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Antibiotics in pregnancy for chest infection

10 replies

jasperc163 · 20/11/2008 09:49

I am 20 weeks and have had a lingering chest infection (with low level temp) for 2-3 weeks. Finally gave in and took the amoxycillin given to me 4 days ago (I wasnt keen as don't like to take them anyway and then there is the issue re possible link with allergies in baby) .

Anyway the amoxycillin doesnt appear to be working (felt a bit better on days 2-3 but worse again this morning) and i am gutted as I assume it means it isnt working and i will have to take yet more of a different kind!

can't decide whether to go back to doctor (cant see the good one that i can have a sensible converstation with til monday so would have to be one of the others at the surgery) and accept whatever else they give me or try to see if this will shift on its own (problem is i am going away for long weekend next weekend and planes always make everything worse don't they).

Advice please - really cant believe i might have to take 2 courses of the stuff :-(

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Mercy · 20/11/2008 10:09

Afaik anti-biotics should start 'working' after a couple of days so if you are feeling worse on day 4 - and you are going away- perhaps you should see the doctor.

Don't worry about taking medication. I had a chest infection at 21 weeks and was in hospital for a few days. I was given loads of medication (including anti-b's and steroids)

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Deaconwood · 20/11/2008 12:02

I have a tooth abcess and was prescribed five days of amoxycillin on Monday - still no relief, so I have just been to the GP who has given me a second course of co-amoxiclav. I wish I didn't have to take them, but apparently there are no risks. Ditto the maximum daily doses of paracetamol - although I still feel so guilty. However, the alternative is no end to the hideous pain and an even worse infection...

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Tinasan · 20/11/2008 12:09

Go to the GP before it gets any worse. I ended up in hospital for 3 days when I was 22 weeeks this time around (I'm now 28 weeks), needed 3 different kinds of strong antibiotics plus steroids and was on oxygen for a while. If I'd been sensible and gone to the doctor earlier it could all have been avoided. Come on - they only give you antibiotics that are safe and they really won't do your baby any harm. You will risk doing it harm though if you allow yourself to become seriously ill (luckily my baby seems to be fine). It's one lesson that I have definitely learned with this pregnancy!

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jasperc163 · 20/11/2008 13:11

thanks all. I will probably try to go back tomorrow. Then it will be four and a bit days so at least they wont be able to say that the amoxycillin might still work.
I just hate taking all these pills (incl all this paracetamol)

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babylove123 · 20/11/2008 15:11

Hi,

Try asking for clarythromycin. I'm allegic to penicillin and therefore have to have a diff type. This one always works on my chest infections (v prone to them) and i've taken them whilst pregnant.

Can take a few days to kick in though so have a word with your docs

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FlirtyThirty · 20/11/2008 15:34

I had a few spoons of beylin last night after realising that my chesty cough was not getting any better and sleep-deprivation was getting to me and DH! Was the best decision I made. Definitely get someonething to clear up your infection before it gets worse. You need to be healthy for your baby.

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jasperc163 · 21/11/2008 12:39

Well went to the doctor this morning (not my usual one). Temp not as bad as yesterday and so he didnt seem that worried and said chest not sounding too bad. So got to carry on with amoxycillin and see how i am next week !
Its never ending :-(

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jasperc163 · 10/12/2008 18:14

Back again - still bad - went back to doctor again yesterday who said she thought i was just getting one virus after anoter and not chest infection. However today my chest is awful again so i am going to try and go back tomorrow :-(

She implied that amoxycillin is the preferred option in pregnancy but obviously i am reluctant to take it again as I dont think it worked in the first place. Can anyone tell me if you have taken any others?

I cant believe a continuous chest problem for 5 weeks can be a virus?

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beeny · 10/12/2008 21:42

I am 22 weeks pregnant sound like you have had 2 chest infections and had to take antibiotics.I made them do a blood count my iron was very low am now on pregaday twice a day.

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jasperc163 · 11/12/2008 10:59

Thanks - been back again this morning and been given an alternative to amoxycillin as she agreed it didnt look like it had worked. Hate taking all these pills but can't go on like this :-(
Fingers crossed