Which antibiotic drug class is recommended for use during pregnancy?

Penicillins are considered the drug class of choice for antibiotic therapy during pregnancy due to their safety profile and effectiveness. They have been widely studied in pregnant populations and are classified as Category B by the FDA, indicating that there is no evidence of harm to the fetus in animal reproduction studies, and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Penicillins work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making them effective against a broad range of bacterial infections, which is crucial during pregnancy when infections can pose serious risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. The use of penicillins is often recommended for treating infections such as urinary tract infections or streptococcal infections in pregnant women.

In contrast, other antibiotic classes have significant concerns during pregnancy. Aminoglycosides can be associated with potential ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity in the fetus. Tetracyclines have a risk of affecting fetal bone development and causing permanent discoloration of teeth. Fluoroquinolones are also discouraged because they may affect fetal cartilage development. Thus, penicillins stand out as the safest and most appropriate choice among the given options for use during pregnancy.