Commonly Prescribed Drug Linked to Significant Risk of Birth Defects, Warn Scientists

Commonly prescribed drug linked to significant risk of birth defects, warn scientists

A commonly prescribed antibiotic for urinary tract infections during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of birth defects when taken in the first trimester, according to new research by American scientists.The study found that trimethoprim, which is prescribed approximately 130,000 times monthly in England, was associated with 26.9 malformations per 1,000 infants.This represents roughly one additional baby with congenital anomalies for ev…

expert reaction to cohort study looking at the use of antibiotics to treat UTIs in the first trimester and risk of birth defects

A cohort study published in JAMA Network Open looks at antibiotic use for UTIs during pregnancy (first trimester) and the risk of birth defects.    Dr Caroline Ovadia, Clinical Senior Lecturer & Honorary Consultant Obstetrician, University of Edinburgh, said: “Antibiotic usage is common in pregnancy, and untreated urinary tract infections are thought to be associated with increased risks of pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth. Previou…