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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Cefalexin in early pregnancy? 6 weeks

13 replies

babymummy96 · 07/04/2023 13:42

Hi everyone,

I spoke to GP yesterday on phone regarding my throat which is SO sore, I can't speak at the minute and the thought of swallowing makes me wince.

Yesterday, I didn't have a red throat or spots so I was honest and said that I didn't. They basically said it sounds viral so I just have to get on with it (paracetamol only).

I've been up all night, taking paracetamol every 4 hours and it doesn't even touch the sides.

I've looked today and my throat is very sore and has a few white spots. As GP's are closed today I've taken it amongst myself to take the cefalexin I was prescribed in January which I never continued due to my illness going. I cannot take penicillin as I am allergic.

Has anyone taken cefalexin in early pregnancy and everything been ok? I was prescribed it in my last pregnancy which I miscarried in Feb and I'm scared that may have been the reason? I just can't go on in this much pain, I know it's tonsillitis as I've had it so many times before but I feel like I've let it go on for so long and I'm just in agony now

Advice appreciated !

OP posts:
Fairyjuice · 07/04/2023 13:48

I've taken kelflex loads of times across my pregnancies as I have dodgy kidneys and have been fine. Hope you feel better op, tonsillitis is rotten 😥

BabyBabyBaby123 · 07/04/2023 15:02

Why don’t you call 111 and try to get a new prescription. If you don’t finish the course then you run the risk of it coming back.

Original poster
babymummy96 · 07/04/2023 15:30

@BabyBabyBaby123 tbh with you, every time I've phoned 111 they've been absolutely useless, they just send me to A&E lol. They really are my last resort

OP posts:
allgoodthings84 · 07/04/2023 17:26

You need a full prescription to kill off the infection not just what was left from before. I had tonsillitis (strep kind) when I was 5 weeks and had to see a GP not a nurse because of being pregnant as not all antibiotics are safe in pregnancy. I’m also allergic to penicillin

I would ring 111 and specifically ask for a referral to an out of hours clinic rather than a&e if possible. Either was I would ring 111 rather than taking previous medication that you’re not sure if safe now. If you’re in that much pain it’s worth the call.

allgoodthings84 · 07/04/2023 17:33

Although the NICE guidelines suggest if you’re sensitive to penicillin you shouldn’t take Cefalexin

Cefalexin in early pregnancy? 6 weeks
allgoodthings84 · 07/04/2023 17:40

But according to NICE and NHS it’s not harmful in pregnancy but says to tell your GP before taking them in case

Xrays · 07/04/2023 17:41

Not sure if this will help but I’ve taken cefalexin daily for recurrent urine infections since I was 14, I’m now 42, I’ve had two healthy pregnancies (children now 11 and 20) and no issues whatsoever. I take 500mg daily but can- and did- take up to 4 during infections which I did during pregnancy. If you have an infection it’s really important to treat it.

mummyh2016 · 07/04/2023 17:46

I believe it's fine in pregnancy but not after 37 weeks. I was on it for 4 weeks from weeks 27-31 weeks in my last pregnancy to clear up a recurrent UTI.
Cefalexin and penicillin are linked but in regards to if you can take it or not depends on your allergy. I'm allergic but it won't kill me, just makes me vomit, it's like my body rejects it. I had the same issue with cefalexin when I first started taking it but worked out if I had it immediately after eating I was fine.

shakeitoffsis · 07/04/2023 17:46

I had cefalexin in pregnancy but it made me so poorly I was allergic to it.

Original poster
babymummy96 · 07/04/2023 18:08

@allgoodthings84 thanks I appreciate it. I made a LIVI appt and they've basically said I need to go to A&E for a cough and sore throat. Pisses me off because they say not to go to A&E unless it's an emergency yet will happily send me there. Seems stupid.

OP posts:
Xrays · 07/04/2023 18:29

mummyh2016 · 07/04/2023 17:46

I believe it's fine in pregnancy but not after 37 weeks. I was on it for 4 weeks from weeks 27-31 weeks in my last pregnancy to clear up a recurrent UTI.
Cefalexin and penicillin are linked but in regards to if you can take it or not depends on your allergy. I'm allergic but it won't kill me, just makes me vomit, it's like my body rejects it. I had the same issue with cefalexin when I first started taking it but worked out if I had it immediately after eating I was fine.

Oddly enough I am severely allergic to penicillin, to the point I go into severe shock and puff up like a balloon and can’t breathe (it’s written on all my medical stuff) 😳 but I can take cefalexin with no issues at all. 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Original poster
babymummy96 · 07/04/2023 19:03

Yea guys I just want to say, I have taken cefalexin before due to my allergy!! Tbh, I took it in my first pregnancy however, I hadn't had a miscarriage before that so I just took the doctors advice and took the tablets!

Now I've been in the awful position of having a MC, I am extremely wary of what I'm putting in my body and also very anxious! However, I am in agony so decided to take the meds as it's making me miserable and unable to look after my daughter properly! X

OP posts:
elm26 · 08/04/2023 00:32

I've been given a course of cefalexin this week at almost 33 weeks due to a water infection and chest infection due to covid (double whammy 😩).

The obstetrician who saw me in A&E assured me that this was absolutely fine in pregnancy where as an untreated infection can have a very negative impact on pregnancy.

Hope you feel better soon OP x

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