor, can result because of infection, or another disease. Infections can be treated in pregnant women, typically with a simple prescription, or cream.
Pregnant women who suffer from infections, such as, a yeast infection, often experience symptoms. Symptoms like itching and burning, are commonly reported. These can be treated with a simple topical cream, applied to the vaginal area. If a woman’s discharge is triggered by a disease, she will definitely need medical treatment.
As a woman’s pregnancy develops, she will grow both inside and outside. Two weeks after her egg has been fertilized amniotic fluid will begin to fill the amnion inside the mother’s womb. This amniotic fluid will serve as a protection mechanism for the baby to grow and develop. This fluid is primarily composed of water.
After about 10 weeks of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid is now composed of additional protein. This protein addition serves to work in the baby’s beginning digestive processes. A mucous lining, or mucous plug, serves to keep this fluid in place. The mucous lining blocks the cervix, until its time for labor to begin.
When the water breaks, or the membranes have been ruptured, labor will soon follow. In some cases, women will experience premature labor. A labor that is too early, in the pregnancy, can put the baby’s life at risk. This is especially true when organs, like the lungs, have not fully developed. Some late term early labors produce babies that can breathe on their own even though the pregnancy was not complete.
It is sometimes necessary to induce labor once this fluid had begun to leak. Doctors typically wait 1-2 days for labor to begin naturally, before inducing. During this time it is common for an expectant mother to be admitted to a hospital while she waits.
You can find helpful information about normal vaginal discharge and everything you need to know about amniotic fluid at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Changes in Expectant Mothers
Experiencing Discomfort in Pregnancy
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 31st, 2009
Many women today, experience some sort of difficulty in their pregnancies. They will generally have a pregnancy that is plagued with discomfort and problems. Fortunately, for these women healthcare techniques are advancing all the time. And despite your specific condition, there’s a lot of assistance available.
One of the first signs women get that something important is going on with their pregnancy, is experiencing a sharp vaginal pain. Sharp vaginal pain can be caused by any numbers of things. Pregnant women often relate this occurrence with the idea that there’s something wrong with her baby. This is not necessarily the case, though.
There are some common causes for the experience of sharp vaginal pain. In some women, this will be because of sexual intercourse. This is normal, primarily where pregnant women are concerned. Many women experience some sort of lingering pain after having sex. Sharp vaginal pain, can also be caused by vaginitis, or yeast infection.
Both vaginitis and vaginal yeast infections can be treated by your physician, if you have this condition. Other symptoms, pregnant women, may experience, along with sharp vaginal pain, are common, as well. Some women may experience itching and burning of the vaginal area. These symptoms are easily treated by the use of topical creams. Many of these creams, can be purchased, over-the-counter.
Some expectant mothers will see a brown discharge along with their painful occurrences. Brown discharge, does not necessarily mean that there is any danger in your pregnancy. In fact, this is a common happening in women. When this brown discharge is seen, it simply proves that there is old, dry blood, present in the cervix.
When pregnant women see this, discharge, it is important to note, it can be caused by various reasons. This too, can be a result of sexual intercourse and some sort of cervical irritation. In some cases seeing a discharge that is brown is caused by a small tear in the cervix. And the discharge comes from that tear. This is not a particularly serious concern, unless extreme pain exists.
If you are still in early pregnancy, within 2 weeks after conception, discharge is normal. It is the body’s way of relieving itself of this old blood. This is sometimes the end of the blood from your last period. This blood comes out of the body, through a discharge that is often brown in color. Women, see this on a regular basis, and it doesn’t necessarily signal a problem.
There will, however, be cases that are serious concerns. This could show that there is something wrong with the pregnancy, or unborn child. Miscarriage is always a concern when a woman is having difficulty during pregnancy. Excessive pain and discharge can mean that a woman is having a miscarriage.
If these symptoms occur during your pregnancy, it is crucial that they not be ignored. Seek medical attention quickly. Sometimes visiting a doctor, or even the emergency room, is al that is needed. This is especially important in cases where this medical attention can save the pregnancy. Acting right away, can prevent a worse case scenario.
You can find helpful information about sharp vaginal pain and everything you need to know about brown discharge at Aha! Baby.
Article Source: Experiencing Discomfort in Pregnancy
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Discharge, Heartburn, Nausea and More
Posted by in Pregnancy on August 8th, 2009
There are many common early pregnancy symptoms. Discharge from the vagina is almost universal in the early weeks of a pregnancy. This increase in the discharge is due to the increase in the growth of the cells lining the vagina. The walls naturally start to thicken as soon as the egg is fertilized and this thickening can cause you to have a discharge of a white, milky fluid. The medical term for this fluid is leucorrhea and is harmless so it doesn¡¯t need any treatment. This discharge may actually continue throughout the pregnancy.
If you notice that the discharge has a foul odour, then this could be the symptom of a bacteria or yeast infection. Other symptoms of this that will require you to have medical treatment in the form of creams and vaginal suppositories include itching and burning sensations. Douching will not have any effect on the normal discharge you experience during pregnancy.
Other early symptoms of pregnancy that you can watch for in addition to missing your normal menstrual period include:
Morning Sickness. This is common in the first trimester of pregnancy and the name comes from the fact that most women have nauseous feelings early in the morning. Nausea and queasiness can occur though at any time of the day or night. You may also develop an aversion to foods you once loved to eat or to the smell of certain foods being cooked. These food aversions and the nausea are not harmful and are a normal part of carrying a baby in the womb. The sick feelings tend to abate at about the 13th or 14th week, although some women continue to feel sick all through the pregnancy. Some helpful hints include having dry crackers ready to settle your stomach and eating small meals more often so that you don¡¯t feel hungry.
Constipation. This complaint affects a large proportion of pregnant women. It is largely due to an increase in the body production of progesterone which decreases the colon ability to absorb water from the food you eat. Drinking more milk than you usually do can also cause bouts of constipation. This problem tends to worsen just after the first trimester. You can help ease the problem by making sure you drink plenty of water, getting plenty of exercise and including foods high in fibre in your diet.
Dizziness or Fainting. Many pregnant women first find out they are pregnant after they faint and then go to the doctor to try to determine the cause. It is also more noticeable in the second trimester when you get up or move suddenly. During pregnancy the blood vessels dilate at a dramatic rate and the amount of blood may be too much for the vessels. This is what causes the dizzy or fainting spells.
Fatique. Feeling more tired than usual is a very common early sign that you may be pregnant. The blood is carrying more oxygen to the fetus in the womb, which causes your heart to beat faster and in turn causes you to feel fatigued. Take naps during the day or if this is not possible start going to bed earlier at night. Eating foods that are rich in protein and iron can also help to reduce the feelings of tiredness.
For more information on early pregnancy symptoms like discharge, pregnancy stages, nursing gowns and related topics visit http://www.Pregnancy-Period.com
Article Source: Early Pregnancy Symptoms Discharge, Heartburn, Nausea and More
