Antibiotics, diarrhea and labour (TMI)

[MamaChris]

I am 38 weeks with twins, and have been niggling on and off since 35 weeks, was really hoping something was going to happen this week. Then yesterday I got a call from my GP surgery to say my last urine sample was positive for strep. I've been put on a course of oral amoxicillin, and will presumably have IV antibiotics in labour. But I have had nasty reactions to antibiotics before (bloody watery diarrhea and extreme stomach cramps for days) so I questioned whether there is an alternative to amoxicillin and was told there wasn't. Well 4 tablets into the 15 tablet course, and the watery diarrhea has arrived. It is causing some tightenings, and I can't distinguish whether the accompanying pain is contraction-type or bowel-type.

I am now worried on several levels. Being positive for strep is not good for my babies. If my antibiotic reaction goes as last time, I will be in lots of abdominal pain by the end of the week. And if I go into labour, I will be both in pain and shooting very unpleasant fluids out my arse (TMI, sorry).

The last should be the least of my worries, but seems the only one over which I might have any control. Is there any way they can stop the diarrhea whilst I'm in labour? Is this even advisable?

I have no idea but just wanted to send sympathy and wish you luck :)

thanks debka

Hi there.

Not sure I'll be of much help but I have tested positive for Strep B aswell - am 38+3.
Mine was from swabs which I chose to have done so will not get antibiotics until I go into labour/waters break. I'm allergic to penecillin (sp) so will be given something else I hope! You should also be able to receive alternative antibiotics. Surprised you've been given the same ones that caused a reaction previously. Is there no way you can change them? Midwife should put in your notes you're allergic etc. I'm worried I will get fobbed off by the hospital and asked to wait at home but plan to go there anyway as I want to get the maximum dose of drugs to
protect my baby asap and so I don't have to stay in as long after the birth.
I'd speak with your midwife and see what advice she can offer.
Good luck.

Thanks Yorkie. They're not the same drugs, but related (in the penicillin family). So far, the reaction doesn't seem to be getting worse, which is positive, and all the niggles have stopped, so perhaps I will wait until the course is finished before I go into labour?

I think you should have the right to insist to go in early, the key from what I've read is to have had a dose of IV antibiotics (and there are alternatives to penicillin) at least 4 hours before birth. Depends how fast you labour - my last labour was 5 hours for first stage, so I'm aware I may not make the 4 hour limit this time. Although I've read even 2 hours before still dramatically reduces risk.

Good luck too!