Group B Strep, should I be concerned when mucus plug is released?

Question

I just tested positive for group B strep. I'm 37.5 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and I've read up on the bacteria and have learned a lot, but there is still something I'm curious about. I have heard of some women losing their mucus plug days or even up to a week before delivery, and I understand that the mucus plug is a protective barrier for the baby. If I lose my mucus plug, should I go straight to the hospital for antibiotics? Or is the baby okay until I am fully in labour? Please any advice would be helpful

Answer 1

That is a good question! The quick answer is that your baby is still safe. The reason is that they give you antibiotics in labor so that your baby will be safe when he/she is born. The baby does not need the antibiotic protection until after he/she passes through your vagina, and since your mucus plug may be lost up to two or even three weeks prior to labor, there is no reason to be concerned at this point.
Check out this article for more information:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/408287/group_b_strep_infected_mothers_are.html

Answer 2

Its not until the baby is going through the birth canal that you have to worry. Thats when baby has the chance to come into contact with the strep.

Even if you gave birth without the antibiotics, they simply just give them to the baby right after birth. By giving YOU the antibiotics its for the purpose of the baby getting them through you.

No worries :)

Answer 3

I just found out that I have group B strep in my urine and am getting an antibiotic treatment for it. From what I just read I would say to go to the hospital once you loose our mucus plug.

www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/1647.html

Good Luck and best wishes

Answer 4

I had that with my daughter and they didn't give me meds until I was in active labor via IV. I don't even know when I lost my mucus plug with her.