Track your baby's development, week by week



Is it safe to take antibiotics during pregnancy?






Some experts used to suspect that the drug metronidazole (used to treat some vaginal infections, such as trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis, as well as other kinds of infections) caused birth defects. New research hasn't supported this suspected link, and it's now considered safe in most cases.

If you get recurrent urinary tract infections or if the infection gets into your kidneys, your caregiver may recommend taking nitrofurantoin (trade name Macrodantin or Macrobid) for the rest of your pregnancy to prevent another infection. You should stop taking this drug at about 36 weeks (or immediately if you go into preterm labor) because there's a very small risk that it will destroy some of your baby's red blood cells if you take it within several days of delivery.

Trimethoprim is an ingredient often found in drugs used to treat urinary tract infections, such as Bactrim and Septra). Trimethoprim is not a good option during pregnancy because it blocks the effects of folic acid. Folic acid is crucial during pregnancy and preconception because it reduces your baby's risk of developing neural tube and other birth defects.

If you have no other choice and must take one of these drugs, be sure to take your daily prenatal vitamin as well. Research suggests that taking a daily folic acid supplement of at least 400 micrograms (prenatal vitamins generally contain twice this amount) can overcome the blocking effects of trimethoprim.

Antibiotics you should avoid altogether during pregnancy include streptomycin (used to treat tuberculosis), which can cause hearing loss in your baby, and tetracycline (including minocycline, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline), used to treat acne and respiratory infections. If you take tetracycline in the second or third trimester, it could discolor your developing baby's teeth.


Featured video
More in Health