Antibiotic therapy in pregnancy and lactation.

When considering whether to administer drugs to women during pregnancy and lactation, we have to take into account that these substances may expose the fetus or neonate to multiple effects. This occurs because there is a unique situation where the maternal compartment is connected with the fetal or neonatal compartment through, respectively, the placental barrier or breast milk. The fetus in utero and the breast-fed neonate are to be considered as organisms exposed and sensitive to the effects of drugs that cross the placenta or enter the breast milk. This review focuses on the most frequently used antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation and presents useful suggestions for daily practice. Drugs that must be avoided are clearly underlined.