What antibiotic is commonly prescribed for a pregnant woman with a UTI?

The choice of Macrobid, or nitrofurantoin, as the antibiotic commonly prescribed for a pregnant woman with a urinary tract infection (UTI) is based on its effectiveness and safety profile during pregnancy. Nitrofurantoin is often favored because it primarily concentrates in the urine, making it highly effective for treating uncomplicated UTIs.

Additionally, nitrofurantoin has a good safety record in pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. It is not associated with significant teratogenic risks, which is crucial when treating pregnant patients.

Other options such as amoxicillin, while sometimes used, may lead to resistant strains of bacteria if used indiscriminately. Ciprofloxacin falls under the fluoroquinolone class, which is generally avoided in pregnancy due to potential safety concerns related to joint and cartilage development in the fetus. Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is often avoided in the first trimester due to potential risks of neural tube defects and is also generally considered with caution during pregnancy.

Choosing the most suitable antibiotic requires considering both the efficacy against the infection and the safety for the developing fetus, which is why nitrofurantoin is preferred.