Group B Strep

[iphammers]

Is a newborn baby born by emergency c-section 8 hours after the waters were broken at risk of having an infection if the mother has group b strep?

If mum was known to have group b strep she should have been given IV antibiotics in labour, or if no time they would have given her antibiotic cover during her c section. Baby should be at no more risk of infection than any other baby going through the birth process.

I had group B strep and baby was born vaginally 29 hours after water was broken, on IV antibiotics however for most of that time. My sister was also GBS positive and had no antibiotics (not enough time) her baby was monitored for 24 hours for any sign of infection and that was my understanding of it if there wasn't enough time for IV antibiotics?

So 8hrs is less of a risk i believe. My DD did develop group b strep sepsis and there was around a 30hr gap between waters breaking and her birth (no antibiotics as i didnt know i was GBS positive at the time). Also a c section reduces the risk as passing through the birth canal is more risky in terms of passing on the bacteria. But i think I'd be monitoring closely for any signs of a GBS infection and going to hospital if there were.

This charity is really good and has a great helpline if you wanted some informed advice: www.gbss.org.uk There is good info on the website as well if the phoneline doesnt open until tomorrow.