Does taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid increase the chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage is common and can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. Studies have not been done to see if taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid can increase the chance of miscarriage.
Does taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid increase the chance of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a birth defect. This is called the background risk. Most studies have not found an increased chance of birth defects when amoxicillin and clavulanic acid are taken during the first trimester. However, there are very few studies available about this combination medication. There are more studies looking at the use of amoxicillin only during pregnancy. A few of these studies have shown a higher chance of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (an opening in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth that needs surgery to correct) when amoxicillin is taken during the first trimester. Other studies on amoxicillin use have not found a higher chance of cleft lip and/or palate. Overall, the chance of cleft lip and/or palate is expected to be low if an individual takes amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Does taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems?
Taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid is not expected to increase the chance of pregnancy-related problems such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth).
Studies have looked at pregnancy outcomes in individuals treated with antibiotics to help prevent infection following preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). PPROM is when the fluid-filled sac surrounding the fetus breaks open before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Some studies have suggested that using amoxicillin with clavulanic acid following PPROM increases the chance of a serious bacterial infection known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the newborn. NEC is a condition that can injure a baby’s intestines. Although the chance of NEC in the newborn is likely to be low with the use of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid following PPROM, other antibiotics might be preferred in these cases, if needed.
Does taking amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in pregnancy affect future behavior or learning for the child?
A study that followed hundreds of children up to age 11 years did not find that using amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in pregnancy causes learning or behavior problems in the child.
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