Antibiotics

Treating infections during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Disclaimer: This page houses important information and resources pertaining to the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, including links to our evidence-based Fact Sheets. However, the resources here should not replace the care and advice of a medical professional.

From strep throat to pneumonia, a urinary tract infection to a sinus infection, an infected cut to certain sexually transmitted infections, there are many reasons why you might need to take an antibiotic over the course of your life. But if it happens when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you might have questions about whether or how an antibiotic medication that you need to take could affect your baby.

“Approximately one in four women will be prescribed an antibiotic during pregnancy, accounting for nearly 80% of prescription medications in pregnant women.”

— Bookstaver et al. Pharmacotherapy. 2015 Nov;35 (11): 1052-62

 Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections, like those described above; they are not used to treat viral infections (like influenza or the common cold) or fungal infections (like a yeast infection). The antibiotic your healthcare provider prescribes will depend on the type of bacterial infection you have.

Most antibiotics have not been found to negatively affect pregnancy or a developing baby, though some are generally avoided during pregnancy. Importantly, if you are taking a course of antibiotics when you discover that you are pregnant, do NOT stop taking the antibiotic without first discussing it with your healthcare provider. Many untreated infections are associated with significant pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriage; thus, adequately treating your infection is important for both your health and the health of your baby. In addition, stopping a course of antibiotics mid-treatment increases the chance that the bacteria will develop resistance to antibiotic medications. Always talk to your healthcare provider before you stop taking any prescribed medications.

Reference: APIC: Infection Prevention and You

Many commonly prescribed antibiotics – though not all of them – are compatible with breastfeeding. Studies conducted with breastfeeding women who are taking antibiotics have found that small amounts of the medication can be found in breast milk. However, these amounts are much lower than the dose the mom is taking and are generally thought to not be harmful to the infant’s health. Breastfed infants of moms who are taking antibiotics should be monitored for symptoms such as diarrhea, thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth), and diaper rash. If you are a breastfeeding parent with an infection that requires antibiotic treatment, make sure your healthcare provider knows you are currently breastfeeding so they can choose a medication that will both treat your infection and maximize your baby’s well-being. 

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about taking antibiotics during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Our experts are also available by phone, text, email, and chat to answer any questions you may have. You can also visit our library of resources below.

External Resources

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention: About Antimicrobial Resistance
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Antibiotic Prescribing and Use
• National Library of Medicine: Antibiotics
• World Health Organization: Antimicrobial Resistance

Partners

• Patient Education Genius
• Society for Birth Defects Research & Prevention
• Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine