Antimicrobials During Pregnancy: Part 2 ­­ Cell Wall Synthesis Inhibitors

On average, with one in four women will be receiving antibiotics throughout their pregnancy. Pregnancy-related antibiotic exposure has been linked to both immediate and long-term consequences in the newborn child. Only 10% of drugs, according to estimates, have enough information available about their safe and efficient usage during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-related physiological changes result in increased cardiac output, a rise in total body volume, and an increase in glomerular filtration rate. Antibiotics may experience pharmacokinetic changes as a result of these modifications, necessitating dose modifications along with close observation and evaluation.

Hence, when prescribing any antimicrobial during pregnancy, care should be taken. The physicians should consider the mother's gestational age and weigh the danger of teratogenesis or other complications against the risk of not providing her with adequate treatment. 

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