Antibiotics when pregnant?

[mummingbird]

I went to the doctors yesterday with flu symptoms, chest pain and throat pain that might be an infection and the doctor said she would normally prescribe antibiotics and I could have them if I want but she was reluctant because I am preg (20 weeks). She said I should stay off work and try to fight it myself but to come back next week if it is still bad. I feel loads worse today so I am now wondering what to do. What will happen if I take the antibiotics? Will the baby be affected if I stay as I am (in pain, just taking paracetamol to keep temp at bay)?

I had antibiotics during my first pg as I caught whooping cough The doctor didn't seem too worried - he obviously knew I was pg and I assume prescribed accordingly. If you are feeling really poorly I'd go back to the docs. If left untreated, flu could turn into pnumonia etc. I'm sure there are 'safe' antibiotics.

I had to take antibiotics for a UTI when pregnant, I asked about 50 times if they were safe and was assured they were. As long as they are appropriate, it's fine.

Having said that, in your position, I'd probably try and hold out another day to see if I turned the corner, but then I only take antibiotics if there is really no choice.

And obviously, if it is 'just' flu, antibiotics won't help, but you wouldn't want any secondary infection to get serious.

amoxycillin is usually considered safe, my doc prescribed it to me when i had a bad chest infection at 30 weeks and she's very careful about prescribing when i'm preg or bf-ing.

that said... i had been fighting the infection for almost a week and was in a very bad way with an obvious infection... if a flu or a cold i would try and hold out for as long as possible before aking anything as abs won't do anything for the virus, only for secondary infections

I know what you mean about the 'just flu' thing. I was surprised the doc suggested antibiotics but I think that was for the chest infection (which is bothering me far more than the aches and pains and runny nose).
Will wait and see what happens with the chest pain but am feeling more confident about taking antibiotics if they really are necessary.
Thanks for the advice

mummingbird I would be tempted to take the antibiotics. I had a week's course in this pregnancy at 13 weeks (amoxicillin) as infection was not shifting. My consultant said there comes a point where the infection will be affecting the baby too (albeit in a short-term way, not to scare you) and that there are very safe antibiotics out there that have been used for years. As PINK says, amoxicillin is considered very safe, with no reported side effects in pregnancy or harmful effects on the foetus. The important thing is that you get well, and if you are feeling worse today I would say go back and ask for abs - you don't have to feel like this if there are safe ab's out there, and you don't want the infection to spread further, for you or the baby.

I'd take the antibiotics... well actually I am, currently taking amoxillin for a chest infection. I'm 39 weeks. Get back to the doctors mummingbird there's really no need to carry on suffering as you are. hope you feel better soon.

definately take them, i've taken antibiotics in all my pgs - am currently taking amoxillin and checked with both dentist and pharmacist - they are fine - and preferable to being ill and stressed