Background: Peripartum antibiotics are commonly prescribed. This survey aimed to evaluate the attitudes of Australian women toward antibiotic use during the peripartum period and determine if they were aware they had received antibiotics.
Methods: Women who delivered by any mode at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital provided consent and completed a post-partum survey. Survey responses were recorded on 5-point Likert scales. Participant characteristics, delivery details and antibiotics administered 48 hours either side of delivery were obtained from the medical record.
Results: Between December 2020 and March 2021, the survey was offered to 298 women and completed by 248 (response rate 83%). The mean (SD) age was 30.9 (4.9) years and the median (IQR) gestation was 39 weeks (38-40) and 154 (62%) had a vaginal delivery. Pre-delivery antibiotics were administered to 129 (52%) women and only 54 (41.9%) were aware they received them. Post-delivery antibiotics were administered to 40 (16%) women and 29 (73%) were aware. 159 (65%) had concerns about the effects of pre-pregnancy antibiotics on their baby and 127 (52%) had concerns about the effect on their own microbiome. Concerns were expressed about at least one side effect in 152 (51%) women, with 96 (39%) worried about candidiasis (thrush) and 68 (28%) concerned about an allergic reaction. 163 (67%) women indicated a preference to not take any antibiotics whilst breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Women in the peripartum period were generally not aware of receiving peripartum antibiotics, despite most having concerns about unwanted side effects. Clinicians should communicate the indication and potential side effects of antibiotics at the time of administration to allow shared decision-making and optimise patient-centred care.