Pregnancy and antibiotics

[Marley&Me]

I have just been to the doctors to have a blood blister on my finger drained. The doctor has given me antibiotics (Cefalexin) and has assured me they are safe in pregnancy, but I don't want to take them. My main concern is getting thrush from them. I really can't afford pro-biotics right now otherwise I would get some. In 2011 I had constant infections pretty much all year and I am terrified I will get another one if I take the antibiotics
Does the risk of thrush after antibiotics increase if you are pregnant? And has anyone taken this brand of antibiotic before when pregnant?

[ladybirdflies]

You are likely to get thrush if you have had it before. But what are the risks for you not taking them, would the finger get worse, fevers etc?? You can put plain yoghurt on your hoo haa while you are on them to try and prevent. Just lather it on, leave it there wear a pad. It really works!

[Marley&Me]

Damn I think if I don't take them I could risk getting an infection in the finger. So it's an infection in the finger or infection in the vag. It's my choice I guess...

[Artechim]

Personally I would put an antiseptic cream on the blister with a plaster on top and keep an eye on it. I would only take the antibiotics if it started looking angry. Unless it is already infected, but I would still try a topical cream first before taking a system wide pill.

But then again, I am not a doctor. I have had thrush though - I would probably rather cut off the damn finger than live that hell again lol.

[Marley&Me]

Yes, my nightmare year of constant infections has scarred me forever!!

Hmmm, maybe I could skip the antibiotics? Oh I don't know

[nothing2lose]

The difference between an infected finger and thrush is you can die from one of them. Chances are slim, sure, but a resistant staph infection is far less fun than thrush.

[Marley&Me]

Good point N2L. Thrush it is then

[black_rose]

Try taking a double dose of a good probiotic while you are on the antibiotics it may stop the thrush.

[Cassius2]

yep, eat loads and loads of plain yoghurt and probiotics. if you like sauerkraut now is your time to buy it in bulk! it can really really help stave off the nasties.

[Marley&Me]

probiotics are unfortunately not in the budget at the moment

[PumpkinZulu]

Woolworths have some in the health food section that don't need to be refrigerated that were only about $10 from memory if that helps at all? I'd post you the rest of mine, but I just checked and there's only two capsules left

[Marley&Me]

Oh thanks PZ, I'll just stock up on yoghurt. I think Aldi has cheap yoghurt

[PumpkinZulu]

They do! And it's really nice as well.

[MLR1901]

Can you salt water bath finger twice daily?

[Marley&Me]

Can you salt water bath finger twice daily?

I could, but i have work for the next two days and any cut/sore I have always gets a mild infection after work.

Maybe I'll be lucky and nothing will happen

[Allinaday]

I had a small hang nail that got infected and ended up swelling up my whole finger. At first I thought it would go away if I took care of it, but the infection kept spreading. My doctor gave me Amoxicilin which is safe for pregnancy. Your medication is also on the list. The thing is if your doctor felt it was necessary it probably is. You wouldn't want to risk the infection spreading to your blood stream and risk hurting your baby.

So even though I try to stay away from all meds while pregnant, I still listen to y doctor since he knows more than me.