For a pregnant patient with a urinary tract infection, which antibiotic is most appropriately prescribed?

The most appropriate antibiotic to prescribe for a pregnant patient with a urinary tract infection is amoxicillin. This medication is a penicillin derivative that has a well-established safety profile during pregnancy. Amoxicillin is effective against a variety of bacteria commonly responsible for urinary tract infections and is a first-line treatment option. The safety of amoxicillin for both the mother and the developing fetus makes it a preferred choice.

In contrast, other options such as levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin belong to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics, which are generally avoided during pregnancy due to concerns about potential risks to fetal development. Their use is typically reserved for cases where there are no safe alternatives available. Ampicillin can be used and is generally considered safe; however, amoxicillin is more commonly preferred for outpatient treatment of urinary tract infections in pregnant women because of its efficacy and safety profile.