AboutTandi Expertise I can answer questions about ovulation, conception, luteal phase problems, infertility, early pregnancy, miscarriage, fertility medications, 1st trimester pregnancy issues, and most other fertility issues. I can also answer questions about premature birth and micro-premature babies. I cannot answer questions about birth control or elective abortions. My knowledge is also limited in regards to other medical conditions, so I may or may not be able to answer questions on how they relate to fertility. Also, I am only familiar with fertility medications used in the United States, so I may not be able to answer your questions about foreign medications.
Experience I am an RN who has worked extensively with neonates in the NICU as well as fertility treatments and miscarriage.
Education/Credentials I received my nursing degree in 2003 from New Mexico State University.
Expert: Tandi Date: 6/10/2008 Subject: Medication during First Trimester
Question I am in my first trimester and came to know that I am pregnant only few days back. I assume the conception date is around May 1st, 2008. Without knowing that I am pregnant, I took the following medicines due to my high fever & cough during 3rd week of pregnancy.
May 14: Started course on Antibiotics named MOX-500mg (I assume my baby is in 3rd week during this time). The course was completed in 5 or 6 days
May 15 & 16: Took total of 4 tablets of Prednisolone. Didnt complete the course (I assume my baby is in 3rd week during this time).
Will this have any adverse affects on my baby? I read somewhere that prednisolone taken during first trimester may cause cleft lip or palate. Is this true? I am in deep agony and I really wish that my baby is safe throughout my pregnancy period. Please help to clear my doubts.
Answer Lakshmi,
First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy. As far as your concerns, Mox-500 is a Amoxycillin Trihydrate and considered a pregnancy risk category B. It is a commonly prescribed antibiotic during pregnancy.
As for the Prednisolone, it is a risk category C, but studies are inconclusive on the actual risk. Most studies do state that the effects of increased abnormalities is actually due to prolonged use of prednisone during pregnancy. Some docs will actual continue to prescribe the drug during pregnancy based on these facts: There are a number of studies that review the use of prednisone during pregnancy and effects on the fetus. The fetus appears to be protected by at least three mechanisms: 1) enzymes in the placenta degrade the drug to an inactive form, 2) prednisone in maternal circulation is bound to a large protein making it harder to cross the placenta and 3) fetal liver is not able to activate prednisone until the end of the second trimester.
An ultrasound in a few weeks will be able to see if there is any evidence of cleft lip/palate. However, the risk with taking only 4 pills is minimal at most.
