Antibiotics in Labor
What are Antibiotics?
Antibiotics are agents designed to fight off bacteria that may be causing infection. It is hoped that by administering antibiotics to the mother, the infection can be prevented from spreading to the baby. During labor they are administered through an IV.
Why choose Antibiotics?
Antibiotics can help to kill off bacteria that cause fever during labor. By eliminating the bacteria, the risk of spreading the infection to the baby is reduced.
In mothers who have Group B Strep, antibiotics in labor are effective at reducing the risk that the infection will be passed onto the baby.
Risks of using Antibiotics
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Labor may not last long enough for antibiotics to be effective at preventing the spread of infection.
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Antibiotics generally require the mother to be connected to an IV which can reduce mobility.
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Henci Goer reports that the risk to the baby of contracting Group B Strep does not increase until the bag of waters has been broken for 18 hours.
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Prophylactic antibiotics may contribute to producing antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.
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In a report from the August 2000 issue of Pediatrics, researchers concluded that "Exposure to antibiotics during labor did not change the clinical spectrum of disease or the onset of clinical signs of infection within 24 hours of birth for term infants with early onset Group B strep infection."
Other Options to Consider
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Repeat the Group B Strep test later in pregnancy to see if it cleared up.
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Try oral antibiotics in pregnancy to see if they can clear the infection.
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Because Group B Strep is a normal digestive flora, some experts feel it can be controlled with proper diet.
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Avoid using an epidural. Epidurals have been shown to cause a fever in labor which would need to be treated as an infection.
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Vaginal Exams increase the risk for developing an infection. Try to limit the number of vaginal exams done in labor.
What would you like next?Understand what changes are being assessed during a cervical exam. Find local resources in the The Natural Childbirth Directory. Learn about comfort measures to help you manage labor. Discover ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy. Explore how exercise and nutrition can help you achieve your birth plan goals. |
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