British experts have reacted in alarm to research suggesting some harmful side-effects of antibiotics taken in pregnancy.
The research links common forms of the drug to risk of children developing cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
The findings involved macrolides, such as erythromycin.
Experts say the drug is essential to treat problems such as chlamydia and syphilis during pregnancy.
It is also used when women are allergic to penicillin.
The latest findings were published in the journal PloS One.
The UK Royal College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians said the absolute risk of was "very low" and said there was no link found between antibiotic prescribing overall and cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
The study was conducted at the University College London Institute of Child Health.
Professor Alan Cameron, from the college, said: “We welcome any new research which sheds light on the safety of antibiotics in pregnancy. The secondary analysis in this paper has shown a small increase in cerebral palsy and/or epilepsy with prenatal use of macrolides but it does not consider the severity of the maternal infection which, in turn, has an effect on the outcome.
“This level of evidence does not warrant a change in current clinical guidelines. Doctors should continue to prescribe erythromycin during pregnancy where indicated.”
Dr June Raine, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, added: “The suggestion of a risk with the use of macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy should be treated with great caution. The conclusion is based on small numbers and incomplete data such as information on the type and seriousness of the infection.
"MHRA has sought independent expert advice which confirms that the study is insufficient to suggest that use of macrolides in pregnancy is associated with a particular risk.
“Infection in pregnancy can cause serious harm, both to the mother and baby, and it is essential that pregnant women continue to receive treatment with an appropriate antibiotic when necessary.”
* British officials are to launch an investigation into the link between oral hormonal pregnancy tests and birth defects, it has been announced.
The products were used until the late 1970s and then withdrawn amid concern about side-effects.
The new inquiry was promised last year and aims to establish whether some people born with birth defects might have been victims of these treatments.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says it will be complete the review at the beginning of next year.
PloS One 25 March 2015 [abstract]
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