Sinus infections, UTIs, strep throat… if you’ve had one of these bacterial infections, your doctor likely treated you with antibiotics. But when you’re pregnant, it’s normal to start questioning the safety of everything you take into your body.
And in light of a recent CDC report linking two antibiotiocs to birth defects, the caution is certainly warranted. However, the report does affirm that most antibiotics are safe for pregnant women.
That’s good news for the majority of pregnant women who do take antibiotics. An ongoing WiserPregnancy survey finds that most pregnant women do take antibiotics when prescribed by their doctors:
- 87% of pregnant women who tested positive for Group B strep were given antibiotic
- 91% of pregnant women take prescribed antibiotics when they have a UTI during pregnancy
- 100% of pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis take prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy
The two types of antibiotics warned against by the CDC are nitrofurantoins and sulfonamides (also called “sulfa” drugs); they are most commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections. These two drugs have been linked to an increased risk of having a baby with a birth defect such as anencephaly (malformation of the skull and brain), heart or limb defects and cleft palate.
On the safe list (unless you are allergic to them): penicillin, erythromycin and cephalosporin – three of the most common infection fighters.
You’re not alone if you’re torn about taking antibiotics if you contract a bacterial infection during pregnancy. Many women are willing to deal with the annoying and sometimes painful symptoms to keep your baby safe. However, your doctor may urge you to take antibiotics to prevent you from developing potentially dangerous complications, such as preterm labor or maternal sepsis (blood infection).
Have you taken antibiotics for a bacterial infection during pregnancy? How do you feel about taking antibiotics during pregnancy?
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