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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Group B strep

12 replies

HappyHugs · 28/02/2011 16:41

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience of what treatment is offered for a planned section when you have tested positive for group B strep?

I'm also a bit concerned about going into labour before section date and then needing an emergency section without having time for the antibiotics...

Your views would be appreciated.

OP posts:
MandaHugNKiss · 28/02/2011 16:46

As far as I am aware the risk of GBS when it comes to a section is very low indeed given that 'they' think the infection is picked up by the baby in the birth canal. Obviously, a section by-passes that route!

There are rare instances where the amniotic fluid can become infected in which case the baby is at risk and would become infected intrauterine. In that case, I'm not sure that you having iv antibiotics would make much/any difference. Will watch the thread with interest in case somebody comes along who does know!

sh77 · 28/02/2011 16:51

Good q. I am having an ELCS in this preg. My DD passed away from early onset infection but the bacteria was not identified. GBS thought to be the most likely cause though E.Coli also a possibility. I was never swabbed before or after my induction.

In this preg (currently 37 weeks; CS planned for 38+4), I asked my consultant about ABs before CS and he said no need though I am not convinced as in my 1st preg it is possible that I had a minor rupture as my amniotic fluid was infected. Will quiz him again tomorrow.

CS does not eliminate the risk of GBS infection to baby but reduces it.

I did a private swab last week (36 weeks) and that was negative for GBS.

babybumpx · 28/02/2011 18:11

ok I'm slightly confused here because I tested positive for Group b strep with my pregnancy ( he is now aged 6) they gave me IV which had to be 4 hours before birth....why do you need to have a C section? I never knew this? My midwife has just said that I am under consultant care, I have not been concerned because obviously my son was absolutely fine....should I be worrying?

Sorry to say this on your post Happy Hugs....I am sure everything will be fine and that the consultants will ensure everything is fine now that they have detected it.

sh77 · 28/02/2011 19:07

There is nothing to say that one HAS to have a planned section if GBS+. It is personal choice in my case. GBS is not a sufficient medical reason for a CS so no need to be confused.

JaxTellersOldLady · 28/02/2011 19:11

You would be given IV antibiotics while in labour and baby tested when born and treatment provided if required.

I think ALL pregnant Mums should be tested for GBS. It would save lots of babies lives and to pay privately for a test is £30. Not all HCP will do a GBS test. Sad

No need for CS though, that is about personal choice.

Beamur · 28/02/2011 19:13

I had an emergency c-section and my hospital obviously do test as they told me I had tested positive and they wanted DD to have antibiotics as a precaution,,which she did and was fine.
Hope it all goes well for you.

Original poster
HappyHugs · 28/02/2011 19:49

Apologies for the confusion, the section is planned because I've had 2 previous sections, not because of group b strep. It's just that I only today received notification about the strep (having not even known they had tested me). To my knowledge I was not tested for either of my previous pregnancies so not even sure why I was this time.

OP posts:
Coppernoddle · 28/02/2011 20:01

I've tested positive for GBS and my last birth was 3 hours start to finish!! So hoping this one will be quicker, naturally, how do they get the antibiotics in me in time??
In the states they test everyone for it! Over here, my midwife said I could of had it in my previous two pregnancies and not realized so not to worry, they've just written it on my notes! But stopped my chances of a home birth! :(

Oh, my friend also had GBS and she had a section and they don't bother giving antibiotics with section, I guess baby catches it in the birth canal!

JaxTellersOldLady · 28/02/2011 20:03

I think there is a lot more knowledge about GBS nowadays, there has certainly a lot more media interest and awareness - thanks to a lot of Mums raising awareness, telling their stories etc.

Beamur · 28/02/2011 20:24

I must admit I had no idea about it - when they told me, I was a bit Confused but agreed to them giving my baby some antibiotics in case she got ill. It was only afterwards that I realised it could be very serious.
Sorry for your loss sh77 - here's wishing your new baby a happy landing.

NAR4 · 01/03/2011 09:57

You should still have 4 hours of IV antibiotics to protect the baby before your CS. If you do go into early labour and have an emergency CS so no antibiotics the risk to baby is still very low. It depends on individual hospital policy as to what they do in those circumstances. My hospital simply monitor the baby for 24 hours, the hospital my friend had her baby at put th baby on antibiotics for (I think) 5 days. Ask your midwife to find out for you, to put your mind at rest.

doodledee · 01/03/2011 11:05

My hospital policy states "women no longer require prophylactic antibiotics prior to electice CS" obviously every trust has own policy so check your out

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