What is a safe antibiotic for UTI treatment during pregnancy?

Pencillins are considered a safe option for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) during pregnancy due to their established safety profile. They are classified as Category B medications by the FDA, indicating that studies in pregnant women have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus in any trimester. Common penicillin antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are frequently used in pregnant women because they effectively treat UTIs caused by common pathogens while posing minimal risk to the developing fetus.

In contrast, other options such as vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline do not have the same safety profile. Vancomycin may be used in certain infections but is more reserved for severe cases. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone that falls under Category C, indicating risk cannot be ruled out, and it has been associated with potential side effects during pregnancy. Doxycycline, a tetracycline antibiotic, is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its association with discoloration of teeth and potential effects on bone development. Therefore, pencillins stand out as the safest choice for treating UTIs in pregnant patients.