From the Guidelines
Amoxicillin is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is not known to affect fetal movement. If you're prescribed amoxicillin during pregnancy, you can continue taking it as directed by your healthcare provider without concern about it reducing or altering your baby's movements. Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics and has been extensively studied in pregnant women with no evidence of harm to the developing fetus 1. Normal fetal movement is an important indicator of fetal well-being, and you should continue to monitor your baby's movements as recommended by your healthcare provider (typically counting kicks or movements daily in the third trimester). Some key points to consider when taking amoxicillin during pregnancy include:
- The potential risk of oral clefts associated with exposure to amoxicillin during organogenesis is very low 1
- Amoxicillin+clavulanic acid is not recommended in women at risk of pre-term delivery due to the very low risk of necrotising enterocolitis in the fetus 1
- It is essential to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movement while taking amoxicillin or any medication, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as reduced movement may indicate a problem unrelated to the antibiotic 1. This concern would warrant prompt medical evaluation regardless of medication use.
From the Research
Effect of Amoxicillin on Fetal Movement
There is limited research directly addressing the effect of Amoxicillin on fetal movement. However, studies have investigated the impact of Amoxicillin on pregnancy and fetal development:
- A systematic review 2 found that Amoxicillin use in pregnancy may be related to some anomalies, including cleft palate, although no major congenital anomaly was reported.
- An animal study 3 showed that prenatal Amoxicillin exposure inhibited the physical development and reduced the survival rate of fetuses, especially during mid-pregnancy.
- Another study 4 suggested that maternal exposure to antibiotics during pregnancy, including Amoxicillin, may be associated with increased risks of various diseases in offspring, possibly due to antibiotic-induced perturbations of the maternal microbiome.
Considerations for Amoxicillin Use in Pregnancy
When prescribing Amoxicillin during pregnancy, it is essential to consider both maternal and fetal well-being 5. The volume of distribution is increased during pregnancy, and dosages may need to be adjusted to accommodate this change. Additionally, Amoxicillin should be administered with caution during pregnancy until more evidence is provided regarding its safety 2.
General Safety of Antibiotics in Pregnancy
Most antibiotics, including Amoxicillin, can be used with relative safety during pregnancy, although some may have fetal effects 6. It is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks of antibiotic use in pregnancy and to make careful choices when prescribing treatment for pregnant patients 5.