Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Antibiotics in pregnancy?

33 replies

dozyjosie55 · 09/11/2021 14:09

I've currently got the beginnings of a dental trouble. It's a reoccurring issue although I've not had it for a year or so. It's an impacted wisdom tooth and occasionally food can get trapped around it creating an infection in the gum. My head and jaw feel sore and the area is tender which is usually a tell tale sign.

I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and reluctant to take antibiotics, which is how this is usually treated. As yet the pain isn't too bad and I'm wondering if I stick it out and do lots of salt water/mouthwash rinses it might be ok?

Google seems to say some antibiotics are ok in pregnancy but there's definitely that undertone that you should avoid if possible. Has anyone else had anything like this?

OP posts:
Xmassprout · 09/11/2021 14:11

The risk of an untreated infection in pregnancy is usually higher than the risk of taking antibiotics when needed

PurpleDaisies · 09/11/2021 14:13

Who prescribed the antibiotics? You’re best having a chat with them about the risks and the benefits. Your pharmacist could also reassure you that the antibiotics you’ve been given are safe in pregnancy.

Noorandapples · 09/11/2021 14:14

I had antibiotics in both pregnancies, first had no side effects at all, second time it affected his teeth slightly and they have grooves in the enamel. The thing is if you don't take antibiotics when you need them you risk their health in bigger ways. Infections can cause serious problems like sepsis if not treated and that can be fatal, it's how a lot of people died before we had antibiotics! Take them if you need them!

Hbs21 · 09/11/2021 14:15

I am pregnant and had antibiotics for the exact same reason as you. I felt it was the better option than leaving an infection untreated with the possibility of it getting worse.

HerbivorousRex · 09/11/2021 14:15

Pregnancy can increase the risk of dental issues and some dental issues can also increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (it’s why you get free dental treatment during pregnancy in the UK, you’ll need a MATB1 certificate).
A dentist will be able to advise you whether you require antibiotics. There are definitely some that can be prescribed which are ok to take during pregnancy, just make sure that you let the person prescribing them know that you’re pregnant so they can choose the most appropriate option.

Original poster
dozyjosie55 · 09/11/2021 14:16

Last time the dentist prescribed them.

If I was in dire pain I would absolutely take them. At the moment it doesn't feel too bad and I guess I'm just weighing up the risks of leaving it a little longer to see how I go. I once had it very badly and absolutely needed antibiotics to clear the infection but at the moment it's not too bad.

OP posts:
3scape · 09/11/2021 14:16

I only know of the risk to developing tooth enamel with certain antibiotics but that is in later pregnancy.

Definitely the risk of the mother being ill is worse than that.

TotallySuper · 09/11/2021 14:16

Really???

Speak to a doctor!

Newhorizon21 · 09/11/2021 14:20

@TotallySuper

Really???

Speak to a doctor!

Please speak to a dentist as legally, only they can prescribe for dental infections
PurpleDaisies · 09/11/2021 14:21

@dozyjosie55

Last time the dentist prescribed them.

If I was in dire pain I would absolutely take them. At the moment it doesn't feel too bad and I guess I'm just weighing up the risks of leaving it a little longer to see how I go. I once had it very badly and absolutely needed antibiotics to clear the infection but at the moment it's not too bad.

So nobody has actually prescribed you antibiotics now? Confused

Have a conversation with someone about it. They’ll be able to talk to you about whether they’re safe in pregnancy.

Original poster
dozyjosie55 · 09/11/2021 14:28

@PurpleDaisies no but having been in this position several times before I know that's the standard procedure in this case Confused

As I'm not in excruciating pain I can't get an appointment to see the dentist before next week anyway so I guess I will have to wait and see how it goes.

OP posts:
HalloHello · 09/11/2021 14:28

Amoxicillin is safe in pregnancy and that is likely what you'll get for a dental infection. You should consider getting your tooth removed if it's causing issues like this.

Saoirse82 · 09/11/2021 16:21

I had a dental infection during this pregnancy. It wasn't painful because it was a root canaled tooth but I was much more worried about how an infection could affect the baby, it really needs to be treated. I took amoxicillin at 17 weeks for this. The benefits outweigh the risks and many women take anti biotics in pregnancy, especially for dental infections as you're more susceptible to them during pregnancy. I eventually got the tooth pulled when I was 18 weeks as I was nervous about the infection coming back. I'm due to to give birth any day now and all is fine.

drivinmecrazy · 09/11/2021 16:56

Can't advise antibiotics during pregnancy cos it's been a long time for me.
But I can suggest you invest in some Manuka honey and use it as a compress against the infected area. It's a wonderful natural antibiotic and while it may not work might be worth trying.
I can remember the angst of pregnancy and weighing your own health against the benefits/disadvantages for your baby so you have my sympathy Daffodil

Peaplant20 · 09/11/2021 17:19

I would personally just trust what the dentist says re: risk vs benefit. I had an ear infection in pregnancy and tired to avoid antibiotics ear spray even though the Gp said to use it and it got so bad! I think I thought it would get better as I’d never had an ear infection before so assumed my body would be able to clear it itself. My ear has never been right since 😬

Original poster
dozyjosie55 · 09/11/2021 17:24

Thanks all.

As I said, if it were really unbearable I absolutely would get urgent advice. At the moment it's not too bad so I will hold out until my appointment next week and see what they say then. If it gets much worse in the meantime I will try and get an emergency appointment. It's not that I'm against taking antibiotics when truly needed, I just don't want to if it's not necessary iyswim.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 09/11/2021 17:26

Doctors/dentists are warned off prescribing antibiotics all the time. If you’ve been prescribed them, it’s because you need them.

Monsteres · 09/11/2021 20:20

I had to have antibiotics while pregnant with my DD for a chest infection, so long as doctor knows what they're doing as some can be taken while pregnant and others can't you'll be fine, far better that then ending up with a jaw infection which will need general anesthesia to flush out or worse sepsis?

EatYourVegetables · 09/11/2021 20:28

OP: the reading comprehension on this thread leaves a lot to be desired.

You could look up the antibiotic you were given last time, and read about it to see whether it is likely to be prescribed in pregnancy. I would then schedule an appointment with a dentist. You say you can’t get an urgent one as you’re not in a lot of pain - fine, that gives you a few days to see what happens with the tooth. In the meantime salt water or whatever can be used to disinfect the area and act locally - perhaps ask a pharmacist. And beware of the weekend - what happens if things don’t look better by Friday and threaten to get worse over the weekend - would an urgent appointment with your dentist on Friday be better than a walk in centre on Saturday? And definitely let the dentist know, when you see them, that you’re pregnant.

Good luck.

ArthurApples · 09/11/2021 20:35

I'm pregnant and taking amoxicillin now, safe in pregnancy, for a chest infection after flu, GP prescribed, they have worked really quickly and I would rather be well than ill for another month and with further risks to my baby should I get worse.

Cryalot2 · 09/11/2021 20:36

If its any help, I took meds during my pregnancies for a condition which I will take to I die. Back then not as much was known and now one of the meds which I took a fair bit of daily is now not advised in pregnancies.
My kids are both grown up and healthy apart from a genetic condition from their father.

So I wouldn't worry about antibiotics.

AuntyMabelandPippin · 09/11/2021 20:45

OP, I have impacted wisdom teeth and get the same thing sometimes.

My dentist recommended Corsodyl gel, it might stave off the infection before it gets too bad.

Chelyanne · 09/11/2021 20:48

I had a week of antibiotics for a UTI at 33wk pregnant, I was bloody glad to take them. No harm to baby at all, she's a happy healthy 3mth old now.

Original poster
dozyjosie55 · 09/11/2021 21:27

@AuntyMabelandPippin I've never heard of corsadyl gel, but I'm using corsadyl mouthwash and it feels a lot better already.

I will keep a close eye on it. Thanks all.

OP posts:
peoniesandpastels · 09/11/2021 21:33

I had a week of strong antibiotics for deep head wound at 27 week pregnant with my first. She was absolutely fine, no impact on her or her teeth. There are some antibiotics they don't generally prescribe during pregnancy, but there are some like amoxicillin that are considered safe.

Swipe left for the next trending thread