Antibiotics to treat and prevent infection during preterm labor
Content provided by Healthwise
Antibiotics to treat and prevent infection during preterm labor
Treatment with antibiotics
Types of infections that can cause pregnancy problems include syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, group B strep, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia.
Infections during pregnancy are treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used to treat the infection depends on which bacteria are causing the infection. Antibiotics commonly used during pregnancy include erythromycin, clindamycin, ampicillin, gentamycin, and metronidazole.
Antibiotics do not always clear up uterine infection or prevent preterm labor.1 If a mother's uterus has become infected and her fetus is mature enough, her doctor or nurse-midwife might not attempt to delay the birth.
Prevention with antibiotics after preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM)
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) is the rupture of the amniotic sac before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. A recent review of research demonstrates that antibiotics, when given to women with pPROM, can:2
- Increase time from pPROM to delivery.
- Decrease the risk of infection in the vagina and uterus.
- Decrease the risk of fetal infection.
Prevention with antibiotics with intact membranes
Antibiotics are not a recommended treatment for women in preterm labor whose amniotic sac has not ruptured (intact membranes). A recent large study suggests that this treatment does not delay premature birth.3 However, some women do receive antibiotics for group B strep prevention or treatment.
References
Citations
Goldenberg RL, et al. (2000). Intrauterine infection and preterm delivery. New England Journal of Medicine, 342(20): 1500–1507.
Haas DM (2005). Preterm birth, search date June 2005. Online version of Clinical Evidence (14): 1–20.
Kenyon S, et al. (2001). Broad-spectrum antibiotics for spontaneous preterm labour: The ORACLE II randomised trial. Lancet, 357(9261): 989–994.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology |
| Last Updated | January 19, 2007 |
| Last updated: | January 19, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
