Infections- Strep B

[Anna360]

This is my first pregnancy and I’m 16 weeks. I have just been told I tested positive for strep b. Has anyone dealt with this and can give some advice?

Hi @Anna360 I had group strep b with my second pregnancy. I know that it can come and go so it’s best to get tested again around 36-37 weeks pregnant. I had to have antibiotics during labour and both me and my baby had to stay in for 24 hours to ensure that baby was well. This website is where I purchased my test from and has lots of information. gbss.org.uk/info-support/about-group-b-strep/what-is-group-b-strep/

I’ve had it in all 3 pregnancies - my 1st 2 needed antibiotics after birth for 24 hours (or maybe 48, I forget!) but was otherwise completely fine.

I also had antibiotics with the first 2 - the 3rd was too fast to get them but as he was born completely membranes intact he was treated as a c-section birth in terms of contact with me and possible infection risk so he didn’t need them.

Thank you both,

I’ve just been over thinking since and I’m coming up with the worst possible results.

@PotteringAlong how long were you when you had your third?

How far along or how old?

DS1 was born at 40+14 (induced) and I was 31
DS2 was born at 40+ 12 (spontaneous labour the morning I was meant to be induced) and I was 34
DS3 was born at 40+13 (induced) and I was 37

Sorry I meant how far along, as I was reading it could cause premature labour.

@Anna360 - as you can see, it definitely didn’t cause that for me

@Anna360 my baby was born on due date so no premature labour for me either

I didn't know I was carrying strep B until after DD was born (overdue) she was on IV antibiotics for a few days. All was fine.

My sister had group b strep! She had IV antibiotics when in labour and my niece had some precautionary after birth. As pp states that it can come and go. But I think once you've tested for it they treat you as you do.
My niece decided she wanted to come at 35 weeks! Both my sister and niece are fine! 😊 x

Was it on a urine test or vaginal swab? If on swan, it comes and goes, doesn’t mean much unless it’s there at 35-36 weeks so you would just need a reswab. If it’s in urine, often it needs to be treated (depends how much bacteria there is), and then there is no need to reswab/test later on, you’re treated as GBS positive.
So if it’s in urine or present at 35-36 weeks on swab then you’ll be offered IV antibiotics in labour to prevent the baby getting it. Even without antibiotics the risk is pretty low - something like 1/1000- but it’s taken very seriously because babies can die from it.
To reassure - it’s common, it’s been picked up, and the right treatment will be offered- you’ll be fine!

@TenThousandSpoons0 it was from a urine sample. My midwife didn’t offer any type of treatment & just said she’ll do another test later on in the pregnancy and They may offer antibiotics during labour. She didn’t seem that bothered.

I was told last week I'm Group B Strep positive, so was a little freaked out and sad. I'm about to finish a course of antibiotics, but I know it may be present during my entire pregnancy.

The only worry I have, is that the leaflet I received said that I'd need to go into hospital as soon as my waters break. I was hoping to stay at home until my contractions got close enough and then go.

Hoping the restrictions are relaxed by December as I really don't want to be on my own until active birth/left alone after birth once husband's time is up.

@Bluejayway91

Aww that’s good you received the right information and treatment.
Hopefully the restrictions have eased by then so he can stay x

I had strep b, was on antibiotics during birth then baby was on them too. She was 6 weeks early but perfectly healthy

Ah well it’s a little bit variable about treatment at the time - because it doesn’t cause an infection in the urine, the bacteria is just there usually. If you have symptoms though you should be treated (burning/stinging when you pee, sore tummy, fevers/kidney pain etc etc). Otherwise you could ask her whether it is a “heavy growth” or ask your GP to have a look at the result. Typically treatment is of heavy or “colony count” over 100. There’s a possible link between preterm birth and GBS - but it would be a bit more important if you also have other risk factors for preterm birth.
I’ll repeat though there is no need to test again later in pregnancy, you’ll need treatment in labour anyway. I think there’s an RCOG guideline or a NICE guideline if you want to look things up.

OP I posted a thread about this in the childbirth section yesterday. I also had a positive urine test (at 27 weeks) and have been doing a lot of reading. There’s a lot of nuance to it and you should remember that you have the right to choose all of your treatment. Antibiotics for you or baby are not risk free, so it’s a question of weighing up the certain outcome of your newborn being exposed to antibiotics versus the chance that they could contract an illness, which has a chance of death. It’s all really complicated and I recommend the GBSS website.

Hello, I'm just looking for some advice, I'm expecting my first child and have strep B, I have been told when my waters break the sooner I get to the hospital the better as I need to be on an antibiotic iv drip, however I have collapsing and very deep veins (it takes the specialist to get blood or even find a decent vein) I'm worried that they won't get the iv into me and my baby will be poorly, I'm considering an elective section and wondered if anyone was/ has been in the same predicament and can offer some advice, T.I.A x

Haven’t been in the same position but just wanted to say - the treatment in labour is to reduce the risk from something between 1-4/1000, to 996/1000 Chance your baby will be totally fine. Often if antibiotics aren’t in in time then baby is just observed over 12-24 hrs. Generally wouldn’t be a reason to choose CS but if you have other reasons for thinking about CS I guess it may add to those. You don’t need GBS antibiotics with a CS but you do get antibiotics to prevent an infection in you (not baby).