Penicillin allergy testing in pregnancy improves maternal and neonatal clinical outcomes

Background

Penicillin allergy is commonly reported in pregnancy, a time of high antibiotic utilization wherein β-lactam antibiotics have multiple indications. Unverified penicillin allergy leads to alternative antibiotic receipt and is associated with increased rates of cesarean delivery, prolonged maternal hospitalization, increased infectious complications, and increased number of antibiotics courses, while neonates born to those with penicillin allergy have higher infection rates, hospitalization time, and readmissions.