Chinese Medical E-ournals Database

Chinese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics(Electronic Edition) ›› 2026, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (02): 103 -108. doi: 10.3877/cma.j.issn.1673-5250.2026.02.002

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Current research status on effects of applying low-dose antibiotics during pregnancy on intestinal flora in neonates

Jinling Ran1,2, Zhuohui Feng3, Zhi Zhao2,()   

  1. 1Graduate School, Xi′an Medical University, Xi′an 710021, Shaanxi Province, China
    2Department of Neonatology, Shaanxi Provincial People′s Hospital, Xi′an 710068, Shaanxi Province, China
    3School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, Shaanxi Province, China
  • Received:2025-11-22 Revised:2026-03-01 Published:2026-04-01
  • Corresponding author: Zhi Zhao
  • Supported by:
    Top-notch Talent Project of Science and Technology Talents, Shaanxi Provincial People′s Hospital(2022BJ-10); Reserve Academic Leader Development Program of Shaanxi Provincial People′s Hospital(2025)

Given widespread use of antibiotics in medicine, concerns are growing about their potential adverse reactions on human health when used to treat infectious diseases. During pregnancy, a special physiological stage, the use of antibiotics affects not only the pregnant woman, but also has a cumulative effect on the neonate. This can affect the establishment of normal intestinal flora in the neonate, as well as the metabolic homeostasis and expression of antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). This may lead to diseases in the neonate, as well as allergies and obesity in infancy and childhood. This article aims to systematically elucidate the current status of antimicrobial use in pregnant women, specifically focus on the latest research regarding the impact of prenatal antimicrobial exposure on neonatal intestinal microbiota colonization and the underlying mechanisms involved, with the objective of providing a theoretical basis for rational clinical drug use and the health protection of offspring.

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