Safe Treatments for Fungal & Other Infections in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

While most infections are no more serious during pregnancy and breastfeeding, changes to the immune system during these times can increase a woman’s susceptibility. Common infections include upper respiratory tract infections, mastitis and fungal infections such as thrush. It’s often hard to decipher what nutrients are safe to consume during these critical times while baby is developing in the womb or being breastfeed. Here’s what things are safe to utilise in natural therapies to ensure fast resolution of common infections during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Supporting healthy immune function

Good nutrition is vital to optimal immune system function to provide protection against pathogens. During pregnancy and breastfeeding the needs for certain nutrients are increased and this is why it is important to eat well.

If there are deficiencies in certain nutrients, the immune system may not function as well, increasing your vulnerability to infection. It’s important to eat a wide range of fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, meat, dairy and wholegrains. 

Hydration is equally important as there is an increased need for higher fluid intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nutrients

Taking a good quality pregnancy and breastfeeding formula can help ensure all your basic nutritional needs are covered. Ensure that the formula contains the following:

• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Beta-carotene
• Vitamin C
• B complex
• Selenium
• Vitamin D
• Iron

Iron deficiency is common during pregnancy and higher doses may be prescribed by your healthcare provider. However, iron supplementation is not always necessary for pregnant women and some prenatal multivitamins don’t include this mineral. During acute infection, extra doses of zinc and vitamin C can be taken in small divided doses a few times throughout the day.

Echinacea

A commonly prescribed herb for immune system support which helps with a wide-range of infections. 

Echinacea posses antibacterial, antiviral and 

immune supportive properties and is safe for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding during infection. It can be useful in the treatment of:

• upper respiratory tract infections (colds and flu)
• fungal infections
• Urinary track Infections
• wounds

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Common Infections during pregnancy

Urinary tract infections

An infection that occurs in the bladder, urethra or kidneys are referred to as urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is usually caused by Escherichia coli and is the most common infection experienced by pregnant women.

Symptoms include:

• pain when urinating
• increased urinary urgency
• blood in the urine
• pelvic pain.

Specific remedies to take which are safe include cranberries—either in a good quality unsweetened juice/liquid or capsules. Specific probiotics for urinary tract support include Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp-115), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (Lr-32) and Lactobaccillus reuteri (fermentum). It’s also incredibly important to drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria.

Vaginal thrush

Thrush is a common yeast infection of the lower female reproductive tract. The infective organism is a fungus, with an estimated 90% of cases caused due to Candida albicans. Discharge is usually thick and curdled, similar to cottage cheese. The smell is usually described as ‘freshly baked bread’ and vaginal itching and burning is normally present.

Specific strains of probiotics to prevent and treat thrush include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14. Clinical trials suggest that these strains re-establish and maintain the beneficial levels of bacteria, while reducing overgrowths of other pathogens. A healthy yeast, Saccharamyces boullardii could be supplemented too as studies have found it to be successful in treating vaginal yeast infections.

Healthy microbes can also be found in fermented foods and drinks such as sauerkraut and kefir which help to boost levels of beneficial microbes in the gut to protect against infection.

Tinea pedis

Also called athletes foot, tinea pedis is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes on the feet. Symptoms include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes.

Applying a natural anti-fungal cream such as tea tree cream twice a day can help to eradicate the infection. Make sure the area is kept dry, avoid sharing towels and walking barefoot in public communal area such as swimming pools and gymnasiums.

Garlic capsules, echinacea, probiotics and a zinc and vitamin C powder could be taken to speed up the healing process. Avoid sugar in foods and refined carbohydrates which can trigger fungal infections.
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Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue caused be a blocked milk duct or bacteria entering the breast. Symptoms include breast pain, swelling, warmth, fever and chills. The most important thing to do is to drain the breast by continuing to breastfeed or by pumping the affected breast. An old-fashioned remedy to provide relief is to use a cold whole cabbage leaf on the inflamed breast. Garlic, echinacea, zinc and vitamin C could help provide anti-bacterial support if infection is present.

Fish oil may help reduce inflammation and pain. Above all, seeking medical attention in these instances is important as things can go from bad to worse very quickly.

Important things to consider

• eat a healthy, varied diet and stay hydrated
• take a prenatal multi for immune support
• probiotics, cranberry, echinacea, zinc and vitamin C are safe to take

References

Perri D, et al. Safety and efficacy of echinacea (Echinacea angustafolia, e. purpurea and e. pallida) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 Fall;13(3):e262-7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17085774

Dugoua JJ, et al. Safety and efficacy of cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon) during pregnancy and lactation. Can J Clin Pharmacol. 2008 Winter;15(1):e80-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18204103

Beerepoot M, Geerlings S. Non-antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infections. Pathogens. 2016 Apr 16;5(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27092529

Martinez RC, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 on the ability of Candida albicans to infect cells and induce inflammation. Microbiol Immunol. 2009 Sep;53(9):487-95 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19703242

Pericolini E, et al. Therapeutic activity of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based probiotic and inactivated whole yeast on vaginal candidiasis. Virulence. 2017 Jan 2;8(1):74-90 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27435998

Martin KW, Ernst E. Herbal medicines for treatment of fungal infections: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Mycoses. 2004 Apr;47(3-4):87-92 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15078424