Cipro During Pregnancy: Risks, Benefits & What to Consider

Question
I am 28 weeks pregnant and prone to UTI's. I see a urologist, and she has prescribed me with Cipro for the type of infection I have. (she said the bug I have is only sensitive to gentamycin and cipro) Well she consulted my OB-GYN and he okay'd it. I have done some research and am nervous about taking it. Its a pregnancy category C and apparently has fused bone/cartilage in fetus's of animals. I was wondering with all your experience and background if you ever looked after any pregnant patients on Cipro and if their babies turned out okay. Thanks for your help.  

Answer
Dear Christi,

I have not had direct personal experience with anyone specifically on Cipro - that I can recall. Which means that I either haven't had, or the mother/baby did not have any adverse reactions to it that would have made it stick out in my memory. I have, however, cared for moms who have required antibiotics in general during their pregnancy and most antibiotics have some type of "warning" regarding pregnancy.

Here's the deal... doctors will weigh medications on a case by case basis, depending upon how severe the condition is that is requiring the drug and what the potential adverse effects could be on the pregnancy if  the condition goes untreated. Your infection must be severe enough that they do not want to let it continue to go unchecked for the next 12 weeks (potentially). Having a raging infection of bladder or kidneys is not ideal for your pregnancy either and could cause other problems. Not only is it hard on your body (and uncomfortable to boot) kidney infections may cause early labor and a low birth weight baby.

You've now entered your 3rd trimester. Most of your baby's critical development has taken place. Doctors tend to be much more concerned about "non-approved" medications early in pregnancy when organ, neural, and skeletal development is more intense.

My thought is that your urologist and your OB have weighed the pros and cons of your particular situation and feel that this is the best option for you and your pregnancy.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. Please feel free to write again with any additional questions. I wish you a joyous remainder of your pregnancy and Christmas season!

Brenda