Augmentin Safe in Pregnancy

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: high

Reason

FDA labels report no established major birth defect risk, but use only if needed; PPROM prophylaxis may raise neonatal NEC risk.

Drug Information

Brand Name
Augmentin
Generic Name
amoxicillin/clavulanate potassium
Drug Class
penicillin antibiotic; beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor
FDA Category
B
Rx Status
prescription

Safe Amount

Dosage must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit.

Effects

Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed. Tell your OB/GYN if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have PPROM.
Mother
May treat bacterial infections in pregnancy; can cause usual antibiotic side effects like diarrhea, rash, or allergy.
Baby
No established increase in major birth defects or miscarriage in available human data; a PPROM study reported possible higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
Available data have not shown a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, but official labeling still advises use only if clearly needed.
2nd Trimester
No specific trimester warning in official labeling; use when benefits outweigh risks under provider guidance.
3rd Trimester
Generally used when needed, but use only under provider guidance. A PPROM prophylaxis study reported possible neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis risk.

Risk-Benefit Note

If the infection needs treatment, the benefit of controlling it may outweigh medication risk. Do not stop or change treatment without your prescriber.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Consult OB/GYN or prescriber
  • Prescription medicine: do not start, stop, or continue without provider review
  • Use caution if you have penicillin allergy
  • PPROM/premature rupture of membranes needs provider guidance
  • Pregnancy dosing must be determined by your provider based on individual risk/benefit

Alternatives

  • Penicillin-class options only if your prescriber says they are appropriate
  • Non-medicine measures depend on the infection and are provider-directed

References

← Back to Medication