Newbie/lurker- Medication question

Ruffles&Feathers

Hello everyone!  I was hoping that you would be able to help me with a question!

 I went to my doctor yesterday (I am 13 1/2 weeks pregnant) and she diagnosed me with bacterial vaginosis.  She prescribed Flagyl (Metronidazole) and she didn't say anything or give me any warnings about this drug.  I filled the prescription and read the insert and it clearly states that this medication should not be taken in the first trimester or during breastfeeding.  After doing some research online I have found that there are studies linking this drug to birth defects if taken in the first trimester. 

 Obviously I am in my second trimester but I just entered and am extremely nervous to take this medication.  I called the doctor and spoke with a nurse who told me there was nothing wrong with this medication and that they prescribe it even in the first trimester.  But told me it was ultimately up to me.  Later I decided to call back to see if I could talk to my doctor about it.  When she called me back the only thing I received was a lecture about not calling her for silly "easy" questions. 

 Has anyone been prescribed this and taken it?  Or not taken it?  Any personal experiences or information from your doctor? 

 I am just concerned because I am right on the cusp of first and second trimester. 

 Thanks so much for any help or advice!!

Lizabeth_Roberts

I took it. My little boy is fine! I think you are safe, even though it is nerve wracking taking meds at all during pregnancy!

bloverly

If your OB prescribed it for you, then I would think that it is fine to take. There are many things that 'could' harm the baby, but there is no sure-fire way to know. Most docs go with the idea that if you have an infection, especially the kind you have, the damage of NOT treating it far outweighs the possible risks of treating it. From what it sounds like you have a vaginal bacterial infection with is more dangerous to your baby than the medication could ever be IMO. Here I believe the benefits of treating the problem outweigh the risks associated with the meds. I'm no doctor though.

0danielle0

I don't know much about that med, but I can relate to your concern. My dr said I had a mild UTI around 10 weeks, but I chose not to take antibiotics/got rid of it with homeopathic remedies. Unfortunately, I think BV is a little tougher to treat naturally. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

BeckyTheEngineer

I don't know about that specific med, but I'm also taking 2 that are "not recommended" for pregnant women.  The reason is that in extremely high doses (about 80x what I would take) some pregnant lab rats have problems.  Medication studies are notoriously less researched on pregnant women because it would be so hard to get women to volunteer to test out stuff like that.

Your OB knows the reason behind the risk, and I'm assuming that she judged the benefit to outweigh the risk.

LibbyElle

I would be concerned too, but like the above posters said, it's probably fine if she prescribed it.

However, I would NOT be happy if my OB lectured me for asking "silly questions." Wow! Your question is far from silly, considering that you are worried for the health of your unborn child and the medication insert clearly warned against taking the medication. That was kind of rude of her.

npaulsell

I will admit that I didn't read your whole post. Just keep in mind that the Dr looks to see if the risks of bacterial vaginosis outway the risk of taking the medication. S/he obviously thought it was the best choice for you.

Soon_2B_MrsM

first of all I am appauled that you OB did not want you calling her for "easy" questions, my OB asked me to call about any and everything.

I think that you should be ok taking the flagyl though

Ruffles&Feathers

Thank you to all that responded!  I really appreciate it! 

I guess I will end up taking the medication.  I don't want the infection to spread or get worse. 

I am also considering changing doctors.  There have also been other issues with the office. 

Thanks again!

Chickpea2010

Ruffles&Feathers:

Thank you to all that responded!  I really appreciate it! 

I guess I will end up taking the medication.  I don't want the infection to spread or get worse. 

I am also considering changing doctors.  There have also been other issues with the office. 

Thanks again!

Good - I am a total nervous nellie when it comes to pregnancy and my experience would be totally different if I felt shamed for calling about something I was really concerned about! My nurses aren't always 100% helpful, but at least they're not rude...they always tell me there's no such thing as a stupid question Good luck!

Ruffles&Feathers

The more that I think about it, the more I am convinced that I am going to find a new doctor.  I don't ever want to feel scared to call my doctor.  Thanks for the thoughts!

PubStar09

I'm kind of with the doctor on this one... (s?)he is an OB and prescribed you something believing that the benefits outweigh the risks in your particular situation.  On top of that, call your pharmacist with medications questions.  That's what they're there for.

Also, isn't Flagyl only prescribed for a few days at a time?  I think you'll be fine.

aleksandra2009

This is a quote from Motherisk from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (great reputation for evaluating safety of drugs in pregnancy):

The latest studies, which examined the cases of thousands of women exposed to metronidazole during pregnancy, including a Medicaid cohort study, a large case-control study, and two meta-analyses, have concluded that there is no evidence that using metronidazole during pregnancy increases the rate of major birth defects above the baseline rate of 1% to 3% or that there are any detectable adverse effects on fetuses

Ruffles&Feathers

Thanks for the responses, I really appreciate it.  I've decided to take it and just say a lot of prayers.  Thanks again!