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  |  Pregnancy  |  3rd Trimester  |  Antibiotics and pregnancy
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Antibiotics and pregnancy

by Christine Hill

question
I have been suffering a persistent cough for the past three and a half weeks. I finally gave in and started a course of antibiotics, but didn't improve so the dose was doubled to 2,000mg a day, and Erythromycin (1,000mg per day) was added. I am 33 weeks pregnant with my third child and both my previous children were born at 37 weeks. I'm still coughing and wheezing and have only three days left of the tablets. If I continue like this I'm going to find breathing during labour very difficult. What can I do?

answer
Wait until you have finished your present course of antibiotics - you say you still have three days to go. If you are still coughing and wheezing when you have finished them, go back to your GP. I am sure he or she will be able to get you well again within the next three weeks. It's a question of finding the right antibiotics, and your doctor sounds as concerned as you are.

Meanwhile, although I realise you have two other children, try very hard to make sure you go to bed for an afternoon rest. It sounds as though you (and the baby you are carrying) really need to prioritise this. Remember also that if you are still not well when you go into labour, you could think about having an early epidural, which would take the pressure off your breathing.

There is also the possibility that you have asthma, so perhaps you should raise this with your GP. If so, the anti-asthma measures during labour are pretty straightforward.

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