Trimethoprim in the first trimester

[SleepyMummaBear]

Before taking a positive pregnancy test, I was suffering with a UTI and was prescribed Trimethoprim (100mg twice daily for 3 days) however I would have been 3-4 weeks pregnant at the time.

After a conversation with my midwife and being told I would have a very thorough scan as a result, I looked to google which said that this shouldn’t be taken during the first trimester due to increased risk of birth defects.

Needless to say, I’m now an emotional wreck and absolutely petrified that taking the antibiotics could have done some damage to my baby.

Please, has anyone else been taken Trimethoprim within the first 12 weeks and did you have any complications as a result?

My 12 week scan isn’t for another 2 weeks and I’m waiting a call back from my GP to answer some questions but in the meantime I’m an absolute mess!

Here is a useful leaflet about trimethoprim in early pregnancy: www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Trimethoprim/

From what it says, there's not clear proof that trimethoprim does cause birth defects as different studies have given different results: there's just a risk that it could. Some studies show there is a risk, but because of the way they were done, it's not clear whether the risk was due to the mother's taking trimethoprim, or due to the underlying illness they were taking it for.

It's still very unlikely that in your case it has done (and a UTI could also harm your baby if it hadn't been treated).

I totally understand why you're so anxious, just try to remind yourself it's still a very low risk.

I would take heart from the fact that, at 3-4 weeks pregnant the foetus is taking its nourishment from the yolk sac as the placenta hasn’t yet developed (this doesn’t take over providing nourishment till about week 8-9. Therefore, things we take during those early weeks tend to have less effect on the foetus than later on in the first trimester.

Hopefully your Dr has been able to offer you additional reassurance and you will be able to relax and enjoy your early pregnancy xx

I would imagine the risk behind antibiotics is worst after the placenta is former. In the first trimester as there is no placenta you should be okay.

Hi there,

I know this is an old post but I’m hoping someone can share how things have gone for them because I am majorly freaking out :-(

I found out I was pregnant over the weekend which was a complete shock, a lovely surprise but still not planned (estimating 5 weeks from last period). After it sunk in I was super excited until I realised I was prescribed A WEEKS! course of trimethoprim 3-4 weeks ago. I did the silly but usual thing of putting it straight into google and I have been in a state ever since.

I spoke with my GP this morning and I know they can’t give me a clear answer or reassurance but it made me feel worse not better, they even mentioned the idea of having to make a decision whether or not to terminate :-(. I just can’t believe this has happened. I do suffer with UTIs but I haven’t had trimethoprim for a long long time it’s just typical.

My GP said they will try to get me more info and in the meantime try not to panic and ask to see a midwife ASAP.

Can anyone offer any advice or reassurance from past experiences? My head is all over the place at the moment.

I had a miscarriage before my little one (who is 2) so I was quite anxious during that pregnancy and I really wanted to enjoy it as much as possible this time around. I’m so gutted this has happened.

Sorry to ramble on! Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Thank you in advance xx