Antibiotics in Early Pregnancy

Updated on June 17, 2009
R.F. asks from Tecumseh, MI
19 answers

I recently found out I am 5 weeks, 3 days pregnant with baby #2 (I have a 2 year old boy). We have both been very sick, both on amoxicillin (me for sinus infection, him for ear inf.). I know you should obviously avoid any unneccessary meds while preg., but after talking to my OB (who assured me amoxicillin is safe during pregnancy), I decided to take it because I am very prone to sinus infections and didn't want this to get any worse. Even though I was assured it was safe, I am still paranoid I am doing something bad to my baby. I've thought about stopping it but am afraid the infection will get worse. My question is: has anyone else had to take something like this in early pregnancy? I know people who have taken it later in pregnancy, but never this early on in development.

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So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone for your responses...I feel so much better and MUCH more reassured. One more question: many of you mentioned probiotics, which I was taking before getting pregnant. Anyone know which ones in particular are okay during pregnancy, any particular brand?

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A.S.

answers from Detroit on

I second what basically every one else said, I had a few UTI's early on and was on antibiotics. The Dr. told me the same it was fine and that if the infection got bad it could harm baby.

Good luck and Congrats! :o)

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A.H.

answers from Detroit on

I had an enormous, infected spider bite on my face when I was about five weeks pregnant. I was put on antibiotics too. My doctor explained to me that it is better to be on the meds than for the mother to be sick and have it possibly get worse. My pregnancy was fine and resulted in a beautiful baby girl...Congratulations!

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L.G.

answers from Detroit on

I took antibiotics (i don't remember which one) for a UTI when i was about 7-8 weeks. I actually had to take them several times during pregnancy, and was still taking them when my daughter was born! i also had abdominal surgery, had morphine and darvacet (sp?)! i would say don't worry about it, but i'm sure i did too!

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A.D.

answers from Detroit on

I took Amoxicillin during weeks 4 to 5 of my pregnancy with my 1st daughter. I did not know I was pregnant at the time. However, everything turned out fine and my daughter is a very healthy 4 year old.

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C.M.

answers from Detroit on

I took it during my first trimester because I was horribly sick. The dr also told me that the infetion can be worse for the development of the baby especially if there is a fever. Your body can only do some many things at a time and with all the development that goes on in early pregnancy fighting an infection on it's own will take a toll on your body. So relax you are fine taking amox.

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R.G.

answers from Detroit on

I had to take antibiotics several times during both of my pregnancies and both of my children are perfectly healthy. YOu'll be fine. :)
Also, when you're all done with you antibiotics, wait a couple of weeks and then start taking acidophilus. It will build up your immune system. I took it during my entire pregnancy with my son and never got a yeast infection or anything else for that matter. It also has been known to prevent autism in unborn children. :)

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D.C.

answers from Detroit on

Ask your doctor for a probiotic prescription. Restoring your normal gut flora during pregnancy is critical for your baby's health. An imbalance of gut flora (caused by antibiotics) can lead to all sorts of health problems: eczema, allergies, colic and even autism.

http://www.bodyecology.com/autism.php

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A.O.

answers from Detroit on

Don't worry, you will be fine. Amoxicillin if safe in the first trimester.

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M.W.

answers from Detroit on

R.,
I would be cautious of anything during early pregnancy! There are several options for both sinus infections and ear infections other than antibiotics. For instance - ear candeling can help tremendously with both. Also, getting you atlas (top vertebre in your neck) adjusted can remove the intereference that leads to the symptoms you and your son are experiencing. I would look into all of your options before exposing your unborn baby to toxic chemicals.

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L.C.

answers from Detroit on

I understand your worry - I hate taking medicine during pregnancy as well, but sometimes it is necessary. Amoxicillin is safe to take and try to remember your placenta is a wonderful filtering device - causing a very minimal amount of medicine to reach your baby. Congratulations!

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L.O.

answers from Detroit on

I had several issues during pregnancy and took several prescription drugs.. all were prescribed by my OB dr.

My baby is fine. and your will be too.

The Obs have to weigh the needs of the baby and the mom. If mom is very sick the baby is nto getting proper care and nutrition.

relax and take the drugs the dr told you to take.

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K.M.

answers from Detroit on

Yes amoxicillian is safe while pregnant. I took it with two or three of my kids. I was put on something this last pregnancy which wasn't amoxicilian and asked to be put on it but the dr said i needed something stronger and than two weeks later I miss carried. So I am scepitcal about any other drug. I know of four people including me who has been on amoxicilian and had normal healthy kids. With the way the weather is keep on the amoxicilian.

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A.I.

answers from Lansing on

hey R.
as bad as you don't wan't to take it you can't just stop taking part way thur it will only make you worse and then they will have two put you on something stronger so do take relax oh and congrats on the new baby

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J.H.

answers from Detroit on

I think the only potential danger (if you can call it that) is that your baby will be exposed to antibiotics early on and that could contribute to a potential for resistance to it later (it's the same reason that many pediatricians now try to limit the amount of times they prescribe antibiotics to their patients). With all these newly antibiotic-resistent infections popping up, many doctors are attributing it to years of over-prescribing antibiotics - so our systems are now becoming resistent to the benefits of the antibiotics. But I haven't heard of anywhere that it's shown to hurt the growth and devlopment of a fetus.

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T.C.

answers from Detroit on

Hi R. -- I am like you! Don't want to take any medications if it's not necessary. While I was pregnant w/ my son, I too got a sinus infection (get them all the time). My ob/gyn put me on amoxicillin as well. I asked questions & told him how I did NOT want to be on ANY drugs & he said I would do damage to the baby by letting the infection get out of control rather than to take the antibiotic and get rid of the infection as quickly as possible. I know you think it's super early to take any drugs because of harm to the baby -- but you're not harming the baby. You would if you didn't take care of your infection.

Good LUCK! AND Congrats!
T.

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K.R.

answers from Detroit on

Hello my name is K., I work from home with a wellness company called Melaleuca which is a green company that has products that are safer for you to use in your home. Most of the things that we use daily has toxins in them. Bleach, Tide, Cheer, Johnson & Johnson baby products etc... all have been linked to allergies, eczema, upper respiritory problems and etc...there's a long list. Melaleuca has more natural alternatives for people to use like yourself. If you'd like more info. you can contact me and maybe we can get together and talk more. ____@____.com.

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T.A.

answers from Grand Rapids on

R.,

Make sure you get some good probiotics! Ask your Dr if he recommends anything.

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M.G.

answers from Jackson on

Hi R.,

Congratulations on your new baby!!!

I encourage you, as others have, to get bacteria good for your intestines and immune system that will counteract the antibiotics. I can get you some good information how to chose good bacteria...if that would be helpful to you.

God bless you and your new one!
M.

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R.S.

answers from Detroit on

I would take PROBIOTICS as well. That way you're not killing off all of the healthy bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics are horrible.

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