- With Mayo Clinic obstetrician and medical editor-in-chief
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
Roger W. Harms, M.D.
"Nothing helps people stay healthy more than the power of real knowledge about health." — Dr. Roger Harms
As medical editor-in-chief, Dr. Roger Harms is excited about the potential for MayoClinic.com to help educate people about their health and provide them the tools and information to live healthier lives.
The Auburn, Neb., native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1981 and is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Dr. Harms is a consultant and associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and his specialty areas include office gynecology, high-risk obstetrics and obstetrical ultrasound.
From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Harms was director for education for Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Harms was the 1988 Mayo Medical School Teacher of the Year and served as associate dean for student affairs and academic affairs before taking this leadership role. He is the co-author of the "Mayo Clinic Model of Education." In 2008, Dr. Harms was presented the Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, Rochester.
Dr. Harms is vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and medical editor of the Pregnancy section on this Web site. In addition, Dr. Harms is editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book, a month-by-month guide to everything a woman needs to know about having a baby.
"My medical education experience has grown out of a love of teaching, and that is what this site is about," Dr. Harms says. "If any visitor to this site makes a more informed and thus more comfortable decision about his or her health because of the information we provide, we are successful."
More answers
- Pregnancy constipation: Are stool softeners safe?
- Fundal height: An accurate indicator of fetal growth?
- Rh factor in pregnancy: When is it a problem?
- Vaccines during pregnancy: Are they safe?
- Blighted ovum: What causes it?
- Molar pregnancy: What causes it?
- Breast-feeding while pregnant: Is it safe?
- Air travel during pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Chickenpox and pregnancy: What are the concerns?
- Aspirin during pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Allergy medications during pregnancy: Are they safe?
- Headaches during pregnancy: What can I do about them?
- Flu shot in pregnancy: Is it safe?
- Early miscarriage: Is stress a factor?
- Hemorrhoids during pregnancy: Are there safe treatments?
- Morning sickness: When is it a concern?
- Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?
- Low amniotic fluid: Should I worry?
- Hair dye and pregnancy: A concern?
- Birth control pills: Harmful in early pregnancy?
- Exercise during pregnancy: Is heart rate a concern?
- Low birth weight: What does it mean?
- see all
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Antibiotics and pregnancy
Is it safe to take antibiotics during pregnancy?
Answer
from Roger W. Harms, M.D.
It depends on many factors, including the type of antibiotic, how much you take, how long you take it and when in your pregnancy you take it. Some antibiotics are generally considered safe to take throughout pregnancy. These include penicillin, cephalosporins and erythromycin. Other antibiotics — such as streptomycin, quinolones and tetracycline — pose known risks to a developing fetus and should be avoided during pregnancy.
In all cases, the potential risk of a drug needs to be carefully weighed against the potential harmful effects of the condition if left untreated. If an antibiotic is the only way to cure your illness, your doctor should prescribe the safest drug possible at the safest dosage possible.
Be sure to tell any doctor you consult that you're pregnant — so this can be considered in treatment decisions. If you have concerns or questions about taking antibiotics or any kind of medications during pregnancy, discuss them your doctor.
Next question
