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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In my first month of pregnancy I had an infections(UTI) and my OB prescribed me an antibiotics called cephalosporin for the treatment of this infection..I am glad that I found this site to compare notes with the other pregnant women..
yeah… you can take cephalosporin for UTI , its a safe drug
you can also try penicillin , but make sure to have skin test (subcutaneous) prior taking this antibiotic.
I am glad that I don’t have any infection on my first 3 months of my pregnancy…but its a good thing that I know that I can take any medicine(of course under the doctors prescription) if ever I will be in the near future( God Forbids of course)..
Actually , I am thinking that all drugs/medicines are bad for expectant mom..now I realize that its not..although I haven’t tried taking antibiotics..at least I know now that its fine to take those medicines that is if its prescribed with the doctor…
I was sick in my second month of my pregnancy..its only a slight fever with coughs and I am so worried about it..but my doctor says its fine to take medicine as long as its not harmful or don’t have any side effects on the baby…so I guess as long as it is prescribe by the doctor its fine to take those medicines..
I am lucky that I did not get any infection during my pregnancy. Even my sinusitis did not flare up. I was advised to take every precaution to avoid infections because my OB did not want to give me antibiotics.
Actually at first I am afraid of taking antibiotics when pregnant after hearing those birth defects on children whose mom were taking some drugs and everything..although luckily at present I am in a pink of health…its good to know that if ever been sick of something we must consult first to the doctor no matter how minor it is …
Ive heard about this infection that hit pregnant women..and I am very afraid that it may happen to me too..although its safe to take those prescribed medicine but still its a drug and in some way may hurt my baby inside..is there any precautionary methods or ways? can this forum publish one?
Just lately I was diagnosed with UTI.. and fortunately its gone and I am hoping that it will not come back again… hi Teepen that is a good suggestion..publishing the prevention on how to avoid this kind of infection..
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