Experiences with GBS

NeonNoon

I got my results back today.  I'm positive for GBS and am a little bummed about it (there goes my road-side delivery!  :P )  I am glad that I was tested for it and that there are infection prevention measures available.  I will be discussing what it means for me with my OB next week but I was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share.

Specifically, did you have to have continuous monitoring?  (Our hospital doesn't do telemetry, so I would be stuck in bed if that were the case).  Were you expected to go to the hospital/birth center sooner than normal?  Were you allowed to be off IV between doses?  Did your NB need antibiotics & testing after birth (was that at the hospital or with your pediatrician after discharge)?

TIA.

marijaa333

No experience but I'm sorry to hear about your GBS diagnosis. 

Sharon&Paul

I was positive with my second and third. My second I arrived at the hospital in active labor at 6 cm. They were trying to slow it down to get the four hours of antibiotics first. The epidural helped slow down labor. We just made it with minutes to spare. There was no need for treatment or observation with the baby. If we missed the window the baby is treated with antibiotics and observed.

With my third my water broke, but I was not in active labor. When i got tot he hospital they started the antibiotics and the pitocin at the same time. She was born about 5 hours later and was fine.

topaz7777

My sister had GBS, though she was high risk for other reasons and was being induced anyway.  She got the antibiotics during labor and that was about it. 

6kidscount

I Had it with my daughter 17 years ago and ended up being induced because of being 10 days over due. I got the antibiotics and she was fine was born after a long 18 hours. My second I had a different doctor 15 years ago and didn't test me in time even though I reminded him many times I had it with my first. I even called after I was tested and the secretary said I was fine. I assume my test wasn't back and lied because she was born and turns out she got it.luckily they tested her right away and gave her I.v antibiotics and watched her a few days. Now she's a healthy 15 year old. I've have 4 more children since then and they stopped testing me after her I just get the antibiotics before there born. I'm pregnant with my 7th and will be the same. I haven't had my water break on its own that's when you would have to go to the hospital even if not in labor. Good luck hope I helped a little with my story

mattandlora

(Edited for my OCD)

 

I attended and cared for LOTS of newborn deliveries during residency. GBS+ moms get antibiotics during delivery. I don't know about continuous IV or just IV for each dose. LO will get labs drawn at birth to look for risk of infection. Based on risk factors, LO may or may not get cultures drawn and 48 hours of antibiotics while waiting for culture results. (No continuous IV - just one placed and doses given at regular intervals). Risk factors include how long your fluid was ruptured, if you had a fever during delivery, how long you got antibiotics during delivery, how early baby was born (35-37 weeks vs 38+ weeks), and baby's screening labs results. The exact formula to determine risk varies slightly at each hospital and with current research available. I haven't kept up with that because I don't work with newborns anymore. From a pediatric standpoint, the biggest risk of developing GBS infection symptoms in the baby (pneumonia, sepsis) is the first 72 hours of life. LO won't be discharged until 48 hours old, with required doctor follow-up the day after discharge. FYI, watch for that.