Use caution when taking antibiotics during pregnancy

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Pham Thi Yen - Obstetrician - Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Pregnancy is a very sensitive time, women should be careful in using drugs, because there are drugs that are safe, but on the contrary, there are drugs that will affect the fetus. So if you have to use antibiotics during pregnancy, how should pregnant women be cautious?

Antibiotics are substances extracted from microorganisms, fungi, synthetic or semi-synthetic, capable of killing bacteria or inhibiting the growth of bacteria in a specific way. There are many types of antibiotics, the most common groups of antibiotics are:
β - lactams (including penicillins, ampicillin, amoxicillin, cephalosporins,...). Macrolide group (including antibiotics erythromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin,...). The lincosamide group (including the antibiotics lincomycin, clindamycin). The tetracycline group (including the antibiotics doxycycline, minocycline,...). Phenicol group (including chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol antibiotics). Aminoglycoside group (including streptomycin, kanamycin,...). Quinolone group (including antibiotics offloxacin, ciprofloxacin,...).

The antibacterial spectrum (the sensitivity of bacteria to antibiotics) of each antibiotic is different, so depending on the infection case, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.

For subjects, especially pregnant women, the use of antibiotics should be cautious. While the use of antibiotics during pregnancy is not uncommon, choosing an antibiotic always needs to be careful, because some antibiotics can be used by pregnant women, while others are not. The safety of antibiotics depends on many different factors, including the type of antibiotic, the timing of antibiotic use during pregnancy, the dose of antibiotic used, the duration of antibiotic use, and unwanted effects. wish may occur when used during pregnancy.

The following antibiotics are generally recognized as safe if used during pregnancy:
Penicillins, including amoxicillin, ampicillin. Cephalosporins, including cefaclor, cephalexin. Erythromycin. Clindamycin. Certain other antibiotics are believed to pose some risk if given to a pregnant woman. For example, tetracyclines can change the color of the developing teeth of the fetus, so tetracyclines are not recommended after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The doctor will consider that if the condition of the pregnant woman requires the use of antibiotics, the doctor will prescribe the safest antibiotic, with the safest dose.

At Vinmec International General Hospital, there is a package maternity service as a solution to help pregnant women feel secure because of the companionship of the medical team throughout the pregnancy. When choosing Maternity Package, pregnant women can:
The pregnancy process is monitored by a team of qualified doctors Regular check-up, early detection of abnormalities Maternity package helps to facilitate the process. birthing process Newborns get comprehensive care

Article referenced source: Mayoclinic.org