{"id":627790,"date":"2024-05-06T09:30:46","date_gmt":"2024-05-06T13:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627790"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:58:38","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:58:38","slug":"metronidazole-in-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/metronidazole-in-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to take metronidazole during pregnancy?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Metronidazole<\/span><\/a>, sold under brand names including Flagyl and Metrosa, is an antibiotic used to treat infectious diseases of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, skin, and other parts of the body. It’s FDA approved to <\/span>treat parasitic infections<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>sexually transmitted diseases<\/span><\/a> such as trichomoniasis (<\/span>Trichomonas vaginalis<\/span><\/i>), and it’s one of the medications <\/span>recommended for the treatment<\/span><\/a> of <\/span>bacterial vaginosis (BV)<\/span><\/a>—a vaginal infection that is common during pregnancy. Most of the current available studies indicate that metronidazole is unlikely to cause harm to a fetus during pregnancy or increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Read on to learn more about the safety of metronidazole use in pregnancy, its potential risks, and alternatives for treating infections during pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take metronidazole while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

“Metronidazole is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters; however, it’s vital to use it only when necessary and under the guidance of your doctor,” says <\/span>Ila Dayananda<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified OB-GYN and Chief Medical Officer at <\/span>Oula<\/span><\/a> maternity care.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most available studies <\/span>suggest a low risk<\/span><\/a> of preterm birth, teratogenicity, <\/span>congenital disabilities<\/span><\/a>, or fetal malformations when taking metronidazole during pregnancy. However, it is important to note that the research is animal-based. No adequate, well-controlled studies have been conducted on pregnant women. This is why metronidazole is <\/span>classified as<\/span><\/a> an FDA Pregnancy Category B drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The benefits of treating some infections with metronidazole usually outweigh the potential risks to the developing fetus,” Dr. Dayananda says. Infections like bacterial vaginosis are common during pregnancy, and it’s important to get the right treatment because leaving such infections untreated can sometimes “increase the risk of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and potentially serious infections in the uterus or newborn,” Dr. Dayananda adds.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the risks of taking metronidazole while pregnant?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the <\/span>U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),<\/span><\/a> metronidazole may be prescribed to pregnant women who will clearly benefit from it; however, its benefits should be weighed against potential risks. For example, one <\/span>2007 study<\/span><\/a> found that metronidazole was associated with a greater risk of preterm delivery in high-risk individuals when taken during the second trimester (4th–6th month of pregnancy). <\/span><\/p>\n

“The risk of birth defects or miscarriage with metronidazole use during pregnancy is generally considered to be relatively low, especially when used as prescribed,” Dr. Dayananda points out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metronidazole comes in various forms, <\/span>including<\/span><\/a>: <\/span><\/p>\n