Just tested positive for Group B Strep - baby is 9 days old - what would you do??

[jivegirl]

Hi,

Midwife took a swab on Friday as I thought I might have a urine infection (had DD2 9 days ago). Came back today as positive for group B strep.

She told me not to look it up on the internet as it would scare me! She said that biggest risk was 24-48hrs after birth, obviously at Day 9 we are past that so she said not to worry. I have been prescribed penicillin, although I am reluctant as I am BF at the moment and don't want to intefere with that.

Would you be happy with this outcome - or should I be pushing to get DD2 checked out or something. I have to say I think she's fine, putting on weight, very placid, feeding well etc. I have never heard of Group B strep and the one website I have looked at seems to focus on testing in pregnancy and treatment in labour - not what to do if you're diagnosed after birth.

Many thanks in advance

claire

Something like 490 of 500 newborns whose mothers are GBS+ at the birth have no ill effects (ever). Only 1-3 of the remaining 10 babies will be seriously ill (in the first 3 days, nearly always they have another risk factor, like prem. birth).

I really wouldn't be worried if I were you. Enjoy your baby.

Did she say that breastfeeding was not advisable?

Just wanted to add that I had penicillin while BFing, there are ones that don't interfere- I think I was on Flucloxacillin. Check with your GP or MW if you're worried.

Congratulaions on your new baby

Hi,

The penicillin is 'phenoxymethylpenicillin'. GP said traces would get into breastmilk but there was no risk to the baby. I thought the midwife had said that penicillin could unsettle the baby but I think I will accept the wisdom of the GP.

Can my DD be tested for Strep B? Should I be pushing for this? Or do I just assume that since she's not shown any symptoms she's fine?

Good grief, I'm not usually such a worrier!

Thanks

Hi,

I tested positive for GBS after I gave birth (waters went done swabs day before, naturally went into labour early hours of the morning)
As we were still in hospital we were kept in for obs on baby, swab done from baby. Came back positive later the next day they were going to give anti biotics but decided as she was feeding, sleeping and all obs had been fine to keep us in for a further 2 days of obs.
She is now 19 weeks and is fine.
The most riskiest period is the first 24-48 hrs so you are past that. We were told to take her to straight to hospital if she seemed unwell, stopped feeding normally, had a temperature etc.

I too had never heard of it until I was told I had it.