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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be angry at doctor over GBS testing.

236 replies

FirstTimeBumps · 06/12/2018 08:31

I'm not sure whether to say something or complain or whether I'm just being angry, defensive and hormonal. Two weeks ago my MW sent me to the docs for a prescription for codeine to use in labour. I had discussed group B strep testing with my MW the day before and she had given me some links to take a look at and wanted me to come to my own decisions as to whether to be tested. Baring in mind that 1 in 5 women carry GBS at any time, and the instance of it causing illness in a baby is 0.57 in 1000 (so 0.057%) reduced down to 0.22% with testing and IV antibiotics, these figures seemed extremely low. In addition, testing positive one day doesn't mean you will be positive the next, and vice versa, as the virus works its way out over the course of 6 weeks, but if I were to test positive it would require a hospital birth for IV antibiotics which had a high chance of being unnecessary. Anyway taking all this into account we chose not to have the testing, which wasn't even available on the NHS in our area anyway.

So goes along to the docs for this prescription and GBS testing happened to come up. Told doctor we had looked at everything and decided against it. She says she wants to speak to the practice midwife about by codeine prescription and could she call me the next day to confirm she would be issuing it. Fast forwards the next day, the weekend, and we're on Monday and I went I to the practice as I hadn't heard from her. She then contacts me to say she will be issuing the prescription but proceeds to ask had I reconsidered GBS testing. Again informed her I had decided against it and she made a comment about how "as long as I knew I could be missing out on vital results which could result in the baby become very ill" which miffed me as it was scare mongering but I left it at that.

That was until my MW arrived yesterday for my appointment and told me that the doctor had telephoned her and said "are you aware your patient has declined group b strep testing". My midwife gave her a lesson in pretty much the same reasoning I had and the conversation finished with the doctor thanking my midwife for the education boost however I'm pretty miffed that for whatever reason the doctor found it appropriate to discuss this with my MW, without my permission, and that even before the baby has arrived I am having my decisions doubted. She's really got my back up.

To make matters worse I'm not having to wait on another prescription for codeine as she only issued 2 tablets which is only a single dose in labour. I'm expecting her to call about this and don't know whether to say something about the whole GBS issue, to fill in the NHS would you recommend this practice survey they send and mention it in there, or to say nothing. Our practice is usually really good and they run open surgeries 3 days a week which I often use rather than booking an appointment however I could be allocated this doctor at one of those and I'm really not too keen on that now.

Am I over reacting?

OP posts:
Merryoldgoat · 06/12/2018 08:34

Yes.

greendale17 · 06/12/2018 08:52

For the sake of your baby why wouldn’t you just have the Group B Strep test? The mind boggles

JellyBears · 06/12/2018 08:54

I worked for a family who had a new baby during my time there and the baby was born with strep b she had to have a spinal tap at 2 weeks old and two weeks of antibiotics...

namechangedforthishelp · 06/12/2018 08:58

I know this lady who lost her baby because of this infection. You have every right to refuse it but I don't think the doctor did anything wrong.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/news.sky.com/story/amp/call-for-group-b-strep-tests-to-prevent-baby-deaths-10739624

JellyBears · 06/12/2018 08:58

Does the test pose a risk to baby is that the reason for your hesitation? I think that so many medical professionals have menuoned the text to you might be a clue it’s a good idea to have it.

Tbh I can’t fathom in this day an age with so much testing available you wouldn’t have it?

whiteblankpage · 06/12/2018 08:58

Let it go.

I mean, I agree with you about the GBS - very little point in testing as it means nothing 24 hours later but gurantees a highly medicalised labour; in a hospital, IV antibiotics, 24 minimum admission for baby observations. This is why the NHS don’t do universal screening - instead, midwives are educated to look for possible signs in the very rare cases that GBS presents in a baby. Which can be done at home.

But seriously, let it go. Not worth getting worked up about.

Linziepie · 06/12/2018 09:00

yea you are overreacting, the GPs duty isn't just to you but to your baby.

WoahBaby · 06/12/2018 09:00

Let's get this straight. You DON'T want GBS testing?! Can't think why you wouldn't when so many women fight to have it in the first place after all those stories of babies being harmed (some even dying) by GBS. Is this more that you don't want to know in case your birthplan is torn up? Is baby's safety not priority?

I had GBS in my urine (it caused an infection) when I was 36wks. So I had antibiotics when I went into labour, it was one dose that was via iv and completed very quickly. I was then offered a water birth. So really, what's the issue?

And yes, health care professionals can share information.

Yes, you are being unreasonable and odd imo.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 06/12/2018 09:01

I agree with let it go.

They were making sure you are informed enough to make thar decision and have the support there incase you wanted to talk about it or had started to change your mind. You haven't; and your understanding is sound, so they've left you to it. Nobody has forced you, they've just made sure you're comfortable with your decision and the risks.

You'd be furious they hadn't done that if you'd opted out of the testing with less knowledge and your baby was then seriously ill.

ClairParavel · 06/12/2018 09:01

I get that it’s your choice to not have the test- I don’t agree but it is your choice. However, I don’t think the doctor was unreasonable to discuss this with midwife, as one HCP to another, a midwife may have more up to date information on the testing than a GP. I’m quite impressed your doctor cared enough to do so tbh.

Rolypolybabies · 06/12/2018 09:02

So you won't have a non invasive test but you will use opiates whilst pregnant.....

blueskiesandforests · 06/12/2018 09:06

Group B strep is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns and kills a significant number of otherwise healthy neonates. How can you think a doctor was in the wrong to encourage you to be aware of this and get tested? It's more than most NHS doctors do - unusual in a positive way! Are you upset because you have a very set in stone vision of how your birthing experience will be? If so you're setting yourself up for potential upset, as it's very much not something that can be controlled by force of will...

Pleasegodgotosleep · 06/12/2018 09:07

Wow why would you not want to take a chance - even if it's a small one - to.pritect your baby? My nephew was born with GBS he was in NICU for 3 weeks, almost didn't Make it home and prob as a result of all the antibiotics etc had really low immune system since.

As a result, I fought with my gp to get tested and was positive in both pregnancies. Got antibiotics duringlabour and both girls were fine.

Sounds like you're more concerned about the type of birth you have planned? In which case don't be it won't go to plan any way!

AandD1990 · 06/12/2018 09:07

I work with a lady who sister's baby died because of a strep b infection, they had never even heard of it before Hmm

BWatchWatcher · 06/12/2018 09:09

A friend of mine nearly lost her baby because of Group B strep.
Get the test.

ohwownosnow · 06/12/2018 09:12

I do not know why anyone would refuse GBS testing if offered. That is crackers. It is if the benefit of your baby, don't be so ridiculous.

Feefeetrixabelle · 06/12/2018 09:13

For the sake of a simple vaginal and rectum swab you’d risk your child’s life?

trixiebelden77 · 06/12/2018 09:14

Strange how it’s always good quality, research-based advice when it’s what you want to hear and scare-mongering when it’s not.

It’s a low absolute risk. But it’s a risk that can cost your baby it’s life. That’s what your doctor is trying to tell you.

It’s very unlikely your midwife has cared for a neonate with GBS sepsis. The risk only looks like a number to those who haven’t.

MatildaTheCat · 06/12/2018 09:14

The way I see this is that she asked you, you gave your reply based on what the mw recommended and the GP then queried this recommendation with the mw? So rather than querying your decision she was questioning the advice of the mw.

So, now GP has updated her views and agrees with your decision. That’s good, right? It’s not to do with your decision per se but best clinical practice.

This one always causes a lot of angst because GBS does have the potential to be so awful but your mw is correct and now the GP will presumably be following the same line which should mean less conflicting advice.

SleepingStandingUp · 06/12/2018 09:15

So your doctor spoke to your midwife about a medical decision you made via Google to ensure you were fully aware of the possible repercussions. She also checked with you that you were aware of the possible repurcussions.
Nothing the doctor has said is wrong - you could be missing out on vital information if you have it.
Your doctor is concerned you're making a risky medical decision and you're upset she's discussed it with a medical proffestional who is linked into it and with whom you're likely to have a better relationship. You're miffed she didn't just accept your word as all powerful.

Yes, YABU.

If you'd decided that you wanted to have this baby alone in the woods on a full moon would she be OK to question your decision?
If you'd decided that cocaine would be suitable pain relief?
At what point is the medical proffestional allowed to actually care about the medical decisions you are making.

I'm assuming you're trying to avoid an unnecessary hospital birth, that's fine but please be prepared for the chance that it might not happen, and that someone medically trained may make decision for you

Dreamingofkfc · 06/12/2018 09:15

Codeine for active labour won't do much at all tbh. Are you having a homebirth?

Pomfluff · 06/12/2018 09:16

If you did more research, you'll find that GBS testing is mandatory in the USA, Europe and virtually every other developed country (for good reason). Sadly the NHS has limited resources so the "option" to test is probably a very strong recommendation to make sure that you and your baby get the best level of healthcare possible.

I believe the test is only £30, affordable for anyone especially in such a vital context. You also don't need to wait for a prescription for codeine. Solpadeine costs £6 and can be bought OTC from any pharmacy. Solpadeine Max contains 24mg of codeine which I believe is similar to what you were prescribed (30mg from other thread?).

Also ignore the troll above. Taking opiates during labour with permission from your doctor is clearly very different to taking opiates regularly during pregnancy (which many women do safely anyway). The main risk of long term opiate use is withdrawal symptoms in the baby. That cannot happen if baby is already on its way out!

ohwownosnow · 06/12/2018 09:17

And FYI codeine will do sweet FA during labour. If anything, you'll vomit everywhere.

SassitudeandSparkle · 06/12/2018 09:17

Yes, you are over-reacting.

WaitroseCoffeeCostaCup · 06/12/2018 09:18

Yes you are, and by considering complaining you are putting babies at risk. You're very self involved.