Antibiotics & Pregnancy

Question 1

What are Antibiotics?

Answer 1

Antibiotics are medicines used to kill or stop the growth of microbial life in the body
Treat a known infection or suspected infection

Question 2

Indications for antibiotics

Answer 2

Antibiotics can be used to treat (or prevent) a wide range of bacterial infections
Sepsis is an example of a serious infection with high mortality → must be treated promptly. Poor communication can cause death
A sore throat is an example of a less serious infection where antibiotics are only needed in high-risk

Question 3

When used in pregnancy

Answer 3

Antibiotics are prescribed during pregnancy and the PN period to treat bacterial infections, e.g:

UTIs:very common in pregnancy
Chorioamnionitis: when the membranes of the sac becomes infected
Throat infections
Women with a positive (high vaginal swab) HVS result
Treatment of STIs (sexually-transmissible infections)
Group B Streptococcus – prophylaxis and/or treatment
Pre-LSCS (or intra-operative)
Post-LSCS: wounds may get infected
Wound infections (LSCS, perineal)

Question 4

antimicrobial agent

Answer 4

An antimicrobial is an agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial medicines can be grouped according to the microorganisms they act primarily against.
E.g. antibiotics are used against bacteria and antifungals are used against fungi
They have varying degrees of toxicity to humans i.e. disinfectant such as chlorine is a antimicrobial agent but is toxic to humans

Question 5

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Answer 5

Taking care of antibiotics to ensure we use them correctly so that they remain active for future generations

Question 6

What are the different Antimicrobials?

Answer 6

Antibiotics - against bacteria
Antivirus - against virus
Antiparastics agents - against parasites
Antifungals - against fungals

Question 7

What are the different spectrums

Answer 7

Broad spectrum- effective against a wide range of bacteria

Narrow spectrum- effective against fewer bacteria

In case of any emergency give women a broad spectrum of antibiotics and then make a full examination and swabs then we can prescribe narrow spectrum antibiotics

Question 8

Prophylactic treatment

Answer 8

Prevent infection developing during or following a medical or surgical procedure
Prevent infection developing in circumstances when it is likely that host defences are compromised

Question 9

Cautions

Answer 9

All antimicrobial agents cross the placenta
Therefore potential adverse effects are not limited to the mother but extend to the fetus as well.
Limited data regarding the safety of most antimicrobial agents during pregnant. However, it’s a necessity in all cases

Question 10

Which two antibiotics treat Gram positive infections?

Answer 10

Flucloxacillin

Erythromycin