Will a fungal vaginal infection during pregnancy affect the fetus?

Patient's question:

Vaginal itching, increased vaginal discharge, curd-like, with odor for half a year

Doctor's answer:

Analysis of the condition: Hello, this situation requires timely treatment.
Guidance: If a pregnant woman contracts candidal vulvovaginitis during pregnancy, it not only causes discomfort due to symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, external genital itching, and burning pain, but it also increases the risk of neonatal infection during delivery. The baby may come into close contact with the mother after birth, making them more susceptible to conditions like thrush and dermatitis. Typical symptoms of candidal vulvovaginitis may appear in female infants within 1-2 weeks after birth. For the health of both mother and baby, pregnant women diagnosed with candidal vulvovaginitis should actively seek treatment.
Lifestyle care: The treatment method is as follows:
- For the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, use 2%-3% soda water or Jieryin to clean the external genitalia and vagina. Change underwear daily and wash it together with towels and basins.
- After 12 weeks of pregnancy, follow the above method to clean the area, gently dry the external genitalia, and place nystatin suppositories, miconazole, or clotrimazole suppositories deep into the vagina, using them every night before bed. If there is external genital inflammation, apply Daktarin cream to the external genitalia.
- A typical course of treatment is 10-14 days. After stopping medication for 7 days, a follow-up is recommended. Once symptoms disappear for 2 weeks, a third check for candidiasis should be conducted. Treatment can only be completed upon full recovery.
After 35 weeks of pregnancy, vaginal internal procedures should be avoided to prevent intrauterine infection.