Which Antibiotics Are Safe To Take During Pregnancy?

Moms-to-be do their best to protect their babies by cutting out things which might increase the risk of birth defects or miscarriage.

However, sometimes a mom’s bacterial infection is just as dangerous, and doctor’s have to weigh the risks and make a decision when it comes to providing treatment.

According to a study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one class of antibiotics is perfectly safe:

• Penicillins are safe for pregnant women to take. Penicillin poses the least risk to an unborn child.

But…2 other types of antibiotics are not safe for pregnant mothers:

• Sulfa drugs (brand names include Bactrim and Thiosulfil Forte)
• Urinary germicides (brand names Macrobid and Furadantin)

Those antibiotics are more likely to cause birth defects such as cleft palate, hernia, and heart defects.

So, if you’re prescribed antibiotics for a bacterial infection (such as from a Brown Recluse spider bite, though it would be quite rare if one bit you), it’s in your best interest to question the type of antibiotics you’re being given. Chances are, your doctor will do the right thing, but the point is to know what you’re putting in your body.

 

More About Pregnancy And Antibiotics

Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics When You’re Pregnant?

Antibiotics & Pregnancy: What’s Safe?

Birth Defects Linked To 2 Antibiotics During Pregnancy