Group B Strep

[NewMummy5July2011]

Hi

I'm 37.5 weeks and I've found out I have group B strep - detected in my urine. So I'm on antibiotics now and have to have IV antibiotics from the onset of labour as well and every 6 hours throughout.

The MW's in the assessment unit at the hospital have been very reassuring, but I can't help but worry about it - I know that there are risks to the baby even with the treatment, and even though they are small I'm just so scared something awful could happen. I'm trying to be positive, there is nothing I can do about this situation - wondering if anyone else has been through this and any reassurance or advice greatly appreciated.

I'm so surprised by this as well as literally a week ago as far as I knew everything was fine. It was only a chance visit to the day assessment unit to get checked for thrush that brought this to light.

Thank you very much.

[babybumpx]

Everything will be fine, dont worry or panic. Although it should be IV every 4 hours not 6? Make sure if your waters break you go straight in and dont let them send you home as you need to have the medication! when your waters break the baby is more at risk so this is why it is important to go straight away.

Dont worry, you and baby will be perfectly fine :)

[perrinelli]

I'm interested that you have been put on antibiotics now - was that because you were showing some symptoms or something?
Because it's not routinely offered on the NHS I did the private GBS screening test (where you take a swab yourself, send it off and pay £32) and that came back positive. I mentioned it to the midwife in the day assessment unit when I was seeing her anyway - she just put a sticker on my notes to make sure they give me IV antibiotics in labour but didn't say anything about needing something now.

From what I've read though, the key thing is to be aware if you do have it. Once it is known about I think the risks are very small and they will be paying attention to you and the baby to check for any signs of problems.

[perrinelli]

I'm 38+2 by the way

[NewMummy5July2011]

Thanks for your replies and babybumpx for the reassurance.

Perrinelli - the reason they put me on antibiotics is because the infection was found in my urine rather than a swab - I think when it's in your urine they give antibiotics plus an IV but if it is via a swab it is given only during labour. Slightly more risky in urine. You are right though, even though upsetting it's better to know so it can be treated and looked out for than not.

Think I'm also trying to get my head round spending more time in hospital - was hoping to manage at home before heading in but I know health of baby is far more important.

[bcmummy]

I tested positive for Group B strep and had IV antibiotics in labour. It was totally fine so please try not to worry - easier said than done I know! My waters broke before I started contracting so I had to go into hospital right away to get the antibiotics and I was expecting them to send me home but then I started contracting and it all happened quite quickly so I was lucky. Do you live quite close to the hospital? If so you might be able to go home between doses in early labour. I didn't have an IV in for most of the time as I didn't have an epidural until quite late on so after they gave me the dose of antibiotics I was free to move around as much as I wanted etc. I was also able to go home from hospital on day 2, no delays at all.

My doctor never showed any concern at all about my positive test and to be honest I found that very reassuring. Do try not to be too concerned about it - the positive thing is that you know about it now and so you know that you will get the treatment you and your baby need to stay healthy. Good luck!

[Truffkin]

I tested positive for group B strep in urine at 11 weeks! It's routinely tested at the hospital I am with, which I have found is not usual. As the level is deemed to be quite low I haven't had to have oral ABs at this stage, but they will continue to test at each appointment or if I get any UTI symptoms and if it increases I will have ABs now. I need the IV ABs during labour anyway to minimise the risk of passing the infection to the baby. As you will know it's far more dangerous in newborns than for adult females, hence the precautions. After reading up, I am confident that ensuring the IV ABs are administered appropriately during labour and checks are performed in the first 24-26 hours of your baby's life, everything should be fine.

I feel pleased to have found out early as I'll have my head round it properly by the stage I have my baby, hopefully you can feel that way too in a few weeks. Hope you get the support you need to feel reassured (and good luck with the birth!)