5 Because women must use antibiotics during childbirth

Antibiotics are used to help the body fight infection. Doctors usually warn women to avoid taking antibiotics while pregnant, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, in some cases, antibiotics actually play an important role in the delivery process to overcome certain health problems. So, what conditions make women need antibiotics during childbirth?

Who needs antibiotics during childbirth?

Here are some conditions that make you need antibiotics during childbirth:

1. Group B Strep (GBS)

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women take a Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test when they enter 35 to 37 weeks of gestation. GBS itself is a type of bacteria that is often found in the vagina and rectum in healthy women.

Through the GBS test, the doctor will see if you have the potential to carry group B streptococcal bacteria which can be transmitted to the baby during delivery. If you are positive for the bacteria, the doctor will give you antibiotics (usually penicillin) during labor through an IV. If you are allergic to penicillin antibiotics, your doctor may give you several other antibiotics that can help during labor.

Although GBS is generally harmless in healthy adults, it can cause miscarriage and serious infections in babies. Taking antibiotics before delivery will not protect your baby because the bacteria will quickly grow back. So, health workers recommend giving birth mothers to take this antibiotic when the birth process is already underway, not before.

2. Caesarean section

In a caesarean section, the doctor may give you antibiotics. Because a C-section involves surgery, the risk of infection increases. Well, antibiotics are given to prevent infection.

In addition, there may also be other reasons that you need antibiotics during childbirth. Please discuss with your doctor for more information.

3. Preterm labor

Uterine infections and vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) infection can cause preterm birth. Infections that occur in other parts of the body can also trigger premature birth. Starting from infection of the kidneys, pneumonia, appendicitis, to infection of the urinary tract. Likewise with common infections accompanied by high fever (more than 38 degrees Celsius) in pregnant women.

Well, because of this fact, doctors usually use antibiotics to delay labor or at least help reduce the risk of infection. Even if labor cannot be delayed, antibiotics can help reduce the risk of infection.

4. The water breaks over a period of time

Usually antibiotics are given 18 hours after the rupture of the membranes. Either because the membranes rupture too early or are deliberately broken to induce labor or speed up labor.

This is done to prevent uterine infection or charioamnionitis (infection of the amniotic sac) if your GBS status is unknown. Sooner or later antibiotics are given depending on the protocol of the hospital or the doctor who treats you.

5. Have a fever during childbirth

If you have a fever during labor, your doctor may give you antibiotics. This antibiotic is even given before the doctor knows the cause of the fever you are experiencing. This is done to prevent the transmission of any bacteria you may have to the baby.