Trimethoprim taken in the first Trimester...

[DebbieN]

Hi everyone,

I am in a complete panic as I was given Trimethoprim for a urinary tract infection and took 200 mg for 3 days. I was also given Fluconazole for a yeast infection caused by the antibiotics. I found out a week later that I was pregnant.

I have been back to the doctor "to put my mind at rest". He has told me that neither are advised in pregnancy as Trimethoprim can lead to neural tube damage ie Spina Bifida and Fluconazole can cause multiple defects.

I have of course been driving myself mad on the internet just trying to find out how much risk there is. I am not so worried about the Fluconazole as the general feeling seems to be that the dosage I took is not considered dangerous. However the Trimethoprim has me absolutely terrified. It seems the first month is the most dangerous as it blocks the folic acid and in the first month the really important cells are forming that will eventually be the baby. How much damage could that 3 days have done?

I came across an old thread on this website from a lady who had exactly the same problem / concerns but she never posted to say how things turned out. I am just hoping that someone reading this might know or has come across this before as I have been told the docs wont know for sure until my 20 week scan which basically means 4 months of absolute misery for myself and my husband.

Thank you all

 

[cosmicgirl]

The neural tube tends to form 4 weeks after fertilisation. You took the antibiotics well before this time. Relax, take your fo;lic acid. You took a small dose, you'll more than likely be fine. Please dont let worry spoil your happiness. xx

 

[cosmicgirl]

This might put your mind at rest -

• Trimethoprim can be used during pregnancy (although it should not be used first-line when other alternatives are available — for example, amoxicillin, if the bacterial sensitivity is known).
  • For information on treating asymptomatic and symptomatic urinary tract infection in pregnancy,
• If trimethoprim is recommended for use during the first trimester:
• • Ensure the woman is taking a folic acid supplement.
  • For most women, prescribe folic acid 400 microgram daily.
  • Consider a higher dose (5 mg daily) if the woman is at high risk of neural tube defects (for further information, see the section on Advice on folic acid in the CKS topic on Pre-conception - advice and management).

 

[DebbieN]

Thanks for the quick answers especially the bit about the neural tube which I have not found when searching. I do wish I had been taking folic acid though - kicking myself now. Just didnt think I would get pregnant (we have being trying for a long while and were about visit a consultant to discuss other options!). But I did start taking it straight away once i found out so hopefully that has replaced what was used up by the antibiotics...

Thanks again I really appreciate it xxx

 

[cosmicgirl]

I'm sure your lo would be fine x

 

[dyscochick]

I'm sure it's all going to be fine hun xxxx

 

[Nicnax]

Donlt panic- I was on antibiotics for a chest infection/ tonsillitis & sinus infection when I conceived, & my doctor wasn't at all concerned (I was that poorly, I am amazed that I managed to conceive, to be honest!).

From what I read, a UTI can be worse for a pregnancy if left untreated, so treating would have been the right thing to do, regardless.

 

[DebbieN]

Yeah I think its the type of anti-biotic that was a problem. I took Augmentin first which is absolutely fine but then they switched to this one when it wasnt working as well as it should. Still on the plus side it was only a partial course of 3 days because of the other anti-biotic i took - thank god they didnt prescribe this one first off or it could have been 7 days!

Thanks for your answer though. I guess it is going to just have to be a waiting game until week 20 x

 

[Shimaa.halima]

Hello Debbien,
I am having the same problem now, you probably gave birth by now, can you tell me how's your baby? How did he turn out? Please let me know cause i'm in doubt. Thanks

 

[BrandnewMrs]

Don't panic Hun. Lots of women are unable to take folic acid in first trimester anyway as well as others who don't even realise they are pregnant.. Best to not read up on the Internet and just try and relax as much as poss. I am sure it will all be fine xxx

 

[Shimaa.halima]

Thanks. But i won't rest until i hear from someone who's taken it and had a fine baby. I don't want to live in worry for 9 months .

 

[Reindeer1]

Hi DebbieN and Shimaa.halima,
I found myself in the same situation as you, so pretty worried atm. Since it's been a while since your posts I wondered how you got on?
thanks

 

[Reindeer1]

I know it's an old thread but I thought I'd post a quick update since I taking these meds caused a lot of worrying for me. My doctor told me that following new studies short courses of Trimethoprim can now be prescribed in pregnancy. I took it very early on, the first 2-3 weeks. I'm now 27 weeks and everything seems to be going ok. I thought this may be helpful for some ladies experiencing similar anxieties. x

 

[tootie]

I think it's very kind of you to take the time to come on and update everyone reindeer. Thank you xx