Maternal Antifungal Medication Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes
Summary
In pregnancy, fungal infections—most often vulvovaginal candidiasis—present a common clinical challenge. Effective treatment is vital to prevent maternal discomfort and reduce risks such as preterm labour and neonatal complications. Antifungal agents fall into several classes, chiefly azoles (both imidazoles and triazoles) and polyenes. While topical azoles are generally regarded as safe, systemic exposure raises concerns over teratogenicity and embryotoxicity. Recent studies have examined drug pharmacokinetics in pregnancy, microbial sensitivity patterns and potential impacts on foetal development. A balance must be struck between preserving maternal health and minimising risk to the developing foetus and placenta. Contemporary research has explored both clinical outcomes and mechanistic insights from animal and in vitro models, informing guidelines for safe prescribing and highlighting the need for stratified approaches according to pathogen, trimester and individual risk factors.
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Maternal Antifungal Medication Effects on Pregnancy Outcomes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in maternal antifungal medication effects on pregnancy outcomes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Vulvovaginal candidiasis: A fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa caused primarily by Candida species, leading to discharge, itching and inflammation.
Azoles: A class of antifungal agents that inhibit ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes; includes topical imidazoles and systemic triazoles.
Teratogenicity: The capacity of a substance to disturb foetal development, potentially causing birth defects or malformations.
Chorioamnionitis: Inflammation of the foetal membranes (chorion and amnion), often due to ascending infection, which can result in preterm labour or foetal loss.
Organogenesis: The phase of embryonic development during which organs form, typically between weeks 3 and 8 of human gestation.
References
- Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy—Between Sensitivity and Resistance to Antimycotics. Journal of Xenobiotics (2023).
- Intrauterine Fetal Loss Associated with Candida Glabrata Chorioamnionitis: Report of Two Cases / İntrauterin Fetal Kayıp ile İlişkili Kandida Glabrata Koryoamniyoniti: İki Olgu Sunumu. Turkish Journal of Pathology (2013).
- Embryotoxicity of fluconazole on developing chick embryos. The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology (2024).
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