So stressed please help...

[Hollz26]

Im 38 weeks and last week i went and had a private strep b test as its something i worried about results just came back positive so i called hospital and midwife there said they would only give me antibiotics if it was picked up from my urine but because it was detected through a swab i cant have antibiotics but everything i read says must have iv antibiotics when you go into labour she just said we will keep an eye on baby but im so so worried and upset please can anyone reasure me on this! Thankyou x

[Alb1]

I would ask for a different opinion. I'm consultant led (not related to group b strep) and when I asked her about getting tested for group b strep she specifically said they'd give me antibiotics if the swab privately or in hospital came back positive. I didn't think it could even show up in your urine? Some midwives make mistakes so deffiently ask for another opinion

[jinglebellmel]

I'd get a second opinion, maybe find out the head of midwives (or equivilant who deals with complaints etc at your hospital) and contact them directly. Have a look if there are any NICE guidelines re strep b and refer to those.

From what I understand there is only a very small chance of the strep b being passed to your baby, or causing complications - but can totally y dear stand why you're stressed.

[jinglebellmel]

www.gbss.org.uk/filepool/Comments_on_RCOG_2012_GBSupdate.pdf

[ndo4000]

Also, gbs bacteria is transient. That means that while you have tested positive now, there is no knowing whether you will still be positive when you go into labour. You could just as easily had a negative result and then been unknowingly positive at the birth. That's why the NHS don't test routinely for gbs.

[Hollz26]

Thanks all, been on phone to head of midwives at hospital they said its not that they wont give me antibiotics but they will only give me them if they feel i need them whilst in labour been told ill be kept a close eye on so i guess i just have to trust them..

[jinglebellmel]

At least there is a rationale behind their decision. There are certain risk factors that they can pick up on in labour so I guess that's what they'll be looking out for. As pp said its transient so possibly won't even be present by the time you go into labour. Hope the second opinion put your mind at rest a little.