Aibu to not trust the doctor regarding this prescription. (Pregnancy related)

[Pregnancyworry]

I have just been diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis. I'm 18 weeks pregnant tomorrow. Doctor has diagnosed me with metronizadole. Having goggled this and read some of the research/peoples stories I am too scared to take it. I would really appreciate peoples opinions/experiences regarding this drug and pregnancy, I am so worried. Tia!!

[Amybabygypsyqueen]

I had it intravenously in labour and we are both fine I also had metronidazole gel for my skin, not the tablets though. Could you ring you labour ward and ask for advice they are usually very helpful xx

[Binnie0309]

Hiya,
I had recurring problems with this during my own pregnancy and I was on metronidazole 6 times in total for a week each! In my experience it did no harm and although it never really went away, it was nice for my sanity to have some relief. My DD had no side effects from it as far as I can tell. If you're unsure maybe ask for a second opinion? YANBU for worrying during pregnancy, it makes you think twice over everything!
Good luck.

[fishcake84]

An infection in the genital tract poses far more risk to your unborn baby than metronidazole. I'd treat the infection if I were you.

[ohdearitshappeningtome]

If you were given it by an obstetric doctor or gynae.

I would trust them over the Internet anyway!

An irritation while pregnant and the relief it brings ..... Remember them both well

[Greenfizzywater]

The BNF (prescribing bible) says "manufacturer advises avoidance of high dose regimes", so in pregnancy I would usually prescribe the 400mg twice a day for 5 days rather than 2g all in one go (those are the two possible doses for BV).

I'm a GP but must add that this shouldn't be construed as individual medical advice and if in doubt go back to your own GP.

[Pregnancyworry]

My main confusion regarding this is that the doctor I spoke to this afternoon kept saying not every pregnant woman requires treatment. She couldn't tell me what made me one of the people that would or would not require it.
I obviously don't want to take any risks with medication or the infection. I just feel so unnerved after googling. my fault I know

[MyNameIsEmily]

I have actually had two 2nd tri miscarriages due to what they think is infections one at 19 weeks one at 20 weeks...
medication isn't tested on pregnant because it would be unethical!
I dont want to scare you but I would take it in a heartbeat.

[imip]

Yes, if you have BV, take the antibiotics....

As pp said, it can be v dangerous in pregnancy.

Yes, not everyone would need it, but it can make your waters break. At your stage in pregnancy, it's just not worth considering. Sorry, I don't want to scare you...

[Pregnancyworry]

The stories of it having links to childhood cancers and so many ther horrors put me off. There are other antibiotics that can be used but I am unsure of their safety/reliability. I am going back this morning to speak to doctor one last time, but if metronidazole is still the only offer I will take it. Thank you ladies.

[IAmAPaleontologist]

The Internet will tell you many things. You can find compelling evidence that 9/11 was a cover up, the Holocaust never happened and we didn't land on the moon. Some of it may not be completely true.

Your gp has prescribed you a medication for an infection. Please take it.

[MinceSpy]

Metrodizanol is safe for pregnant women and is the correct medication for BV. The infection poses a great risk to your pregnancy than the medication.

[HicDraconis]

It's not advised in the first trimester (which you are safely past at 18 weeks) but should have no problems throughout the rest of pregnancy. It's not advised to breastfeed while taking it, however.

[Purpleflamingos]

I'd say stop scaring yourself on the Internet. Pp have said its safe. If in doubt go back and ask to see their bible (I did for my third dose of antibiotics for a chest infection that wasn't moving).

[firesidechat]

My advice - don't Google medical stuff. Just reading the leaflet that comes with the tablets is enough to cause extreme anxiety in a normally laid back person. They tend to list everything that could possibly go wrong and, if the doctor has prescribed it, then I would trust their judgement over randoms on the internet.

My husband has a serious medical condition. It was 3 years before we googled anything and have only needed to do it the once. Self preservation is required.

[Pregnancyworry]

I don't believe remaining ignorant to everything is the answer. I will google and double check any prescription whilst I'm pregnant and keep going back to discuss if I have concerns. Which is what I will do this morning. The confusing thing is that yes online it states bv can cause preterm labour etc. My doctor claims that is wrong. As I said, I'll be going back today. Thanks for all the advice, I really value everyone's views.

[DinoSnores]

There is a difference between Googling wildly and remaining ignorant! Try sensible websites like //www.patient.co.uk

www.patient.co.uk/doctor/bacterial-vaginosis-pro

You'll see that metronidazole is listed there as being fine in pregnancy.

[manchestermummy]

I had the same thing. My GP was newly qualified and rang the obstetrician to check who agreed with the medication and dosage.

Your baby will be fine!

[firesidechat]

Op, I'm the Google queen but you have to proceed with caution. There is a huge amount of scaremongering and outright rubbish on the net.

Your doctor has prescribed it and lots of other pregnant women have taken it with no bad consequences.

[kappadelta]

I had it for an infected wisdom tooth. It knocked me for 6 I though I had the flu.

I could not move. My legs were like lead and I couldn't lift my head off the pillow.

I have never felt so bad and would never take it again

[ohdearitshappeningtome]

How did you get on