Group B Strep - Can I request an induction???

[TLSM]

I know its sounds mental that I would want an induction but I have been told I have Group B strep and I am so worried that they wont have enough time to get the antibiotics in (they need 4 hours)

This is my Second child I have a DS who is 3 1/2 he was induced due to low fluid and with him when it came down to it the final stage was very quick so much so the Midwife said guess how many centemeters you are I said about 7 she laugh then looked and said wow your 10! then she said push when you feel really so I though right thats it so without even an urge to push I pushed and his head crowned in one push! also my mum had 4 kids all births were under 5 hours my sister was born on the way and my brothers head was born in her tights then my sisters 2 were also born in under five hours in fact from start to finish her first was born in 4 hours!

So anyway getting back to it will the hospital induce me early so my baby is not put at as great a risk I would much rather go through the added pain than him having to

[dutchmam]

Have a talk to your midwife, because induction can carry some risks for your baby as well. But I can see your point about the antibiotics. Maybe your GP/midwife would be happy to give you the prescription and you can get them in the house, and at the first sign of contraction take them? At worst you have taken them too early and need another dose later on... Good luck!

[Mintpurple]

TLSM - In our hospital, if the woman does not have 4 hours of IVABs before delivery, the paeds like baby to have an IM injection of benzylpenicillin, (tiny injection, much the same size as the IM Vit K), and that provides the same levl of cover for the baby.

But to put it into perspective, we only test a very small number of women for GBS, usually as a consequence of having had a urine test for UTI or a speculum for ?SROM etc. And we know that 20-30% of women are +ve, so most are never discovered, have no IVABs and have no problems. You know that you are +ve and so can have abs to cover you and baby.

Just seems such a shame to be induced for this reason, after such a lovely birth last time!............

[Klaw]

When you say you have GBS do you mean you have been tested positive in this actual pg or are you just aware that you are a carrier?

IF a recent test how reliable was the test? Was it a HIGH vaginal and rectal swab? If only a vaginal swab then that can give a high proportion of false results. I'm aware that a fair number of NHS tests are now more reliable but you used to HAVE to get a private test to get more reliable results.

Also, the risks of baby contracting GBS are very tiny. You should really look into the GBS situation a lot more so that you can make an informed decision.

Check out The Homebirth site's excellent page on GBS for more info.

I am a carrier and had prophylactic ABs for my VBAC, as I would not consider my baby needing treatment after birth. Since doing my research I wouldn't do so again if there are no other risk factors as mentioned on Homebirth site, and that's my choice. I would also be looking into a more holistic diet and supplements including garlic to reduce risk.

I would never consider induction, with the risks that involves, but then you are confident that labour will not be too long, because of previous experiences. So you have that in your favour.

Make your own informed choice. You must do what you feel most comfortable with, so do your research and best wishes for a calm and joyous birth.