Strep B during pregnancy, help, I'm scared!

[ChefMelanie]

Hi all. So am currently 29 weeks pregnant, I went in for a growth scan the other day (cause baby is 10th centile, so a bit small, so they are going to monitor it's growth more from now on), and they also took a swab.

They just rang me and said that I have something called "Strep B", which means when I go into labour, I'll need to be put on an antibiotics drip, to reduce risk of passing it on to baby.

I've never heard of it, but the leaflet they sent me said it affects 20-40% of women, so wondered if it has affected any of yourselves? I'm scared because it says there's increased risk of miscarriage, and if baby gets it, it's risky, so I'm going to be scared to go home with it soon after birth.

I guess I'm just looking for reassurance really. Anyone have strep b during their pregnancies/ any stories? Thanks all, I've been finding mumsnet very helpful with my anxieties during this pregnancy.

I had this and was supposed to have antibiotic drip when I was giving birth. However my labor was too quick and they never had a chance to give me them. So I had to stay in hospital so my DD could be monitored for a few days. All was fine.

wishing you all the best

I had this, I didn’t find out till a little before I went into labour (waters had broken) Had the antibiotics and everything was absolutely fine.

I was going to test for it provately but I had a small bleed at 35 weeks and they swabbed me. I was told to not delay going to hospital once contractions were regular to allow 4hrs between antibiotics been given and baby being born. Once she was born she had obs done hourly for 12hrs and all was well x

I had antibiotics during both my labours. It's a long time ago now but with my first I think the infection was picked up on a midwife routine blood test? I don't remember being swabbed.

Second time round I mentioned it and requested testing and was found positive again.

Both babies and I were just fine op.

I had strep b during pregnancy. Essentially the baby can contract it from you as it passes through the birth canal, usually they will bring you in for antibiotics once your waters break (and please insist that they do if you're told otherwise). I ended up having a c section anyway (placenta previa and gestational diabetes so big baby) which negates the need for antibiotics. It is scary but as long as they know you have it and treat as appropriate the risk to baby is small

I was diagnosed early in pregnancy with DC2, and was told it might or might not still be there when I have birth but I'd have antibiotics in labour to minimise risk. Unfortunately labour progressed quickly so was only in hospital for c10 minutes before he arrived, so we had to stay in 24hrs post birth for obs. All was fine.

@harrietm87
Yes, indeed it can.
But it can also be completely symptomless, which is why swabbing is done, and why it is done routinely in other countries.

I never said it wasn’t. I fully understand what GBS is.