Preventative antibiotics

[Claire]

I have been taking 2 doses of antibiotics (for a week) every 4 weeks throughout this pregnancy.

They are a preventative measure to hopefully ensure that I do not get any bacteria imbalances in my vagina as we lost our lost baby to PROM due to infection in placenta.

As I say they are preventative and not because I do have a bacterial imbalance.

Before each round of antibiotics I have a vaginak swab taken and so far no 'nasties' have been found but I still have to take the meds.

One of the antibiotics is presumed safe (A) but the other is a B2 and I'm concerned about the possible effects that this antibitoics may have on the baby.

I want to stop taking the antibiotics. I don't want to harm my baby in any way though.

What would you do? Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks
Claire xx

[Jaycee]

Hi Claire
I really don't have any experience with this, but my advice to you would be to stick with what the doctors are telling you, that's what I would do if I were in your shoes. I know it seems like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, but I guess they are trained in these sort of things.
Take care and do what you think is right in the end

[Claire]

Hi Janine,

Thanks for you reply.

Wouldn't the weekly vaginal swab be enough to detect any changes? I just feel if the vaginal swab is still taken and no bad results are coming back then why would I need to continue to taking the antibiotics?

[MamaPan]

Hi Claire
I would go with what the Drs recommend, that is what they are trained and paid to do... BUT at the same time maybe ask why if the swabs come back OK it is still necessary just for your peace of mind. They may be being especially cautious and maybe then it is a decision you and DH can make one way or another with well rounded advice. Thats what I would do, I usually go with the medical advice (after all thats why I go to them) but arm myself with lots of q's so I feel like I know the WHY I am doing some things. Good luck!

[Dragonbub]

Hi Claire,
I am not a doctor, but maybe the reason there is no bacteria from the vaginal swab is because the antibiotics are working? I have to take some antibiotics too for an ingrown toenail. I hesitated for weeks, until my foot was that sore from limping, and my toe was just gross (sorry, TMI). I figured the infection would be worst for bubs than the antibiotics, which my doctor and the chemist both assured me were safe.

I suggest to trust your doc, or seek a second opinion if you are unsure. Some things are safer for bub than the alternative infection, but if you feel uncomfortable, def get a second opinion before stopping them. after all, antibiotics work better when you take them consistently, so better not to take them haphazardly then create a stronger bacteria!

All the best

[Lilly-Pilly]

I was on a low dose antibiotic for the last three months of my pregnancy as a preventatie after having a kidney infection that kept reoccuring as soon as I finished the course of antibiotics. Afther this happening three times which wasn't pleasant at all, they said to just take the low dose antibiotic as a preventative until I had the baby, which is exactly what I did.

[BellyBelly]

Antibiotics dont know the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria, so they just kill it all. Thats why it is common to get thrush after antibiotics.

I wonder if a dose of strong probiotics could have helped? You cant take them with antibiotics as they will just kill them too, perhaps you could ask the doctor if it would be okay to go on a super dose of probiotics (check out fast tract on the main site, there is a forum banner for it) and that might be an answer for you.