GBS what to expect

[icarriedawatermelon2]

Hello, been told by my MW that I have GBS and will need antiobiotics in labour. She was very relaxed about it.

Just wondering if I don't get the full dose as my birth is quick, what will happen?

This is muy second baby, didn't know I had GBS with my first, my waters went 24 hours before the birth and a week later DS was ill in special care with breathing problems....I have never been told if they are connected???

How long will I need to stay in??

bumping x

I think they will just monitor your baby for 24 hours as a precaution.
From what I understand the chances of GBS being passed on are very slim but the consequences can sadly be very serious therefore IV antibiotics are precautionary but if that isn't possible then close monitoring is done.
I haven't been tested this time but as I was a carrier it is assumed I have it so my notes are plastered with GBS stickers this time. Like you I was unaware I was carrying it last pregnancy and it was only when my itchiness didn't respond to thrush treatment that I was swabbed and GBS came back. DD was fine, she did have some unexplained spots at a few weeks old so again as a precaution was given antibiotics.
I was told by MW to contact them as soon as waters break this time.

Hi

I was told if I didn't have the ABs every 4 hours during labour then they routinely give the baby ABs for 48 hours after birth.

With my first child I had the ABs and DD was fine, with my second child I didn't and he was ill for 2wks (they couldn't lab test it as GBS infection in him but the consultant said he thought it was).

oh thanks ladies, I am just a bit worried that I will progress too quickly to get 4 hours worth and so the baby will need AB's.....I assume this isn't a major issue but have read some comments from mums not wanting their babies to have AB's so young???? They must give them alot though and I assume its not a big problem if the baby has to have them??

I will get running to the hospital as soon as I think something is happening but last time I was only there 2 hours and I had given birth! This time I have to wait for child care to arrive and my mum and dad are always late for EVERYTHING!!!

I found out when I was pregnant with ds2 that I am a GBS carrier. I wasn't tested with ds1 and thankfully, he was ok.

I was quite paniced by this when I found out so I told my mw and consultant that I wanted to be induced and they agreed.
I had AB's through an IV every 4 hours. It takes 20 minutes each time.
We stayed in for 48 hours and ds2 was on 4 hourly observation checks for his temperature, heart rate and pulse.
From what I was told, if your labour is really quick and you don't get enough ab's, they will treat the baby if need be.

You will be fine, just remember to mention you are GBS+ when you call the hospital.

I had GBS in both PG's.

When I had DS who is now 4 I laboured to quickly to receive the IV drip so we had to stay in hospital for 3 nights so that DS could have the AB's

But when I had DD almost 2 I again laboured very quickly and gave birth to her at home, we were taken to hospital and they did an ear swab on DD we stayed overnight and were discharged the next day as she was all clear.

SilveryMoon ooooo induction??? I am 39 weeks now, had DS at 35 so I feel over cooked! Do you think they would agree to this??

Narketta do you think they keep changing their procedures?? I hadn't heard of an ear swab??? I assume SilveryMoon and Narketta you are in the UK?

Hi icarriedawatermelon2 yes i'm in the UK.

I was told by my midwife after having DD that the procedures are constantly changing.
I spent the whole of my PG with DD dreading a 3 night stay in hosp and constantly asked my MW if this would be the case but could never get a straight answer!!

I had the 4 hourly ABs throughout my 16 hour labour and then stayed in 24 hours for DS to be observed. He was fine. The worst bit for me was having the canular in my arm as they wouldn't let me labour in water, having previously said it would be okay to do so. I'm 38 weeks again now so more prepared this time to stay in and be observed and not use the pool. Good luck!

watermelon2 I asked to be induced because I have no idea whatsoever when my waters went with ds1.
I was an hour or so into pushing when they did an internal examination and asked me when my waters went! Not a clue.
I told the consultant that I was worried about waters going or trickling without me noticing.
I was induced at 39 weeks exactly. They started at 10:30am and ds2 was born at 12:37am. Was a long day!
Yes, I am in the UK

Think I'll call my MW in the morning.....I am so unconfortable and have had enough!! The extra rest in hospital after may well be a good thing with a toddler at home!!

I haven't been tested for GBS that I'm aware of but knowing of someone who lost her baby at 29 weeks, I'm worried about it. Can I insist on being screened?

this site has lots of information. I don't think you can insist on being screened but there are private tests but RCOG argue that they are not that reliable.

Thanks. I've since thought my post sounded overly negative btw - just to reassure that the lady I know of was unlucky in the extreme and that's highly unlikely to happen to anyone here. Sorry about that.

I asked my midwife about an induction today........ummmm NO.....we don't do that for GBS she said

I had a swab taken as I had thrush.....you could have thrush or a bit of an infection kitcat1977 ;)

Oh watermelon I'm sorry they said no. Induction is not pleasant though.
Chances are all will be well.
Now they know you are a carrier, they will do everything to make sure the risks are minimal.
It's a good thing they know.
The labour will be controlled as much as it can be and your baby will be fine.

Thanks SilveryMoon , fingers crossed any day now xx