Final answer:
Topical azoles such as clotrimazole and miconazole are the preferred treatments for candidiasis during pregnancy, with oral treatments like fluconazole not typically used as initial therapy due to potential risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred treatment for candidiasis during pregnancy is topical azoles like clotrimazole or miconazole. These medications are considered safe for use in pregnancy, particularly in the second or third trimesters, and are categorized as FDA category B drugs. Although oral medications such as fluconazole are effective for treating systemic yeast infections, they are not generally recommended as initial treatment for genital yeast infections during pregnancy due to potential risks. Instead, topical treatments, which show an 80-90% success rate, are usually the first line of defense against vaginal candidiasis.
After a short-term course of topical clotrimazole, patients like Nadia in the provided case study have seen their infections clear up with no evidence of harm to the pregnancy. Continued careful observation and following treatment recommendations can lead to a healthy delivery and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.