Pregnancy and Antibiotics

Antibiotics as medication can be useful and vital in certain circumstances, especially in therapy for asymptomatic bacterial infections to avoid rising infection, Maternal antibiotics administration (MAA) is among the widely used therapeutic approaches in pregnancy to avoid different infections during pregnancy. However, it is a scientifically proven fact that the irresponsible use of antibiotics could be deleterious for the health of the fetus and mother as well. Maternal microbiota may be altered during pregnancy due to exposure to antibiotics, which also affects the microbiota of babies. Some experimental evidence reveals gestational complications, including miscarriages, premature birth, neurodevelopment disorders, immune disorders, and much more when babies are exposed to antibiotics before and after birth. Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance, and newborns are at high risk as their immune systems are still under development, so infections and the acquisition of resistance during childhood have long-term and short-term consequences for health. To overcome the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from mother through fetus, a sensible use of antibiotics is necessary. Additionally, the healthcare providers should be mindful of the potential of antibiotics to cause resistance, duration of treatment and patient’s time of gestation leading to a balanced administration of antibiotics. The common infection causing bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern, as well as their safety for the mother and fetus, must be established for the efficient treatment of infections during pregnancy. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the significance of the balanced use of antibiotics weighing all possible outcomes by healthcare professionals