tested positive at 37 weeks with Group B streptococcus (GBS) bacteria SHOULD I HAVE A C-SECTION?

Question

A positive result means only that I carry the bacteria — not that you or your baby will definitely become ill. In fact, if you were GBS positive and didn't get treatment, your baby would have only about a one or two in 200 chance of becoming infected. However, by getting treated with antibiotics during labor, you reduce your baby's chance of getting the infection even further — to about one in 4,000. You also reduce your own chance of developing a GBS infection during labor, as can sometimes happen. The only case in which you wouldn't need the antibiotics is if you have a planned cesarean section that happens before your water breaks or you go into labor.
I AM VERY CONCERNED! i don't want anything bad to happen to me or my baby...........................any suggestions??????

Answer 1

You already know the answer to that. Many people have positive GBS... you are right it does not mean you are a infected, just a carrier. Standard of care dictates that the doctor will give you IV antibiotics (most likely Pennicillin G ) every 4 hours until you have your baby.. Even without the treatment, the chance of baby getting the infection is very small. But if baby do get the infection, it can be severe and catastrophic.. the antibiotic reduce that chance signifcantly lower.. very very low.. Since you have positive GBS, you need to goto the hospital on a first sign of labor.. so that nurse will have enough time for you to receive the IV antibiotic before you give birth. If you goto the hospital and 20 minutes later you give birth, there won't be enough time for you to receive the antibiotics.. You need to receive at least 2 or 3 doses for it to have any effect.. So you need to be there for at least 4 or 8 hours for you to get enough antibiotics before the baby is born.

Giving C/S for people with +GBS is too drastic in my opinion. That means 20 to 40% of people will end up with C/S, which increases the risk to the mother in terms of infection, bleeding, DVT, blood transfusions..and possible death from surgery (don't laugh, I've seen it..) etc...

I hope this helps...

Answer 2

I'm sorry that you have to deal with this at the moment. It must be hard on you. I agree, it is a rather tough choice. I have never been in that situation, and I hope that I never am, but I have given you the answer of what I hypothetically would have done.

Personally, I would go ahead with the c-section. Even though the risks to mother and baby are indeed very small, I would never be able to forgive myself if I did make the decision to have a vaginal birth, and my child became sick as a result.

Also, I would not know if I was going to need a c-section whilst in labour, for unforeseen reasons. I would have regretted going through the pain of labour, and the possibility of having infected my child, only to end up needing a c-section.

I think that also, as you are excessively worried about harming yourself or your baby, that it would be best to put your mind at ease, and have a c-section, which would mean that you could relax and enjoy the final weeks of your pregnancy, before your bundle of joy arrives.

I want to wish you all the best of luck, with whatever decision you make.

Answer 3

No, you don't need a c-section. You need to tell the doctor when you go into labor. They will give you antibiotic shots (twice I believe) before you have the baby. My friend had this. The doctor did induce her instead of her going into labor on her own so that he could control when the antibiotics went in. Having a c-section is a lot harder than it seems. I had an emergency c-section and it was very difficult emotionally and physically afterwards. Everyone has their own opinions about this, but I say if you can go natural... go natural!

Answer 4

Since you know that you know that you tested positive for Group B Strep, when you go into labor, remind your OB. They should give you IV antibiotics during your labor to keep the baby from contracting Strep during the descent through the cervix and vaginal canal.
Group B is very common in women. That is why OB's test for it near to term, so that women can be treated during labor. During the exams of the baby in the hospital, the nurses should inform your baby's doctor of your positive Group B test. The pediatrician will keep that in mind with their exams as well.
Please discuss this concern with your OB. You should be having weekly visits at this point.
Good luck, and happy motherhood!!

Answer 5

I was also recently tested + for Group beta strep. I didn't have it last pregnancy. I researched it and found that it is a common virus that usually has no side effects on adults. We just have to be given an IV of antibiotics to prevent spread of it to newborn. Even with no antibiotics, usually the baby is fine. Most important for preemies. However to be on the safe side, we get the antibiotic during labor. It's very common.

Answer 6

I think u should consult a trusted family doctor. That's where the answers will be.

Some questions to ponder: If you take the antibiotics, will they in any way affect the baby? What are the risks that might affect the baby? Are they long-term, short term? Critical or non-critical?

Good luck.

Answer 7

I really would not worry about that. When I was in labor with my youngest daughter, I found out IN the hospital that I had group B Strep (my OB failed to enlighten me on that fact) and they tried to slow down my labor to allow time for the penicillan to absorb in to my blood stream. My daughter is perfect. Normally, what they like to do is get Penicillan in to your body 4 hours before delivery. Don't ruin your body and go through major surgery for bacteria. It is not that big of a deal.

Answer 8

If you are that worried about the statistics it is causing you and the baby stress. And that is not good.
Have the c-section and out your mind at ease.
I have 3 children and I would have if I were you.
I am sure you have talked about the pros's and con' with your Doc and just need to make up your mind.
I would not want to have regrets later on in life.
C-section are not as bad as people make out.
Personally I have not had one but my friend just had her 5th

Good luck and God bless

Answer 9

You just need to make sure that you get a shot 6-8 hours before you deliver...it will be fine. You Dr should be aware of this, and he should be telling you what to do. I would go for the natural birth

Answer 10

This is common and they treat you with antibiotics during labor, The problem arises when you don't know you have it and you don't recieve treatment, Good Luck