Antibiotics
PREGNANCY
Evidence
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Antibiotics are used to treat or prevent infections caused by bacteria. If you are having an operation, you may be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Always tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and remind them of your allergy before you receive any antibiotics.
Education
Many antibiotics are considered generally safe to take during pregnancy, while others can pose risks to a developing baby.
Antibiotics are often prescribed if you're sick with a bacterial infection. While no medication is 100-percent free of possible side effects, many antibiotics are considered safe for pregnant women. When your healthcare provider is considering prescribing an antibiotic, they'll go over any potential risks with you. Not treating your illness could be riskier for your health and your baby's health than exposing them to an antibiotic.
As with any medication, the safety of a particular antibiotic depends not only on the drug itself, but also on other factors including how much you take, how long you take it, and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Reasons for antibiotics during pregnancy
Certain infections during pregnancy like UTIs - urinary tract infections, vaginal infections or kidney infections if left untreated, can be harmful for you and your baby. Some types of infections during pregnancy can reach your baby and have detrimental effects on the health of your baby. Some untreated infections can also pose risks of miscarriage and preterm labour.
One reason you may be given antibiotics near the end of your pregnancy is if you test positive for Group B streptococcus (GBS) before delivery. GBS is a bacteria that can be found in your body and easily passed on to your baby. It can be harmful for your baby since it can potentially cause meningitis, pneumonia, or sepsis. If you test positive for GBS or are suspected to have GBS, your provider will treat you with an IV antibiotic during labour.
Another reason you may be treated with antibiotics during labour is if your water breaks prematurely, also known as Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes PPROM – before your pregnancy has reached term (especially before 34 weeks). Antibiotic treatment in this scenario can help prevent any infections from reaching your baby before delivery.
What are the risks of antibiotics?
The primary risk of antibiotics during preterm labour is an allergic reaction. In addition, some babies may be born with an infection that has resistance to antibiotics, making treatment of postpartum infections in those babies more difficult.
Empowerment
If you do need to take antibiotics, only take them under the instructions of your healthcare provider. Your provider can help you determine if antibiotics are needed and whether the benefits of taking one outweigh any potential risk it may have for your baby.
Your provider will also let you know how much to take, and how long to take it for. Only take antibiotics as prescribed and never take someone else's antibiotics.
If you’re concerned about your doctor recommending antibiotics in pregnancy, feel free to engage them in a conversation about whether this is necessary. You will both be happier with the decision if you’ve been able to have your questions answered.
Useful Links
The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance
https://www.pretermalliance.com.au/Our-Research/Clinical-Guidelines
Government of South Australia Health
The Women’s Royal Hospital, Victoria
https://www.thewomens.org.au/news/antibiotic-use-in-pregnancy
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Disclaimer: This publication by Miracle Babies Foundation is intended solely for general education and assistance and it is it is not medical advice or a healthcare recommendation. It should not be used for the purpose of medical diagnosis or treatment for any individual condition. This publication has been developed by our Parent Advisory Team (all who are parents of premature and sick babies) and has been reviewed and approved by a Clinical Advisory Team. This publication is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Miracle Babies Foundation recommends that professional medical advice and services be sought out from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your personal circumstances. To the extent permitted by law, Miracle Babies Foundation excludes and disclaims any liability of any kind (directly or indirectly arising) to any reader of this publication who acts or does not act in reliance wholly or partly on the content of this general publication. If you would like to provide any feedback on the information please email [email protected].
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