Antibiotics Safety during Pregnancy

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in pregnancy.

Some types of antibiotics are safe to be taken during pregnancy and some are not and must be avoided.

Generally, treating bacterial infections by antibiotics in pregnancy far outweigh the potential risks of antibiotics.

Safety factors of taking antibiotics in pregnancy:

Antibiotics prescription depends on the following factors:

1. The type of antibiotic
2. At which trimester is taken
3. Dose
4. Duration
5. Possible side effects

Most Penicillins and Fosfomycin can be used during pregnancy.

Antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone and Sulfonamides are not recommended near delivery as they may cause kernicterus in the newborn.

It is advised to avoid Nitrofurantoin or Sulfonamides during the first trimester if another safer alternative is available.

Also it is preferred to avoid them near delivery as there is a low chance of hemolytic anemia in the mother and fetus.

Some types of antibiotics such as Trimethoprim should be avoided in the first trimester of pregnancy because they are folic acid antagonist and may lead to abnormal embryo development.

High dose of Fluconazole during the first trimester can be teratogenic.

The following antibiotics have some potential risks and better to avoid during pregnancy:

1. Aminoglycosides: fetal and maternal ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

2. Doxycycline: rare possibility of dental staining in children.

3. Fluoroquinolones: toxic to developing cartilage, although more evidence is needed.