GBS

[sassie23]

Hello all
Just been diagnosed with Group B Strep after swab test because of recurring thrush. Told by GP very common nothing really to worry about, although I will have to have IV antibiotics during labour which I can understand. However she recommends that I take a course of antis now to get rid of the infection. I'm slightly confused because everything I have read so far states that the GBS can recolonise after even a few days so would I not have to be constantly swabbed to check for infection and then maybe take more courses of antis? Im just trying to weigh up the pros and cons of taking anti now when the infection can reoccur? thanks for any advice

www.gbss.org.uk

They normally say give antibiotics for urine infection and nothing for vaginal infection.

I am in the same position, I rang the gbs organisation to ask why this is and she said that you can't actually get rid of the gbs, as it's normal for it to live in the vagina. So they don't bother treating. I havn't been given anything, my gp was worried about unecessary antibiotics causing thrush (again) biut he did get me to do a urine sample just in case I have a 'silent' urine infection.

hth

Hi can I ask is recurring thrush an indicator that GBS may be present? Have looked at the website and can't find any answer to it.

I thought the advice if you have a positive swab but no other risk factors should be that IV antibiotics are available, but you don't have to have them??? If you've no other risk factors, the chances of your baby getting an active infection are a lot smaller.

Antibiotics can definitely make thrush worse. It's one of the possible side effects of having the IV antibiotics actually - that you could get thrush vaginally, orally and in your nipples.

Going to make an appoint with my GP to discuss antibiotics issue mum2oneloudbaby don't think its an indicator as such I was only offered the swab test to make sure there wasn't any other type of infection. If you're worried ask for a swab like I did seems like it was worth checking it out

You are so very lucky that you have found out before your delivery. Yes, GBS can recolonise and my understanding is that if you have it, IV AB are offered.

Not sure what japhrimel means. Many women who have GBS are asymptomatic. I had an infection, had no symptoms and was not swabbed. Sadly, the infection passed to my daughter, causing her to pass away a day after her birth. I really don't want to cause you alarm as what happened to me was v v v rare. Get different opinions about the best course of action. GBSS is probably the most informed.

All the best.

So very sorry sh77 thanks for your advice