Maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy and hospitalization with infection in offspring: A population-based cohort study

Abstract

Background: The early life microbiome contributes to immune development. Antibiotics during pregnancy alter the microbiome and may influence disease risks in the offspring. We investigated the relationship between maternal antibiotic exposure before and during pregnancy, and risk of childhood hospitalization with infection. Methods: We used population-based Danish national databases for pregnancies between 1995 and 2009. Infants were followed from birth until their first infection-related hospitalization, death, 14th birthday, emigration or end-2009. Exposure was maternal antibiotics prescribed before and during pregnancy. Outcome was infection-related hospitalization. Results: 141 359 (18%)..