Women who are 6 to 24 weeks pregnant are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, UTIs, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Painful symptoms such as burning urination, bloody urine and abdominal cramps are caused by bacterial invasion of the lining of the bladder. Women can safely take certain antibiotics during pregnancy to treat urinary tract infections.
Ampicillin
Ampicillin is still the drug of choice for treating UTIs during pregnancy if sensitivities show that it is effective against the identifified pathogen. E. coli, a common pathogen that causes urinary tract infections, has developed resistance to ampicillin. Twenty to 30 percent of urinary tract infections caused by E. coli are resistant to ampicillin and that is why it is important to run sensitivities on a positive urine culture. Ampicillin is a penicillin and should not be taken by those who are allergic to penicillin. Patients identified with anaphylaxis to cephalosporins may also be sensitive to ampicillin as there is a known cross sensitivity. C. difficile colitis which causes a inflammation of the colon with subsequent copious diarrhea is a known side effect of ampicillin. Patients experiencing this side effect should report it to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. To ensure eradication of the pathogen, ampicillin should be taken for 7 to 10 days.
Nitrofurantoin
Nitrofurantoin has been used for many years to treat urinary tract infections in pregnancy. This medication is effective because it achieves a high concentration of bactericidal action in the bladder directly killing pathogens. Nitrofurantoin's specific indication is for treatment of urinary tract infections, according to Drugs.com. Women who near term or in labor should avoid nitrofurantoin as it can cause a certain type of anemia in the newborn. Nitrofurantoin can cause the newborn's red blood cells to be deformed and unable to carry oxygen, a serious condition. Diarrhea is the most common side effect of nitrofurantoin. Bacteria causing urinary tract infections will require 7 to 10 days of treatment with nitrofurantoin.
Cephalosporins
A well-tolerated class of antibiotics during pregnancy is the cephalosporins. This class of antibiotics has been developed over the years and each cohort of development is referred to as a generation. There are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and now 4th generation cephalosporins. Each generation represents an increase in bacterial coverage. Specific studies of cephalosporins during pregnancy have not been done, but there have been no reports of increased birth defects with their use. The use of cefoxitin has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage in rabbits according to Drug.com.
