GBS precautions second pregnancy

[Hectorcat]

Hi, first post here - normally lurking :-)

I'm 36+3 with my second baby and was diagnosed GBS positive with my first, but no sign of it when he was born. I have just had my midwife appt to plan this birth as a homebirth and she has told me that because I had GBS last time (not the baby) the new baby will have to go to hospital for monitoring for 12 hours after birth regardless.

This seems very abitrary to me and over excessive (obviously I want to protect the health of my newborn) especially as they have tested me during this pregnancy and there was no GBS present. Does anyone know what the NHS guidelines are for this at all?

Thanks, Kat

Can u pay for testing as the birth gets closer?

Could do although she was insistent that even despite that the newborn would have to be monitored because of the last pregnancy..

I really want to avoid the post-natal ward unless I really need to be there. I'm just so torn as I want the best for my baby but really don't want to have to go to the hospital.

That's not the right information she's given you. The NHS guidelines have changed recently and they say that unless you test positive in THIS pregnancy, or have previously had a baby affected by GBS there is no need to have antibiotics in labour or be in hospital for monitoring the baby post-birth.

I had a GBS+ test in my first pregnancy and had IV antibiotics with that birth, didn't test positive in my second pregnancy, but was offered (and had) antibiotics as those were the guidelines at the time, but this time (3rd) I am having a homebirth. I have tested negative in this pregnancy for what it's worth, as you know it comes and goes, so it just depends on what day you have the test really.

I'm afraid I can't do links, but please google NHS guidelines for the management of Strep B in pregnancy and also strep B and homebirth. It will help you make up your mind what is best for you and your baby. In no way am I trying to say Strep B should not be taken seriously, many women on these boards have had babies affected and would say its a no brainier, have antibiotics and monitoring. I'm just saying what I'm doing this time, based on doing a lot of research and weighing up the risks and benefits, and luckily my MW and consultant are entirely supportive of my decision to have a home birth.

Hope that helps & good luck!