Antibiotics in pregnancy.

Because it is known that antibiotics given to the mother may reach and affect the fetus, when prescribing antibiotics during pregnancy, one must take into consideration both maternal and fetal well-being. Therapy should be directed toward the maternal disease but also be safe for the fetus. The volume of distribution is increased during pregnancy, and dosages may need to be adjusted to accommodate this change. Because it is difficult to monitor the toxicity in the fetus, the physician must make careful choices when prescribing antibiotic treatment for the pregnant patient.