Hi ladies, it is GREAT news in a way that you have been identified as GBS positive. I was not (my trust doesnt test for it, i was covid isolating at the time you would normally have the private test from 35-37w and i went into labout at 37 and a half weeks so hadn't had chance to get the test). My waters broke before contractions started making DD high risk for contracting an infection. She was also a tiny 5lbs 12oz at birth.
As it happened, DD did in fact contract GBS sepsis and spent 2 weeks in NICU / SCBU. It was a horribly scary time and on her 3rd NICU day, i was very scared we wouldn't get to bring her home. It took a long time for me to recover from what happened.
Once you know you are positive, i would write it in massive black pen on the front of your notes. You should get antibiotics in labour and you will likely be kept 24hrs for monitoring. DDs symptoms were most apparent at 23hrs old.
As i understand it, the bacteria lives in the birth canal and so thats why babies can pick it up during a vaginal birth. I dont think it can be passed on if you have a c-section, but someone might correct me on that.
PP above has linked to the gbss.org.uk website - they are great. At the moment, they are supporting a huge clinical trial to see if routine testing of all pregnant women (as is the case in nearly every developed country...) makes a difference to rates of GBS sepsis and meningitis.
I wish so so much i had known in advance. I would never wish our experience on anyone. Please just tell every healthcare professional who treats you that you are GBS positive and make sure you get your antiobiotics!