Should I take antibiotics?

[kcj748]

My doctor has just rung to tell me that I have a urine infection and has prescribed antibiotics. I am 32 weeks pregnant and nervous about damaging my baby's immune system in the long term. I realise that of course the doctor knows best but I do kind of believe that antibiotics can have an affect on a developing baby's immune system. Obviously I know that it is very unlikely that he will be drastically damaged but I am worried that it will affect his immune system to some degree.

[MissTinaTeaspoon]

I would take them. The gp should have checked that they are safe in pregnancy, but if you want reassurance you could have a chat with the pharmacist when you fill the prescription. An untreated uti can lead to premature labour.

[bigscarymum]

"Kind of believe?". On what basis? Antibiotics acts on the bacteria, not the immune system. Take them if the doc says you need them.

[MissTinaTeaspoon]

I should also add that an untreated uti may also cause damage to your kidneys.

[happygilmore]

An untreated uti could cause you to go into premature labour..take the antibiotics, they would not have been prescribed if you don't need them.

[avoider]

Urine infections can lead to problems with your kidneys. I would take them if your dr has said you need them. But as another poster says, double check with the pharmacist and read the instructions carefully.

[LaBag]

Take them and when the course is finished (very important to finish course) then make sure you buy some probiotics/prebiotics from the health shop so that the healthy bacteria in your gut can flourish again.

[Bunbaker]

Definitely take them. UTIs must be treated with antibiotics because they can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and may lead to kidney failure later in life. This is one of those occasions where you simply can't risk not taking them.

[eaglewings]

Had UTI at 36 weeks it went to my kidneys and was worse than labour!
In fact within 12 hours of the first symptom I was being rushed to hospital in an ambulance as I went into labour.
Antibiotics solved it and the contractions stopped. DS born at 42 weeks healthy and with a good imunne system
The GP who came to my house when I was in pain phoned the ambulance and when told by control there was only one ambulance and it was also needed by a person who had collapsed my GP said I was more urgent. Will never forget the shock of hearing how urgent my need for hospital was.

[eaglewings]

Sorry just realised my post may sound as if it is telling you what will happen to you!
It is meant OP to show that antibiotics are important and don't delay, not that you WILL get kidney problems in the next 30 minutes!

[Grumpla]

Um, I think your doctor probably has a better idea of whether they are necessary than you do.

UTIs are tested for throughout pregnancy (that's why your midwife collects your wee in little pots) because they can be dangerous and go from bad to worse quite quickly. Don't mess about with your health and your baby's health based on a vague feeling.