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Pregnancy

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

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Original poster

Private GBS screen positive result

13 replies

Thornykate · 06/05/2011 17:43

I paid for a GRoup B strep screen & the lab texed me today to say it is positive.

I am37+1 & am not booked in to see the MW until 39 wks. I had already delivered my last child by 39 wks.

I am under CMW care so the lab will send results to the MW c/o the health centre so I don't think she will get the results for a while.

Am I correct in assuming that all I need to do is tell the hosp when I go into labour so that they can give me IV antibiotics during labour?

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:

munkiii · 06/05/2011 19:24

Make sure it is on your birth plan and mention it as soon as you are admitted and mention it again if you have new MW or staff changes. Make sure your birth partner knows to mention it to in case you are in the middle of a cx and can't get the words out!

Good luck you will be absolutely fine.

edwinbear · 06/05/2011 21:33

I had the same, I had it on my birth notes but I also told them when I went in and they made a note and hooked me up on IV anti biotics every few hours. It was fine.

bethylou · 06/05/2011 21:35

Also, when you ring the ward to say you are in labour, tell them then as it will affect the time they will want you to come in. Ideally, you need to have the ABs four hours before you deliver.

Original poster

Thornykate · 06/05/2011 22:36

Thank you all x

OP posts:

MrsVidic · 07/05/2011 06:53

If your labour is short they'll give the baby an iv anyway. There's no reason you can't have what ever birth you choose (apart from home). You will have to stay in for 24 hours

TheNewShmoo · 07/05/2011 11:16

I may need the antibiotics too but my hospital said that it need not be administered via IV- much better IMO as this will not impede your mobility in labour. Something to think about. Good luck x

jasmine51 · 07/05/2011 15:02

Hi thorny my MW shocked me the other day by saying that the Group B strep test was a total waste of time and noone at the hosp would take any notice of it as they would test the LO at birth anyway. Did yours suggest you have one? On what basis? I'm worried by her reaction and would be interested if others have been told the same?

Original poster

Thornykate · 07/05/2011 17:57

Oral ab's are much more appealling to me :) the thought of baby having IV is a bit sad so I hope it doesn't come to that but I know it would be the lesser of 2 evils.

Hi Jasmine your MW sounds a bit dismissive :(
I had test Privately as I had read a bit about it & a friend of a friends baby tragically passed away shortly after birth because of it so I felt it a worthwhile test to have.

The nhs can be v strange, they are happy to test people for other non life threatening conditions so I don't know why not this? Would be interested to know more about why some areas don't offer treatment during childbirth & others do.

OP posts:

TheNewShmoo · 07/05/2011 18:28

the NHS strep b test only has a 25% pick up rate compared to the private tests- maybe that's what your midwife was getting at jasmine51?

sh77 · 07/05/2011 23:43

Really glad you tested. Sadly, My experience is similar to your friend. I knew nothing about gbs in pg1. Do inform mw asap - you can also ask for gbs sticker on front of notes.

jasmine51 · 08/05/2011 08:58

Right, that settles it, I'm getting tested then!

onesuzymac · 08/05/2011 17:17

I'll be getting a private test as well - I do not understand why the NHS won't test for it (the proper test, not the current effort). I've not heard anything of oral ABs for GBS - it's still IVs at our place...every four hours so you can be mobile in between doses. Not many hospitals test babies routinely - not sure there's any evidence for it tbh. Tell your MW and mention it as soon as you call labour ward when you start labouring.

Original poster

Thornykate · 09/05/2011 17:16

Ok so I phoned the C M W office this morning & my normal MW wasn't around. I don't think many patients must have a private screen round here as I had to be put through to the manager who wanted the paper copy of the results & wanted it today. I explained that there was no address filled in for the CMW office on my patient held notes so I gave the lab my MWs name & address as c/o my GPs/ HC where she holds weekly clinics. Am not getting myself in a flap trying to chase another copy; if hosp won't treat without more details then the duty staff on admission can call the lab which will hopefully be open!

I don't know if I will get to go on MW led unit or not now I will find out on weds but I will have to go in as soon as labour starts.

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