Infections during Pregnancy and use of antibiotics
During Pregnancy, You acquire a sore throat or a urinary tract infection, or some kind of vaginal discharge and are frightened because you are in the first three months of your pregnancy. And you are thinking, should I use antibiotics while expecting? Is it harmless to use when pregnant?
Well! Pregnancy is a long period, in actuality. 9 months is a long time, and throughout that time the female can acquire infection once or twice.
In a nutshell, antibiotics could be hazardous while you are expecting.
Expert opinion:
Some antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, are completely safe for pregnant (or nursing) women to use, but others are not.
Expert gynecologists advise not to take antibiotics unless a doctor considers it necessary, whether or not you are pregnant. “And that you should never stop taking a drug before the end of the prescribed period.
Some antibiotics are tolerable for nursing women, while others are not, and some are safe during your nine months period of pregnancy. You should always tell your doctor that you are expecting before taking any medicine during pregnancy so that they can prescribe a suitable, harmless antibiotic.
Classification of antibiotics and safety level during pregnancy:
Although there are a number of different antibiotics available, they can be broadly divided into six main types. It is critical that you only use antibiotics that have been specially recommended for you by your gynecologist.
1: Penicillin: Penicillin, is a comprehensive class of drugs that includes medications like amoxicillin and flucloxacillin. It is frequently used to treat certain infections such as skin infections, chest infections, and urinary tract infections. It is considered safe during pregnancy.
2: Cephalosporins: This class of antibiotics contains medications like cefalexin and cefixime, which are used to treat severe infections like septicemia and meningitis. These drugs are considered harmless in pregnancy. Cephalosporin allergies are possible in those who are allergic to penicillin.
3. Aminoglycosides: Aminoglycosides which include streptomycin and kanamycin are a class of antibiotics that were frequently prescribed before it was discovered that they could harm the kidneys and hearing loss. As a result, now they are often only used to treat really serious infections like meningitis and usually prohibited during pregnancy.
4: Tetracyclines: These drugs are frequently used to treat mild to moderate acne as well as rosacea, which results in skin flushing and patches. Women who are expecting or nursing should
avoid using them. They can affect the development of long bones, and babies’ teeth to become discolored.
5: Macrolides: Macrolides are an alternative to penicillin for persons who are allergic to it or to treat germs that are resistant to it. They can be used to treat lung and chest infections. According to recent studies, taking macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy may raise the likelihood that the unborn child would later have cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
6: Fluoroquinolones: The newest class of antibiotics, fluoroquinolones can be used to treat a variety of illnesses. Unfortunately, the NHS states that they should not be used by women who are pregnant or nursing.
It is observed that “The most frequently used antibiotics in our society are probably penicillin’s, cephalosporins, and macrolides.”
Trimethoprim, a routinely prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections, is not safe to use during pregnancy; instead, amoxicillin is typically prescribed, unless a penicillin allergy exists.
Jaundice, cleft lip and palate, and heart problems may all be somewhat increased by sulfonamide use during pregnancy. In general, sulfonamides should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy and close to delivery.
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It is advised that the most important thing is to let your doctor know that you are expecting so that they can give an “appropriate and pregnancy-safe antibiotic.”
Never use antibiotics without first consulting your doctor, even if they are available over the counter. Not all antibiotics are safe, despite their effectiveness. A few things that are forbidden during pregnancy can be highly bad for the unborn child.
Self-medication is always prohibited in your precious time of nine months period.
Always consult your expert gynecologist first.
SOURCES:
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: “Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.”
Merck Manual: “Drugs in Pregnancy.”
National Health Service: “Antibiotics — Considerations.”
