Antibiotic use for prolongation of pregnancy in women with preterm labour or premature rupture of membranes

Objective. To determine and compare the frequency of antibiotic use for prolongation of pregnancy (POP) between 1996 and 1999 in women admitted for preterm labour (PTL) or preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) and to examine the effect of antibiotic use on POP.; Design. A cross-sectional study design was used.; Results. Results showed an overall increase in antepartum antibiotic use from 1996 to 1999. Trend for increased antibiotic use was observed at all sites with FMC having the most significant increase. Women with PPROM who received antibiotics had a mean POP (admission to delivery) of 13.3 days compared to 11.4 days in those with no-antibiotics. Women with PTL who received antibiotics had a shorter POP than those who did not receive any antibiotics.; Conclusion. Antepartum antibiotic use increased from 1996 to 1999 in CRHA. Women with PTL did not seem to benefit from antibiotic use for prolongation. Pregnancy was prolonged by 48hr in women with PPROM who received antibiotics compared to those who did not.