When pertussis (whooping cough) occurs in a patient who is pregnant or breastfeeding, antibiotic selection requires careful clinical consideration. Both the safety of the antibiotic and the stage of pregnancy are important factors in determining the appropriate approach.
This protocol covers patients with pertussis who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy introduces trimester-specific constraints on antibiotic choice, and not all agents suitable in general practice are appropriate across all stages of pregnancy. Breastfeeding status similarly informs agent selection and safety review.
A macrolide antibiotic is the preferred class of agent in this population, though suitability of specific agents within that class varies by trimester. Macrolides should be used with caution in pregnancy, and management includes consulting obstetric medication guidelines to confirm the appropriate choice for the individual patient.