Group B Strep

[Rosey2020]

I’m currently 30 weeks pregnant with with my first baby. I’ve been finding lockdown quite difficult and I’m sad about everything I’ve missed out on in this pregnancy, but appreciating the time I’ve had with DH working from home. I recently found out I have Group B Strep and it has made me feel worried about labour and my baby being ok. I’ve never really looked forward to childbirth and already felt quite daunted with the coronavirus situation. With the addition of Group B Strep and worrying about getting the antibiotics in time I am feeling pretty overwhelmed. The midwives don’t see it as that big a deal but the only people I know who have had experiences with Strep B have ended up with sick babies (however they weren’t given the antibiotics as they hadn’t been tested.) I would love any reassurance that it’s possible to have a good, positive birth despite the current situation... right now I just feel like I’m focusing on the negatives.

[crazybutkind]

I had group b with my first pregnancy. I went into the hospital when I was clearly in labour. They didn't exam me due to having group b and didn't want to expose me to anything, they sent me home after an hour even though I kept going on about anti biotics and the fact I loved 30 minutes away and it was snowing, anyway baby was born after being home 20 mins on the lounge floor. Never received anti biotics even when baby had arrived and we went back to hospital. We were both fine happy and healthy

[Liande]

I had Group B Strep with my second. I laboured mostly at home and didn’t get to the hospital until I was nearly 9cm and there wasn’t time for the anti biotics (at the time I had no idea I was that that along otherwise I would’ve gone in sooner!) Instead the hospital kept us in for 24 hours and did regular observations. I then had additional home visits by my community midwife for the first few weeks and DC2 was fine. I am pregnant again and this time they’ve asked me to come in earlier to get the anti biotics Goodluck xx

[LH1987]

Just found out today I have Group Strep B. I am 35+5 and due to be induced in a few weeks. Hearing the PP's experience has made me feel much better. Thank you.

[Bohoboo]

I had step b but didn't know it until after I had baby. Waters broke early and they left me 3 days and infection took hold. Baby never got it although she did get iv antibiotics as a precaution. She was fine although if I'd known I had strep b before I wouldn't have been left after waters breaking and the birth would have been a lot less traumatic. So I think it's helpful that you know OP and hope it's reassuring to know that even though I didn't know my baby was fine (she was my second)

[Sunshinesweet123]

I had my second baby two weeks ago today and I was group b strep positive with both pregnancies. First had the antibiotics and second I was told by the consultant that I didn’t need them as the most recent test came back negative at 35 weeks as it can come and go. Both children are healthy and happy! I was also scared both times but especially with the second and coronavirus so I completely appreciate how you feel! Once I was on the labour ward you wouldn’t even feel like the world was suffering with a pandemic and the midwives were amazing! My friend also had GBS and didn’t get the antibiotics in time. Her daughter was born healthy but had the antibiotics as a precaution and is now a lively 1 year old! If I was you I would just head to the hospital as soon as you can and tell them straight away to give you the Antibiotics, it’s more likely you will be in labour longer than 4 hours so should be fine! 😘

[twins2019]

I tested positive for GBS in my first and second pregnancies, never got tested on my third pregnancy (twins) as they were both v early. I had antibiotics during both of my first two labours. My first was 4 weeks early and was very sleepy. They tested her for signs of infection and she was given precautionary antibiotics. She stayed with me the whole time and we had a side room. Had to stay in for 4 nights - it was fine. Tests came back negative (it takes a few days as they are cultures) and she was absolutely perfect.

[FirstTimeBumps]

Even if you test positive today for it you may test negative tomorrow. If I remember the turn around for it was 5/8 weeks so you could be at the end of a GBS infection and it could clear up by the time you go into labour. It could have cleared up already since the test. And even if it hasn't the risk of baby getting sick are very very low. As others have said even if you didn't get the antibiotics in time for labour they would keep a closer eye on baby to make sure there were no signs of infection.

[Rosey2020]

Thanks so much for sharing your stories and reassurance. Really really appreciated.

[dreamingofyellowandnavy]

You can get the test delivered to you at home. You do it at home and send it to the lab. Have a look on line. I did it for both my pregnancies.

[Lightuptheroom]

I had this, ds was 5 weeks prem, but no I'll effects and now is a strapping 6'5 18yr old (posting to give you a bit of confidence as know it can feel daunting)

[clo1992]

I'm nearly 30 weeks with strep B. Iv just been told as soon as waters break or you start labour to go in and have Iv antibiotics. It scares me to but there's so very positive story's above.

I think it's more a risk when you don't no you have it. X

[Rosey2020]

I just wanted to follow up by asking how long you were kept in with baby for observations after birth? I’ve heard it can be anywhere between 12 and 48 hours whilst they test for infection and take their temperature? With the coronavirus situation and birth partners having to leave and not return I’m hoping it’s not 48 hours!

[Liveforholidays]

I was group b step positive in my first pregnancy, picked up due to recurring lucozytes in my urine. As soon as my waters broke at home I was told to go to hospital and was put on antibiotics. I was then induced as I wasn't actually in labour. This pregnancy I'm so far strep b negative although just had my urine sent off again. It's much, much better to know in advance and it really isn't an issue during labour at all (apart from being hooked up to a drip which is a bit of a pain).