Group B Strep

[Seekingmiracles]

Just found out that I have group B strep at my pre-op appointment for my c-section next week. Apparently I should have been sent a letter by my dr - it was picked up by a routine urine test at the beginning of September. Anyway, I never received that letter or phone call. So I'm now on a course on antibiotics but I'm wondering if I should request the iv antibiotics as well. I know that if I was going to have a vaginal birth this would be offered but they don't routinely do it for c-sections as baby won't be passing through the vagina. I was fine with this until I saw an article where a lady's baby had died from meningitis after contracting GBS after a section. Now I'm worried.
WWYD?

[PotteringAlong]

I had group b strep in both my previous pregnancies - I've not been tested yet in this one. I had iv antibiotics in labour and my children both needed antibiotics after birth. My understanding is that the antibiotics before birth do the same job as in labour, but with a vaginal birth you don't know when labour will start but it's controlled with a c-section. I also don't think you will need them as, like you say, they won't pass through the vagina.

They know you have it - they will monitor your baby for signs after birth. If you are really concerned then you could ask about them having the antibiotics which would be more effective than you double dosing maybe?

[welshweasel]

You'll get iv antibiotics during your c section anyway so will be covered.

[PotteringAlong]

I would also add that although mine both needed treatment because they were monitored immediately they have suffered no ill effects and are sitting down at the ages of 2 and 4 chomping on toast as I type!

[Cric]

Pottering, please can I ask how long you were in hospital for?? Also found out I had strep b but didn't with my first. I had never heard of it until then!

[Cric]

Seeking, I have no clue as to what will be best! But I know how you feel!

[PotteringAlong]

For 3 days - 48 hours of antibiotics for the boys followed by 24 hours of monitoring to check that there was no residual infection.