Antibiotics and Pregnancy - An Overview

Introduction:

Antibiotics are strong, life-saving drugs used to treat bacterial infections, for example, throat infections, urinary tract infections, etc. But they are not prescribed for every sickness and can also produce side effects like diarrhea. It is important to understand when and which antibiotics are needed and how to take them properly. All antibiotics cannot be taken during pregnancy as they can cause problems for the fetus. Almost all antibiotics cross the placenta and can potentially affect the fetus adversely. Most of them are excreted into breast milk and might affect the neonate as well. Penicillins, most Cephalosporins, and Azithromycin are regarded as first-choice options at the time of pregnancy. Antibiotics like Tetracyclines and Fluoroquinolones should not be used in pregnancy in most cases.

Are Antibiotics Advised During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the developing fetus obtains oxygen, blood, and nutrients via an organ called the placenta. This organ acts as a filter for the baby. Certain medicines can pass through it and hinder the growth of the baby. Therefore, pregnant women are given many instructions and advice to be careful with certain medicines, remedies, and over-the-counter drugs. A person might get sick with a bacterial infection during pregnancy. Their body needs medicine to fight off that infection. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Some types of antibiotics are regarded as safe during pregnancy. However, some antibiotics should not be used during pregnancy because they can result in causing growth issues or other health problems for the fetus.

What Are the Risks of Taking Antibiotics During Pregnancy?

Antibiotics are an important drug for the body to fight against bacterial infections. Some types of antibiotics are not considered safe during pregnancy, such as:

• Tetracyclines.

• Fluoroquinolones.

• Streptomycin.

• Kanamycin.

• Aminoglycosides.

• Metronidazole.

These antibiotics are capable of causing harm to the fetus and might cause side effects like stained teeth or slowing down the growth of bone.

What Are the Side Effects of Antibiotics During Pregnancy?

It is a common phenomenon for antibiotics to have some side effects. These frequently affect the stomach and intestines, which include:

• Nausea.

• Throwing up.

• Diarrhea.

• Gas.

• Bloating.

• Stomach pain.

• Loss of appetite.

• Allergic reactions.

A person might be allergic to some antibiotics. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are as follows:

• Wheezing.

• Coughing.

• Itchy skin or rash.

• Tightness in the throat.

• Swelling.

• Feeling sick.

• Losing consciousness.

• Difficulty breathing.

If a person has any symptoms from antibiotics, such as an allergic reaction, they should consult the doctor immediately. The feeling of tightness in the throat, swelling, and difficulty breathing indicate anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a kind of allergic reaction that is severe in nature, and one should consult and seek medical help immediately in such cases.

Antibiotic resistance is also developed in case of overusing antibiotics or not taking them as the doctor recommended. It can result in the bacteria becoming resistant to that particular antibiotic. This means the antibiotics might not work as well as they should, making the infection harder to treat. To ensure this does not happen, the doctor does not recommend antibiotics for a virus like a common cold. This is because antibiotics only treat infections from the causative bacteria and using them for a virus can lead to specific issues. The doctor also might not recommend an antibiotic for minor infections like a chest infection, ear infection, or sore throat unless it becomes intolerable.

Is It Safe to Take Antibiotics During Pregnancy?

Some antibiotics are safe to take at the time of pregnancy. However, some antibiotics like Tetracyclines are not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. One must inform their healthcare provider if they are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking antibiotics or other medications.

What Are the Benefits of Antibiotics During Pregnancy?

The immune system acts differently at the time of pregnancy. It is usual to get sick quickly from infections. Infections at the time of pregnancy can be severe and can result in causing life-threatening sickness. If an infection is left untreated, it can also result in early labor, stillbirth, newborn death, or problems with the baby’s body parts. The doctor might recommend antibiotics for an infection, and taking the medicine as advised is necessary. Some of these infections are:

• Group B Streptococcus.

• Urinary tract infection (UTI).

• Appendicitis.

• Gallbladder infection.

• Placenta and amniotic fluid infection.

• Kidney infection.

• Syphilis.

• Bacterial vaginosis.

• Listeria.

Some of the antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy. Some of them are:

• Penicillin.

• Ampicillin.

• Amoxicillin.

• Clindamycin.

• Erythromycin.

If required, the doctor might give other antibiotics or if an individual's body does not respond to treatment.

How to Safely Take Antibiotics During Pregnancy?

There are certain infections for which the doctors do not recommend antibiotics unless they turn severe. But in some cases, it has to be taken. The best way to take antibiotics safely is to follow the doctor’s advice. As antibiotics have been used too often, the doctor prescribes them carefully and has better knowledge about what is to be given to their patients.

When Are Antibiotics Resumed After Pregnancy?

It is safe to resume taking most antibiotics after the baby's delivery, but certain precautions must be taken if the mother is breastfeeding. It is important to ensure the medicines taken are safe for the child since they can pass through breast milk while feeding. The CDC (Center for Drug Control) concluded that most prescription medications are safe for a breastfeeding mother. However, certain kinds are to be avoided when it comes to antibiotics. Generally, it is recommended to avoid Metronidazole and Tetracycline while breastfeeding. Metronidazole is an antibiotic medicine that is prescribed frequently for bacterial infections of the vagina, and tetracycline is given to fight bacterial infections like gastritis, pneumonia, chlamydia, etc.

Conclusion:

Antibiotics are strong, life-saving drugs used to treat bacterial infections, for example, throat infections, urinary tract infections, etc. All antibiotics cannot be taken during pregnancy as they can cause problems for the fetus. In some cases, antibiotics are avoided by the doctors like the common cold, etc. UTIs and respiratory illnesses during pregnancy are harsh but is important to prescribe antibiotics for them. It is necessary to remember that an antibiotic is likely the best option if the risk to the baby is greater from leaving a bacterial infection untreated.