Thrush, also known as candida or candidiasis, is a very common yeast infection
Thrush is caused by the Candida species of fungus (usually Candida albicans)and is frequently present in the vagina although it doersn't usually cause any symptoms because its growth is kept under control by normal bacteria.
If the immune system is affected in any way, if you are on antibiotics or under a lot of stress, the fungus can grow and cause irritation, itching, redness, soreness and swelling of the vagina and vulva. There is usually, but not always, a thick, creamy discharge - some people say it looks a bit like cottage cheese! This discharge won't smell unpleasant.
Because of the many changes in the body, women often get thrush when they are pregnant, especially during the third trimester of their pregnancy. There is no evidence that thrush can harm an unborn baby.
Thrush can be treated easily enough with cream and a pessary - a tablet inserted in the vagina, that contains clotrimazole or a similar antifungal drug. Before you use treatments for thrush, you should speak to your GP or pharmacist, if you are pregnant.
Thrush can also be treated very effectively with antifungal tablets called fluconazole. However, if you are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, or even breastfeeding, you should not take anti-thrush tablets.
If you have thrush when your baby is born, it is possible that the baby may catch it during the delivery. Don't worry about this though as it can easily be treated. | 
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