Antibiotics During Early Pregnancy: Risks and What to Know

Question
Hi there.

I just found out yesterday (March 5) that I am pregnant for the 2nd time. My first is now 5 years old. I have been trying to have another baby since 2008 and finally my prayers were answered by Him.

However, I have worries over this pregnancy because I took antibiotics early on:

Here are the details of my case:
November 18 to 28 - Menstruation (Nov 18-21 were very light)
December 17 to 29 - Menstruation (Dec 17-21 were very light)
January 16 to 26 - Menstruation (Jan 16 to 21 were very light)

Jan 27 - had a transvaginal ultrasound, found liquid in my endometrium

Jan 30 to 31 - had fever

February 1 to 4 - was admitted to the hospital due to PID (cbc, urinalysis were normal/ pregnancy test was negative)/ took 2 kinds of IV antibiotics, one was metrodinazole

Feb 5 - took Flagyl and co-amoxiclav orally

Feb 6 - stopped taking flagyl and co-amoxiclav

Feb 7 - resumed co-amox only

Feb 8 - changed flagyl to ciprofloxacin, continued co-amox in the next 5 days

Feb 16 - last day I took ciprofloxacin

February - missed period

March 5 - tested positive pregnancy thru home kit and confirmed by an OB

Im due for ultrasound in the next 2 weeks.

now, what worries me is if the date of conception overlaps the dates that I took those antibiotics. Im afraid that it might have an effect on my baby.

Hope you can help me.

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Jehn,

ok, here's the thing... it is SO difficult to try and determine when you would have conceived based on LMP dates because of all of the activities going on during the time. Physical illnesses, fevers, medications, stress - those things can all affect the menstrual cycle. So, what would have normally been your typical fertile window after the January period, or when we would have calculated that your body would have typically ovulated may be really off due to the other physical demands your body was under at the time. The very best determination of gestational age will be this first ultrasound. Ultrasounds automatically calculate for LMP in their dating - meaning a 40 week term of pregnancy, conception assumed to have taken place approximately 2 weeks after the LMP. (It's confusing, I know!) It may be easier to ask your OB doctor when he estimates your date of conception after the ultrasound or write me back after you get the ultrasound dating. :)

Also, I did want to note that there is a fairly common theory amongst health care providers called the "all-or-nothing phenomenon". Essentially this refers to a window of time in the first 2-3 weeks after conception when there is none of the crucial fetal development going on. During this window, if the new fetus is exposed to anything which will prove to be "defective", the strong likelihood is that it will spontaneously abort. However, in most cases, this window allows for great latitude. My personal suspicion is it was a nature-made, divine protection since most women will not know they are pregnant for at least 2-3 weeks after conception has occurred.

I hope that this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda