36 weeks pregnant and tested positive for Group B Strep...?

Question

I don't know much about this besided the little info I have gotten from searching the web that basically told me that I needed to get to the hospital as soon as I go into labor because I need to have 2 doses of antibiotics before my baby can pass to prevent illness. I read that Group B strep can cause newborns to have menengitis and other serious problems. Any infomation will help greatly and has anyone else tested positive? This is my first pregnancy and I am very worried about this issue...please help. :-(

Answer 1

Ok, well the GOOD news is you know!! Education is your first step to better treatment for your baby.
First of all, lets get a few things straight, nothing is wrong with you or your body! GBS (Group B Strep ) is a type of strep that some women have for years, and it goes undetected. The hibernation is generally within the rectal or vaginal area. The reason that it is essential to treat you with 2 doses of antibiotics, preferablly prior to the amniotic (fluid around baby)sac rupturing, is to ensure a higher percentage that they will not have potentially serious or fatal side effects.
Generally, when it is known they will start the first bag of antibiotics immediately arriving to the hospital for delivery. Because it is I.v antibiotics it will hit yours and babys bloodstream FAST! This cuts the babys risk almost in half, of acquiring any type of side/effects when they are exposed to GBS through the birth experience. The 2nd dose is basically the SUPER saftey net this cuts the babies risk an additional 25-45% depending on antibiotic and how long before birth.
After you are treated you will be fine, but due to history should be checked in sub-sequent prgnancies. I believe the CDC made this mandatory a few years back to be checked @ 34 weeks and up. Your baby on the other hand might be a liittle spoiled (can never spoil a child, they need attention like food )in the nursery. The crutual window of time after a GBS birth is 48 hours, usually!! If the baby's apgar's (birth levels,....first "grade card") are normal this is a really GOOD sign. If the lungs sound goodand look good (they usually always XRAY a GBS baby's lungs), another GREAT sign. If they are eating well, having good input and output, maintaining body temp on own, not acting sickly or lethargic and no jaundice (yellowing of the skin,...esp. bad after bad bruiseing at birth or in newborns). You and baby will be on a good start to recovery!
If by chance you only recieved one dose or none,...the baby would be even closely monitored and antibiotics would be started immediately.

***I think because it is such an unheard of diagnosis people are afraid of it. Although it carries risk, remember they are avoidable with treatment. **
Good Luck, Relax , breathe, and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and your new baby , when he/she arrives!

Answer 2

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 3

It's only bad for the baby if they pass through the birth canal before you get the antibiotics. But the docs will put an IV in right away and start the antibiotic. I didnt have Group B strep but I was giving lots of info on it. Hope I helped, dont sweat it

Answer 4

I have also tested positive for Group B strep. While I have not alot of more info than you probably already have I wouldn't be to worried if I were you. I am pregnant with my fourth child and tested positive when I was pregnant with my second. I got my shots of antibiotics and I have 3 healthy children, so I wouldn't be to concerned. Although this is a serious thing if you are really concerned ask your OB/GYN to give you some more info. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Yep, that's right. Group B Strep is very common. You carry the virus and could pass it along to your baby during birth. But as long as you get the antibiotic injections before the baby is born the risk of passing it on is reduced to almost nothing.

Everything will be okay, do a little research on Group B Strep on www.babycenter.com, they have a few good articles discussing it.

Answer 6

As long as you go to the hospital once your water has broke you'll be fine. They'll give you IV antibiotics and it won't be anything to worry about. While it could cause serious problems if you didn't get the antibiotics it is still a rarity, the antibiotics are just a precaution.

Also call your doctor, or talk to them next appt about being worried about it. They'll be able to answer ANY questions you have, that's what they are there for.

Answer 7

This is so common and you will just get an antibiotic before you give birth, usually when you go into the hospital. The only thing that can happen is you can pass it on to the baby but it is so easily treated. It is not an STD or anything, some women get it and some don't. I had it with my second child but not my first and I did everything the same. Don't worry It is normal and your baby with be fine. It goes away.

Answer 8

It is very normal and lots of people have Strep B. All you have to do is make sure the nurses on duty know and that it is in your chart. Right before birth they will inject antibiotics in to your IV. The baby should be fine. if the baby is a C section than no worry. It only passes by birth canal. Don't worry, you and baby will be fine. You will just need to have a Strep B test done and given antibiotics before each baby in the future.

Answer 9

Try not to worry...I say this as I go to my appt tomorrow to find out if I tested positive as well (I'm 37 weeks) :) Group B Strep affects 2 out of every 5 pregnancies. It is so common, they know how to get those antibiotics in there in time. I'm not sure how the process works but I believe that they use an IV drip to give it to you. Also, remember that us first timers usually have somewhat longer labors and you will have plenty of time to get those anitbiotics inside of you. Good luck!

Answer 10

HI, GBS is rather common. Don't stress yourself out about this one, but please do read up about it. I agree with Mystic Eye who posted here already. The antibiotic is not the only answer or possibly not the best answer. There is an intrapartum prophylaxtic vaginal wash that is called Hebaclense, used q 4 hours in labor.
1-3% of babies whose mothers are GBS positive will become infected with beta strep. (Of course, another way to express the same statistic is that 97-99% of babies born to GBS positive mothers will not become infected.)
Approximately 25% of the cases of neonatal GBS disease occur in premature infants, therefor if you rule out preterm labor then you're ahead of the game anyway.
IF you would like another way to treat GBS colonization try a diet filled with Garlic and investigate PROBIOTICS. (it's basically good bacteria you take in capsule that will fight off the bad bacteria where it shouldn't be.)
If you do have IV therepy, please do yourself a favor and take probiotics and eat lots of yogurt afterwords, because the amount of antibiotic they give is a high dose and will kill good AND bad bacteria in your body.
:-) above all else educate yourself! You'll be fine.