The safety of metronidazole in pregnancy
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2021
Abstract
Medication use during pregnancy carries risks of teratogenicity, preterm birth, and spontaneous abortion. CDC's guidelines advocate for the use of metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in pregnant women. A literature review assessing the safety of metronidazole during pregnancy was conducted. Metronidazole was found to be effective in preventing preterm births when used in conjunction with other antibiotics. Its use did not predict birth defects or congenital abnormalities. It was however associated with a 70% increased risk of spontaneous abortion. This risk should be interpreted cautiously in light of the confounder which is the severity of genitourinary infection.
Publication Title
Health Care for Women International
Volume
42
Issue
4-6
First Page
726
Last Page
738
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1080/07399332.2021.1882462
ISSN
07399332
E-ISSN
10964665
Citation Information
Nwosu, O. C., & Bloom, K. (2021). The safety of metronidazole in pregnancy. Health care for women international, 42(4-6), 726–738. https://doi.org/10.1080/07399332.2021.1882462