What side effect is associated with Nitrofurantoin when given near term during pregnancy?

Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, but its administration during the later stages of pregnancy, especially close to term, can lead to several potential side effects for the newborn. One significant concern is the risk of neonatal hemolysis, which can occur due to the infant's immature enzymatic systems, particularly if the mother has been taking Nitrofurantoin shortly before delivery.

In neonates, hemolysis may occur due to the mother's exposure to nitrofurantoin leading to oxidative stress, which can particularly affect newborns with reduced levels of protective enzymes (like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase). This can result in an increased risk of jaundice within the first days of life, but specifically, the hemolysis itself may manifest as a more immediate and critical concern requiring monitoring and management.

Other potential side effects, while they exist, are less directly linked to nitrofurantoin's use in late pregnancy. For instance, issues like respiratory distress may arise from different causes unrelated to the drug's administration. Neonatal jaundice is often a consequence of hemolysis, while colic is not a direct effect of the medication at all. Therefore, the association between nitrofurant