Ureaplasma infection and pregnancy

[Phaedra]

After having been treated for repetitive urinary infections, I have been diagnosed with Ureaplasma urealyticum. I was prescribed a treatment consisting of three batches of antibiotics starting with ciprofloxacin (250mg every 12 hrs for 10 days).
My period was late even before I started the treatment, but I didn't pay much attention since my periods are mostly irregular and with intervals of around 40 days.
It turned out I had been pregnant about 4 weeks at the time I started taking ciprofloxacin. I immediately stopped further treatment, but now I am worried about the effect the drug may have had on the embryo. Also, I am worried about the fetus being infected by Ureaplasma. (I am about six weeks pregnat now.)
What should I do now?

[nurse12hr]

I will quote something I found on the internet:

"Cipro (ciprofloxacin) and the other quinolone antibiotics (ofloxacin, etc) are contraindicated in pregnancy for theoretical reasons because of their effects on ADOLESCENT dogs' cartilage (i.e., joint problems). There has never been an adverse effect on HUMANS like this, to my knowledge, and no problems in pregnancy that I am aware of. We still advise against their use in pregnancy, but only for theoretical reasons."

and another

"While there are no controlled studies of ciprofloxacin use in pregnant women to show safety, an expert review of published data on experiences with ciprofloxacin use during pregnancy by TERIS - the Teratogen Information System - concluded that therapeutic doses during pregnancy are unlikely to pose a substantial teratogenic risk (quantity and quality of data = fair), but the data are insufficient to state that there is no risk4. However, there are no human data available to assess the effects of long-term therapy in pregnant women such as that proposed for treatment of anthrax exposure. Ciprofloxacin is excreted into breast milk but is considered as "usually compatible with breastfeeding" by the American Academy of Pediatrics."


And as to the Ureaplasma, this is interesting


"Ureaplasma urealyticum is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted between partners. The bacteria can survive in the reproductive tract for many years, undetected, until a patient is specifically tested for the infection. Most people infected with this have no symptoms.
Couples who experience infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, pelvic pain, premenstrual symptoms or vaginal symptoms should be tested for ureaplasma urealyticum because an infection can lead to fertility problems including tubal disease, recurrent miscarriages, decreased sperm motility and count, and poor post coital tests.
Treatment involves both partners simultaneously taking antibiotics for up to 14 days or more. After completing the medication, a repeat test is done and if it is positive again it may be necessary to administer treatment with alternative antibiotics.
Ninety percent of infections are effectively treated with the first course of antibiotics."

I hope that you consult an ob early on and discuss your concerns.  Good luck to you both.