Antibiotic use during pregnancy linked to higher risk of bacterial illness in newborns, study finds

What happened: A new scientific study has found an association between antibiotic use during pregnancy and an increased risk of bacterial infections in newborns.

Why it matters now: Antibiotics are widely prescribed during pregnancy, making the findings relevant for clinical decision-making and prenatal care.

What changes for people: Doctors may need to weigh benefits and risks more carefully, while expectant mothers may receive closer guidance and monitoring.

Who is affected: Pregnant women, newborns, obstetricians, paediatricians, and public health systems.

Researchers have reported evidence linking antibiotic exposure during pregnancy to a higher likelihood of bacterial disease in newborn babies, raising fresh questions about how prenatal treatments may influence early-life immunity. The study, published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, analysed health data from mothers and infants over an extended period.

What the study found

According to the researchers, newborns whose mothers received antibiotics during pregnancy showed a statistically higher risk of developing bacterial infections shortly after birth compared to those not exposed. The study did not claim antibiotics directly cause disease but identified a clear association after adjusting for known risk factors.

Scientists suggest the link may involve changes to the maternal and infant microbiome, the community of beneficial bacteria that plays a key role in immune development.

Why antibiotics are commonly used in pregnancy

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and other bacterial conditions during pregnancy. In many cases, they are considered essential to protect the health of both the mother and the unborn child.

Medical experts stress that untreated infections can pose serious risks, including premature birth and complications during delivery.