Is Thrush a Sign of Pregnancy?

In the early stages, many people assume there’s only one main symptom to look for–a missed menstrual cycle.

But those who have been pregnant have noted other symptoms that may appear before a missed period, some of which are unexpected and unusual. For some, it may be sore breasts, abnormal stomach cramps or even headaches. 

For some women, the onset of thrush is a common symptom.

To understand the potential connection, we’ll need a solid grasp of the basics.

Let’s start there.

What Is Thrush?

Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, or candida, in the vagina.

Every person has yeast and bacteria on the surface of the skin and, for women, it’s completely normal for candida to be in the vagina.

The vagina is a sensitive organ regarding pH levels, meaning if there’s an issue that causes candida to become unbalanced, it can overgrow and lead to thrush. 

It’s also not uncommon for mothers who are nursing infants to get thrush around their areolas, and even for the infant to get oral thrush. 

It may also be the case that if a woman who has thrush gives birth vaginally, the baby may contract it from her birth canal.

Symptoms of Thrush

Symptoms of vaginal thrush typically include:

• Itching of the vagina and the vulva (the skin around the vagina).
• Itching of the anus.
• Soreness and irritation of the genital area.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse or when passing urine.
• White discharge that usually has no smell.
• In extreme cases, vaginal thrush can cause lower abdominal pain.

If you’re unsure if you have thrush, there are over-the-counter tests that let you diagnose it at home.

Alternatively, you can talk to your pharmacist, local nurse or GP.

Related: Early signs of pregnancy | When to take a pregnancy test | When does pregnancy happen

Thrush Treatment Options

Thrush is a fungus and requires the use of antifungal medications to treat it.

Usually, these will involve clotrimazole and if they’re creams, they can be spread onto the area outside the vagina to alleviate symptoms.

There are also pessaries, which are inserted into the vagina to treat internal symptoms. In some cases, you may be required to take oral tablets too. 

If you’re pregnant, the cream and pessary treatments are safe and can usually be purchased over the counter in pharmacies.

However, antifungal tablets should not be taken during pregnancy.

If you are unsure about your treatment options, please talk to your doctor.

If you have taken over-the-counter options to treat thrush and the symptoms persist for seven days, please contact your GP. They may need to run blood tests or conduct a vaginal swab to assess the underlying cause. 

Is Thrush Common In the First Trimester of Pregnancy?

For many women, thrush is a common symptom that can occur within the first six weeks of being pregnant. However, according to the NHS, it’s not an indicator of pregnancy.

So why does thrush commonly occur in pregnancy?

There are a few reasons: 

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy causes the level of estrogen and progesterone to increase or fluctuate, which can cause bacteria in the vagina called vaginal flora to become unbalanced.

Also, higher estrogen levels promote the growth of the candida yeast, as it increases the amount of glycogen in the vaginal lining, which feeds candida.

Immune System Changes

The immune system of a pregnant woman adjusts to protect the developing baby, and this may make some women more prone to developing infections. 

Changes in Vaginal pH

Lactobacilli, which is a beneficial bacteria in the vagina that keeps yeast in check, may become less effective when there’s a shift in vaginal pH. 

Increased Moisture and Heat

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can cause increased vaginal discharge, which can help the growth of vaginal bacteria – candida in particular.

Thrush or Bacterial Vaginosis?

There’s another bacterial issue that’s common in women who are pregnant and shares some of the symptoms of thrush: bacterial vaginosis. 

Unlike thrush, it can pose more serious issues if left untreated, so differentiating between the two is crucial for effective treatment and recovery.

There are some differences between them, with bacterial vaginosis usually presenting with the following symptoms:

• Grey discharge, which has a fishy odour.
• Mild irritation of the vagina and surrounding tissues.
• Lower abdominal pain, usually after sexual intercourse.

If you suspect you have bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.

Left untreated, it can lead to low birth weight and preterm labour.

Bacterial vaginosis is typically treated with antibiotics and diagnosed using a vaginal swab, which looks at bacterial growth in the discharge.

Related: How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Pregnancy Test? | How to read Clear Blue Tests

Preventing Thrush

Thrush is unpleasant but luckily, there are some things you can do to prevent it or stop it from recurring during your pregnancy.

• Keep the area around your vagina clean, ideally by cleaning once a day. Do not use soap and use a perfume-free, moisturising cream.
• Avoid using soaps, shower gels or wipes to clean the area when bathing. Do NOT douche, as it can disrupt the pH or the vagina.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics. Avoid nylon tights and avoid using biological washing powders or fabric conditioners.
• Avoid eating high-sugar foods, and try to consume probiotics like yoghurts.

If you have recurring instances of thrush, in pregnancy or daily life, you should seek medical attention.

When Should You Consult a Healthcare Provider? 

Thrush is usually responsive to over-the-counter creams and pessaries, even in pregnancy, so there’s rarely a need to seek medical attention. 

But you need to know when this condition can point to something else, and when to seek professional advice. Look out for:

• Severe Symptoms - if thrush is impacting your daily life due to discomfort,  talk to your GP.
• Recurrence - if thrush occurs more than twice during pregnancy, it could lead to a condition like gestational diabetes.
• No Improvement - if there’s no improvement with over-the-counter medications, talk to a doctor or nurse.
• Concerning Symptoms - if you experience pelvic pain, bleeding or fever, it can lead to a different infection or complication and you should seek urgent medical treatment.

If you have thrush late in pregnancy, it’s also worth seeking medical advice as, during vaginal delivery, it can be passed onto the baby.

How to Manage Issues in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant in 2025 have more options than ever before, especially in the first six weeks of pregnancy.

If you’re not sure what to do when you find out you’re pregnant, our professional and compassionate team at TopAtHome are on hand for you to talk to.

We offer privacy, convenience and compassion, and will help you come to the right choice for you and your pregnancy.

If you would like more information, contact us now.