Congratulations on your pregnancy!
It’s an exciting time, and you want to make sure you’re taking all the right steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. But what about when you get sick? You might be wondering if antibiotics are safe to take during pregnancy.
Antibiotics for UTI
Well, it depends on why you need them. For example, if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), common antibiotics used to treat it are ampicillin, cephalexin, and erythromycin. But there are also natural alternatives you can try, like increasing your fluid intake, consuming cranberry or blueberry, and drinking echinacea tea for one to two weeks until your UTI has abated.
Antibiotics for colds and flu
If you have a cold or flu, antibiotics aren’t effective since they’re usually caused by viruses. Resting and staying hydrated can support your immune system, and taking 1000mg of vitamin C each day can boost your immune function. Consuming herbs and spices like garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves can also help.
Antibiotics during labor
During labor, antibiotics might be given “just in case” to prevent subsequent infection, usually after a C-section. They may also be used to prolong pregnancy and protect the baby if you go into preterm labor, if your water has broken for more than 18 hours, or if you’re running a fever during labor. In addition, if you test positive for group B streptococcus (GBS) during pregnancy, penicillin or ampicillin given 4 hours before birth can be effective in preventing infection to the baby.
Side Effects of Antibiotics
While antibiotics can be helpful, they can also have side effects. For example, they may cause thrush or yeast overgrowth, which could impact your comfort and desire to breastfeed and cause thrush in your baby.
To minimize risks, use antibiotics only if absolutely necessary, and try to avoid initiating therapy during the first trimester. Choose a safe medication, like an older drug with a proven track record in pregnancy, and opt for single-agent therapy instead of polypharmacy wherever possible.
It’s also a good idea to discourage the use of over-the-counter drugs during pregnancy. By being informed and cautious about antibiotic use during pregnancy, you can make sure you and your baby stay healthy and happy.
Get the guide for safe medications in pregnancy by joining The Due Date Club here
A fun look at the History of Medicine:
“Oh Doctor, I have this terrible pain!”
BC 2000 “Here, eat this root.”
AD 1000 “That root is heathen. Say this prayer.”
AD 1850 “That prayer is superstition. Drink this potion.”
AD 1940 “That potion is snake oil. Swallow this pill.”
AD 1985 That pill is ineffective. Drink this antibiotic.”
AD 2000 That antibiotic is artificial. Here take this root.”
Is it any wonder that we are confused?
