GBS - when are IV antibiotics needed?

[PostmanPatAlwaysRingsTwice]

I'm 37+6 and had a GBS UTI earlier in pregnancy so am considered high risk for GBS infection of the baby and need IV antibiotics in labour. As I have mild gestational diabetes the plan is for me to be induced a couple of days after my due date.

When I ask about the GBS issue my obstetrician keeps saying I don't need IV antibiotics until my waters go, but I understand you're supposed to need the antibs for at least four hours before the actual birth for them to be effective. From what I've read it seems that waters often don't go until closer to the end than that. This is my second baby; my first was induced at 12 days over but that took 5 days and my waters had to be broken so I can't really go by that experience.

Does anyone have knowledge of this - at what point should I be receiving the antibs? Is it not too late to wait until my waters go?

They should be given at least four hours before birth and if your still in labour you need them every four hours throughout labour.

The risk of infection is increased when your waters break but your likely to need them before then as waters breaking can happen close to the end of labour.

That's what I thought McBaby. It's a bit difficult when my obstetrician keeps saying I don't need them till my waters go! I will be seeing a different one next week so will ask him/her too.

I wasn't given any until after my waters went. Though bare in mind that was 8 years ago now.

Definitely at least 4 hours before delivery and they keep giving you then very 4 hours until delivered. Had it with my first and will be doing the same this time. I'm 38w x

ItsSpringBaby how soon was it after your waters going that you delivered? I don't know how common it is for that gap to be less than 4 hours but wouldn't have thought it was rare enough to risk it.

Good luck for the next couple of weeks Mummabear... I am still in denial that it's going to happen so soon. Did you get the IV while your waters were still intact last time?

Yes my waters didnt go till around half an hour before she was born. We must be due the same day? 27th? Have you had any twinges yet? X

Nothing mummabear, I'm not expecting to really as DS was forced out at 16 days late so I can't imagine doing it myself this time either! I know it's a possibility though.

Have you had any signs?

Threatened pre term labour at 31 and 34 weeks. Have been loosing plug for weeks and get hours a day of regular tightenings but they always stop!! So annoying! Just want my waters to go or something so I know it will be soon lol x