Cider Vinegar Bath

[BeckaH123]

Hi there

Bit of a horrid question and apologies in advance for tmi!

Does anyone know if it is ok to use cider vinegar in a bath to get rid of a yeast infection while pregnant?

I am going to be 14 weeks pregnant tomorrow if that makes a difference.

Thanks

No idea about the cider, but its okay to use clotrimazole if you feel like going down the pharamceutical route]
www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Clotrimazole/

Thanks LittlePeas. Yes, my GP prescribed that for me but it only seems to have worked in the short term. I don't want to overdo it really and have had good results with cider vinegar.

Ooh - I've got a bit of a re-occurring yeast infection since becoming pregnant (20 weeks) and would love to use a natural remedy instead...How do you use Apple Cider Vinegar in the bath?

You know you can have the pessary and the cream whilst pregnant? I've had both. The only thing you can't have is the tablet.

I never knew you could use it in the bath! I always use salt for preventing yeast infections, but I can't imagine why not? How much? I use it for my stomach, it seems to be helping both heart burn and constipation, it's such a wonder.

Oh I didn't realise you could take it for heart burn too Ruth. How much do you take? I guess you dilute it first..?

Pre-pregnancy I used 3 cups per bath at night time and sometimes used it topically by just dabbing and leaving for 10 mins before showering it off. You end up smelling like a chip shop obviously but it does work!

Pobblewhohasnotoes, yes I was prescribed the pessary and cream too. It worked but only in the short term and I don't want to be using it for the rest of my pregnancy. It's messy and expensive if bought over the counter. It is free on prescription, but then I have to keep going to / phoning my GP over and over again which is a pain for us both.

I have phoned my GP again now and am just waiting for her to call back to see if it is ok to use vinegar. Will update.

Just to update, my GP called and she said there is no reason why I can't use cider vinegar topically and in the bath.

She is also going to write me a prescription for 3 x pessaries just in case I need them, but I am going to try the vinegar first.

Have they taken a swab OP? Just thinking if it hasn't cleared up despite you trying lots of treatment.

No they haven't take a swab Pobblewhohasnotoes, but they did take a urine test to check for infection. I haven't got the results back for that yet but I am fairly sure it is a yeast infection having had them pre-pregnancy. Also, Canesten has been working in the short-term, but a week or so after I used the pessary, and a few days after I stopped using the cream it has come back again.

Speaking to the GP she said in pregnancy this can happen, particularly if you have had a few bouts of thrush before pregnancy anyway (which I have). She said that some ladies have to use a pessary each week for the whole of their pregnancies!

Obviously if it doesn't clear up after the vinegar and more pessaries (if I have to use them) I will ask the GP if she needs to take a swab to rule out other types of infection.

This is going to sound a bit mental but the BEST cure for thrush is inserting a garlic glove internally down there. It's has great healing qualities and has sorted me out every time. Don't worry about it going missing, there is nowhere for it to go ( you can push it out or fish it out with your finger). I leave it in a few hours and change it regularly. I have had recurring thrush for years and tried everything. This works so well. It's very odd as after it's been in a while, you can taste garlic in your mouth!!!! So bizarre but it obviously gets in the blood stream or something. I don't see why you couldn't do this while pregnant. I intend to do this as more of a prevention nearer my due date.

Wow I haven't heard of that one before MrsL! If I don't have any success with the vinegar and pessaries I will give it a go, thanks.

This is not based on anything concrete at all, so please follow your own instincts, but I personally would avoid the garlic thing while pregnant. Plants can sometimes have quite potent effects and I don't think its a good idea to stick veg items up there at the moment! I should imagine that it works v well to get rid of candida though, it does have antifungal properties. But best to be safe and stick to tried and tested methods while you are preggers.

Just had a quick look and raw garlic apparently causes inflammation. I was wondering because I've eaten it before and it is quite a potent irritant. I'd definitely steer clear of 'direct application' during pregnancy

PS MrsL, yes, things do get into the bloodstream via the vagina

I found having a wash down there with a heaped teaspoon of bicarb of soda in a glass full of water is great for stopping the itch and soreness. I know it's not advised to douche when you are pg but i have done it to relieve symptoms and not had a problem. I've not tried cider vinegar...how much do u put in your bath?

Hmm interesting... For general stomach happiness ( it helps with 'good' bacteria growth afaik) I take 1-2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar (with 'the mother') in a glass of lukewarm water with a bit of honey. You're supposed to drink it on an empty stomach but my sickness still wouldn't allow that, so I have it with breakfast. Doesn't taste particularly nice but you do get used to it! I've just started taking it again since I've been pregnant and am definitely noticing a difference with the pregnancy metabolism/ heartburn issues. I believe you can also buy capsules..

I normally put a lot in my bath (3 x cups) but tried it last night with less (1 x mug). My GP said it is fine to use in the bath or topically while pregnant but I still decided to go easy.

Thanks LittlePeas, how / why did you eat raw garlic?! Yes, maybe I'll rethink that one or at least as my (long suffering) GP.

*ask my GP sorry

I sometimes make a pasta dish with it in. Its pretty pungent and makes your mouth sting if you have too much. Also, I've rubbed my eye before when chopping it....ouch