Those who tested positive for Group B Strep

kmh2201 · June 2009

So I tested positive for Group B strep, which I know means that I have to have an IV of antibiotics during L&D. I forgot to ask my OB, though, what will happen if the antibiotics don't neutralize it and LO is exposed. Did your OB tell you? I can always wait until next week's appointment, but was curious and also just in case I go into labor before then... TIA!

Soon2BMrsN · June 2009

I'm not sure... I think I was so surprised to find out that I tested positive that I didn't know what to ask. I need to do some research before my appointment this Friday, I guess.

krmlaw · June 2009

when did they do this test on you? im not sure if i have had it done ...

wowway · June 2009

They did a sensitivity test on mine and know which antibiotic to use that the strain I have is most sensitive to. So, its not an issue for me.

Soon2BMrsN · June 2009

krmlaw:
when did they do this test on you? im not sure if i have had it done ...

I think it was at my 36w5d appt. They recommend the test between 36 and 38 weeks.

*Bee* · June 2009

I was told the chances of baby actually having a problem from the strep B are really, really low. I think, though, that if it does happen they just have to treat baby with antibiotics, too, and he/she will have to stay in the hospital a little longer until they make sure the infection is gone.

katypresson · June 2009

I'm positive and my doctor just said we'll run anitbiotics before you deliver...I'm pretty sure they work.

Sasa1102 · June 2009

*Bee*:
I was told the chances of baby actually having a problem from the strep B are really, really low. I think, though, that if it does happen they just have to treat baby with antibiotics, too, and he/she will have to stay in the hospital a little longer until they make sure the infection is gone.

I didn't think to ask my doctor this question (I tested positive as well), but I looked it up and this is what I read as well.

Jimsgirl5821 · June 2009

I was told the chances are of LO getting an infection are low anyway, but the IV essentially eliminates all risk. My OB said it's really no big deal, it is a common thing to be positive, that is why they test. My OB told me 4 out of 10 women have it. She said just come in earlier to L& D to get started than I would have otherwise (like as soon as water breaks, instead of waiting til contractions are a certain point)

MrsTeague · June 2009

I was GBS positive but I didn't realize my water broke at home. When I came in they started the IV antibiotics (I felt a little burning sensation in my arm, but it was nothing compared to the contractions I was having). They were contemplating having to give baby antibiotics afterward since my water was broken for hours before I came in, but decided baby was okay and didn't need them.

nething4him · June 2009

This is the second time I have tested positive.

What I do know is that if it's not in your system long enough or the antibiotics did not work the baby can become extremely ill or could possibly die. The doctors will test the baby though and if they find anything the baby will be taken to the NICU right away.

Everything should be fine though Penicillin is pretty strong stuff. Unfortunately for me I am allergic to Penicillin, so I get some other drug that gives me the most awful metallic taste.

suscq · June 2009

Here's some basic GBS info--I was positive in my first pg and did a lot of research on it. 30-40% of all adults are carriers of GBS (no signs, symptoms, or complications) It normally lives in the intestinal tract and is just one of those random bacteria that can be found there. In some pregnant women, the bacteria can migrate to the vaginal and rectal area. It can come and go and that is why they don't test until very late in the pg. You could test positive at 20 wks and then test negative at 36 wks.

In most mothers and babies, there are no problems with GBS. According to the CDC, only 1 in 4,000 babies will develop problems if the moms receive antibiotics during delivery.

In the rare cases that GBS is passed on to the baby, serious complications can take place, like meningitis, sepsis, and respiratory problems. Although the problems are rare, it it very important to receive the antibiotics during delivery to prevent these problems.

GBS has been linked to premature delivery in teenage mothers and they are usually tested and treated slightly differently.

9/13/08 · June 2009

you have to have 4 hours of antibiotics through IV while in labor, if LO comes before then they will have antibiotics and be monitored for 24 hours after birth. If you receive the four hours of antibiotics they keep on giving it to you through IV until LO is born. The chances of LO actually getting menagitis is less then 1% if you dont get the four full hours.

michele75 · June 2009

My water broke and I went into labor before I had a chance to do the test. Airing on the side of caution they treated it as if I was positive. It was no big deal. Just an extra IV running when they set you up for labor and then it's pulled out later. I actually can't remember when it was pulled out, but I do know that I had an IV in when I went to my room to stay in for the duration of my hospital stay. I don't know which IV will still in but one had to stay in till I got up and went to the restroom 3 times ( I think). I don't remember any pain with it. The contraction pains definitely takeover and I would have never noticed a burning from an IV.

MrsWanee · June 2009

i haven't had my test yet, but i have a friend who had a baby last august and she was positive. she used a midwife, so they didn't give her any drugs, but i guess they used this wash that was supposed to be just as effective. i think if LO is exposed though, they can give them drugs. it's just easier to treat you during delivery.

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